Free Tape For Storage Bay Latches (For smooth opening and closing)

[Zeb Severson]

Funny story, I picked my coach up in Bend late winter this year. On the very first day of owning it, I pulled the wet bay handle too hard and broke the handle. I had no tools with me, but fortunately one side was unlatched and we were still in Bend to visit BCS. I honestly thought the handle was plastic the way it broke, but it was metal just like the new one from BCS. Come to find out through a little research is that this is a common issue.

My fix is a little tape on the inside of the latch (that keeps the door closed not the handle) to reduce the friction of the plastic piece to the metal housing that encloses it. I've updated all the latches and a tiny bit of lube and the doors open and close wonderfully. I

So if we are in the same area, come get some tape and I'll show you how it works. I have plenty of tape and there is no sense just charging a few dollars for it.

I'm Wintering in Southern California and then heading to the Sierras in the spring time. (One trip to Cottonwood/Sedona Jan-Feb '25)

Here's a pic of the latch this tape will help with.

[David T. Richelderfer]

Several of these latches have broken over the years, usually when I slam the door.  I have learned to lower the doors slowly to the point of latching, then pull on the handle to partially release the latches while pushing on the bottom of the door, left and right, with my lower leg until I hear the latches snap into place.  This door closing technique is where the term "Beaver knee" came from.  When I broke the first latch, I ordered five replacements because this would obviously be a recurring problem.  A smear of lube on the latches helps too.

[Zeb Severson]

I appreciate the rubber seal and the fit and finish of the doors; however, they seem to take that extra effort to open and close. I was expecting the effort needed to open and close to increase over time since I put the tape on, but it hasn't so far.