02 Sunstar 21' motorhome VW

[fluidray]

Hello,
I recently bought a 2002 Itasca Sunstar. I am trying to replace compartment latches and they are different from what is commonly used currently. Does anyone have a source or a DIY fix to adapt the new (shoulderless) latch

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Welcome to RVF, @fluidray; glad you have joined us. Would it be possible for you to post a photo of the latch you are looking for? That would help us help you, and get you pointed in the right direction. Many of the latch mechanisms come from the same manufacturer/distributor regardless of coach model.

TJ

 

[fluidray]

Thanks for the quick reply Jim. The attached image shows the oem key latch minus core.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Thanks for the quick reply Jim. The attached image shows the oem key latch minus core.

Is it the outer housing on the left that you need? Or, the twist-lock unit on the right? Or, both?

TJ

 

[fluidray]

Sorry I didn't make that very clear.
The one on the right I purchased bc I thought it would be a direct replacement. But it is too small diameter. I need a spacer/housing to go around the new lock bc it is smaller diameter. A complete assembly I think would be preferable. At this point I'm looking for any solution.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Try here...

RV Replacement Door Hardware | Rubber Socket Door Plunger | Rvupgrades

Find all your RV door hardware including hinges, latches, handles and frames at RV Upgrades. Visit our online store TODAY.

www.rvupgradestore.com

They show thumb-turn latches in several diameters; 5/8", 7/8", 1-1/8" an 1-1/2". There may be some other sizes on previous pages at rvupgradestore.com. They stock a lot of hard-to-find RV parts.

TJ

 

[fluidray]

Thank you. I'll let you know what I find.

 

["EZ"]

Welcome from Georgia!

 

[fluidray]

Try here...

RV Replacement Door Hardware | Rubber Socket Door Plunger | Rvupgrades

Find all your RV door hardware including hinges, latches, handles and frames at RV Upgrades. Visit our online store TODAY.

www.rvupgradestore.com

They show thumb-turn latches in several diameters; 5/8", 7/8", 1-1/8" an 1-1/2". There may be some other sizes on previous pages at rvupgradestore.com. They stock a lot of hard-to-find RV parts.

TJ

I contacted them and it appears they all share the same diameter body. It is the length that the different sizes represent. I just find it hard to believe that it is such a rare lock. I'll look in industrial applications?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Can you find any identifying marks on the existing latches? If you had a brand name, model number, etc. it might help in tracking down a replacement. Also, have you tried contacting Itasca to see if they could help you identify the manufacturer/supplier? Like you, it is hard to believe that these latches are rare items.

Good luck.

TJ

 

[fluidray]

I'll check more closely for any identifying marks. The local Itasca dealer rep was trying to track down a part but I haven't heard back as yet.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Here's another thought. Take a look at what eTrailer offers in that style latch.

https://www.etrailer.com/s.aspx?qry=Thumb-Latch-Lock&furl=-vw-1-pg-RV_Locks-sf-Baggage_Door

You might take some careful measurements and contact the folks at eTrailer for their thoughts on what would work as a replacement. I've heard good things about their willingness to help customers.

TJ

 

[fluidray]

Thanks I'll try them. I have purchased other items from them.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

You could cover the hole.
use a key lock in the hole, and drill a couple holes that can take the twist locks on the side of door.
Cover the hole and use solenoid catches instead.

All depends on how long you have to look for the replacement I guess.

 

[fluidray]

You could cover the hole.
use a key lock in the hole, and drill a couple holes that can take the twist locks on the side of door.
Cover the hole and use solenoid catches instead.

All depends on how long you have to look for the replacement I guess.

Thank you I'll keep that as an option.

 

[fluidray]

I am still looking for an exact replacement but until then I made a sleeve to go around the 3/4" new barrel. I bought a steel bushing id 5/8" od 7/8". I then used a 3/4"drill bit to bore the id to 3/4". I placed it over the 3/4" barrel, put it in a vise and squeezed the bushing around the new barrel. I think it will work. I just need to get the right length barrel.

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

Where there's a will, there's a way!

TJ