entry door latch replacement

the small latch that holds the entry door closed while my TM is down broke.
I never really liked it anyway, so I'd like to replace it with something stronger, better looking etc.
Any ideas or should I just install a new one?
Thanks.

[ShrimpBurrito]

You know that rectangular piece of nylon stock that holds the 2 halves of the door together when the TM is up? I got one of those, sanded some of the edges a bit to make look a little nicer, and screwed it in. Works like a champ -- in fact, it works WAY better than the original latch, which I found to be too short.

Dave

[Brittany Dogs]

Funny how I looked at mine the other day and said to myself "self, this unit is only months old but I bet one of the first items to break will be that door latch." There is a lot of strain on that plastic latch.

I tend to take existing things and improve upon them for my particular application. However in this case it seems that TrailManor had a pretty good idea and a good working item with only a small amount of failures. However small amount of failures is not small when it is yours that broke.

Here is what I would do: ask TM for two replacements even if you have to pay for them. Install the replacement and have another in ready inventory "just in case". The cost of shipping will probably exceed the cost of the items.

On mine it looks like they used a large pop rivet but I have not thought much about how they prevented the pop rivet from being really tight upon installation.

to clarify:
I'm not talking about the nylon "swing" part that holds the top half of the door
closed.
It was the silver, metal hardware part that keeps the bottom half tight agianst the "door frame" part that folds inward. It screws into the folding door frame part and then latches by way of a hook into an eyelet on the lower half of the door.

Shrimp Burrito do you have a photo?

Thanks all.

[ShrimpBurrito]

moaboy - Well then what I was talking about is not what you're talking about, and I am having difficulty picturing what you are referring to. (but here is what I was talking about: http://www.trailmanorowners.com/foru...97&postcount=6) Are you talking about the metal clip in which a ~1/4" diameter pin from the top part of the door frame panels snap into? Can you post a pic?

Dave

[Brittany Dogs]

Yup I think I know what you are talking about now. What is special about the hook link is that it has a spring on it that prevents the hook from releasing out of the eyelet by accident. I have never seen that exact item in a hardware store but certainly TM should just send it to you.

As for replacing it with a better idea, I don't have a better idea for now and I would just replace it with the original type hardware.

Velcro??

[ShrimpBurrito]

Ah, I know what you're talking about now -- they're called "swinging hook latches" by McMaster Carr.

See style #5 here:
http://www.mcmaster.com/#swinging-latches/=dt0zwg

Dave

[countrygirl]

These do wear out: http://images1.mcmaster.com/Contents...g?ver=22411812

Most hardware stores have them...you may need to reinforce area to give the screw something to bite into with tooth picks glued in the hole.

My clip works very good never had a problem with it. I do have a heck of a time closing the door, I really have to push hard so the door is shut it drives me NUT’S. I used WD-40 and sprayed around and it did not help. I am missing a little trick :)

I found a little gadget which is called (Ultra Speed Socket) 9 bucks to attack to my Makita cordless drill to use on on the Scissor Jacks 10 times faster then hand cranking them, I hate doing that cranking:) Just getting lazy I guess. I have not tried it yet but I will get it.

Another tip, one of my little plastic shields snapped off where the main wires got caught on it raising the top shell. Well, I tried to glue it back on with no success so I got some white Velcro and BINGO this shield will never come off, one long strip and it really holds so good.

This is the best site ever!!!!!! I am very proud of my TM and I like things looking good...

Dave

Ok,thanks.
Seems like there ought to be a better way to hold the door frame and door together when unit is down,but if there were someone here or at the factory probably would have come up with it.