Upper half of Dutch door latch while collapsed

[ShrimpBurrito]

You could drill out the rivet and replace with a screw to get tightening function.

Attached is what I have. Ignore the filled in holes on the left. It was an experiment......

Dave

[RottieMom]

When I read threads like this I can't help but wish that someone from TM factory was a member on this forum and monitoring discussion. Seems like to me if they took this info and came up with a better latch, it would make folks view them in a very positive light. And, it would also give prospective TM owners that are often on this forum a warm fuzzy. The door latch is a pretty minor issue compared to some which get discussed, but it made me wonder about whether anyone from TM is a member. And, if not, why not?

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by ShrimpBurrito

You could drill out the rivet and replace with a screw to get tightening function.

Attached is what I have. Ignore the filled in holes on the left. It was an experiment......

Dave

Nice pic. Thanks.

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by RottieMom

When I read threads like this I can't help but wish that someone from TM factory was a member on this forum and monitoring discussion. Seems like to me if they took this info and came up with a better latch, it would make folks view them in a very positive light. And, it would also give prospective TM owners that are often on this forum a warm fuzzy. The door latch is a pretty minor issue compared to some which get discussed, but it made me wonder about whether anyone from TM is a member. And, if not, why not?

Overhead vs. customer satisfaction vs. sales & limited profit margin.
It doesn't appear that initial customer satisfaction is a high priority factor widely adopted by many OEMs in the RV world.
Seems to be numerous threads on other forums where consumers remark that 95% of the unit's assembly takes place at the factory and remainder at the dealerships (the majority of the shortcomings are discovered after the sale and not by the dealership).
We (TM owners) all love the long term concept though we all become tinkerers, to some extent (more so with TTs over autos and boats and?).

I guess, the nylon swivel is inexpensive, easy to replace, quick to install and doesn't scratch the door...should I have issues later, the smaller version of the below may be an option (screw holes nearer to the edge of both pieces though swing arm appears a little bulky)?
http://www.ebay.com/itm/HANDMADE-4-7...-/261157152109

[ShrimpBurrito]

I once toured the manufacturing facility for the Kangaroo model class A RV (made by Fleetwood IIRC, or maybe Winnebago) here in SoCal (Irvine, I believe). It was what I would imagine touring a hot dog plant would be (which I have intentionally avoided) -- once you see how they're made, you would never ever buy one.

Dave

[Padgett]

Just a plain hook and eye as on the lower door would be all you would need or is that too antediluvian ?

[Lindaloo58]

We've had our TM for 15 years and have never had a problem with the door opening during travel. We make sure the tighter side of the thumb latch is on the door. It's pretty tight & sometimes it is hard to get it to catch the door. I usually stand on the step and push the door in while turning. Once it's latched, it stays latched.

[stormpeakco]

Originally Posted by Lindaloo58

We've had our TM for 15 years and have never had a problem with the door opening during travel. We make sure the tighter side of the thumb latch is on the door. It's pretty tight & sometimes it is hard to get it to catch the door. I usually stand on the step and push the door in while turning. Once it's latched, it stays latched.

Thanks.
Even though our TM is new, our swivel closure (and door) doesn't seem as tight (riveted and not a threaded screw).
Since we dry camp down some rugged roads we'll mount a secure marine latch that I've found (should we encounter issues).
Dave

[funpilot]

Here is a pic of what my latch looks like.

[tentcamper]

my latck looks just like funpilot's, except white. it held by a threaded fastener. I found just keep the screw tight and I have no issue.