DIY baggage door guides and latch replacement for $6, not $60

[Old-RV'er]

All - The plastic thing is NOT A NEWMAR PART, they buy it from someone and that is their price to newmar. As I was told. The latch, well that is another thing, which newmar does not make, but purchase from vendor. If you shut door and then push in, the latch will work, and then not much force will be put on the parts. I used to forcefully close my services bay door, that is the one which broke, now I push it closed and then push on it again to make sure its closed. I suppose I could fabricate the plastic out of nylon or glass infused nylon if I can find the stock. Days of owning RV might be coming to close, if so done.

 

[GypsyR]

Lucky people. Latches for my vintage Newmar do not seem to exist anywhere outside of another coach being parted out. Likewise the plastic "screw cover" trim around the compartments.

 

[DNA Machine]

Just finished a video showing how to replace your latch guides and latches on your DP baggage doors for less than $6 each. Check it out and let me know what you think.

 

[DNA Machine]

great video- but where did you get the guide (that is left or right handed)? I looked for a link, but did not find...

 

[JRS]

BTW, while you have the cover off, it's a good time to check the allen screws that hold the latch wire.

Yes... will be some that need tightening.
I also used thin gauge coated solid copper wire and wrapped it around the lever and bent it down to the inside curve of the aluminum trim where I duct taped the wire. So, if the throttle cable does break or come loose, I can just pull the wire to open the door. It doesn't inhibit the use of the door and it's been installed a couple of years now. I ended up doing it to all our doors.

 

[Rustymayes]

As soon as I brought mine home, I adjusted the doors to press fit. When I picked it up I had to slam from wide open as instructed by the guy who trained us on the operation of the coach. I now can just push firmly on the latch to close them. So far I have yet to see any signs of broken or misaligned latches.