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Old 04-05-2018, 11:33 PM   #1
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Model: Challenger 37TB
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THOR #3785
Storage Doors Stick Open - 2016 Challenger

Hi All!

Since I’ve had the coach my basement door locks have stuck open. Loosening the screws on the inside and lubrication sometimes works, but most of the time I have to smack them a couple of timed. It seems there’s not enough room for the bolt to clear when the screws are tightened all the way.

Does anyone have a similar experience and fix?

Thanks all,

Bill

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Old 04-05-2018, 11:47 PM   #2
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I have noticed this but I did as you did. I backed off the screws about 1/2 turn which seemed to stop the binding. I also lubricated them with a dry graphite spray such as CRC and haven't had a problem since.
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Old 04-06-2018, 12:11 AM   #3
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I made mine work with lots of graphite lube.
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Old 04-06-2018, 01:53 AM   #4
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I was thinking about some sort of gasket to create more room. Thoughts?
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Old 04-06-2018, 11:02 AM   #5
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I'd rather have the lock working as it should; than building "slack" in the system.
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Old 04-06-2018, 11:55 AM   #6
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I don't see how a gasket would help. Loosening the screws to eliminating the binding and lubricating with a dry graphite spray should do the job. Do not use W-D40...it is NOT a lubricant. Graphite is the best for locks, clasps and hinges. Powdered graphite is good as well but would likely be messy for that latch. That's why the dry spay is best for that application.
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Old 04-06-2018, 12:45 PM   #7
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I used graphite; but the dry lube that you mention, would probably be a much better choice.
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Old 04-06-2018, 01:18 PM   #8
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I've had this same issue with the Miramar. While I have completely disassembled the locks, cleaned them and lubed them, I also found that backing off the screws a bit was the key. I found this out during a windy day in Albuquerque when I couldn't get our propane door to shut no matter how much I tried to bang the lock free.
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Old 04-06-2018, 04:37 PM   #9
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Here is what I do from time to time for sticking latches.
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Old 04-06-2018, 05:45 PM   #10
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ctpres View Post
Here is what I do from time to time for sticking latches.
I'm sure that will work but seems unnecessary on a new coach. As I stated before, backing off the screws no more than 1/2 turn and lubricating with dry graphite spray has solved my issues...at least no reoccurrence for the last 2 years. If the latches are very dirty you could first clean with WD40 and allow to dry than spray with the dry graphite.

Don't get me wrong. I'm sure what you suggest will work but seems like way more work than necessary. Just be sure to use dry lube because others will attract dirt and gum up the mechanism.
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Old 04-08-2018, 10:38 AM   #11
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I guess my whole point is that we shouldn’t havevto partially loosen screws, add different types of lube etc. They should work with screws tight and normal amounts of lube. It’s a design flaw and I would optimally like to see a recall and proper fix.
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Old 04-08-2018, 11:39 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by BillT View Post
I guess my whole point is that we shouldn’t havevto partially loosen screws, add different types of lube etc. They should work with screws tight and normal amounts of lube. It’s a design flaw and I would optimally like to see a recall and proper fix.
BillT, I agree...being right in the first place would be nice. I only have one door latch that used to cause problems so I guess I don't see it as recall worthy. These are common latches used by most if not all manufacturers so I don't think the problem is the design. The fix is an easy one and all moving parts need lube of some kind. Even if they did a recall would you really want to go back to the dealer to have such a minor problem resolved? Especially when periodic re-lubrication will likely still be necessary.

I'm happy knowing the remedy and taking care of it myself.
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Old 04-08-2018, 07:53 PM   #13
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If it were only one door, I would probably still want it fixed. For me, it is all of my doors and they all now have 2 screws that are not tight and need to be constantly checked and lubricated more than should be necessary. So yes, I would want to go and have them all replaced. This prompted me to post the problem so I could see if anyone had a sound solution to the problem other than lubricating and play with the screws. I think Thor can do a lot better than this. It's annoying as hell
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Old 04-08-2018, 07:57 PM   #14
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This looks like it should work. I wish I had made a bigger deal of it and made Thor do it while it was still under warranty.

Thanks so much for the post!
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Old 04-08-2018, 08:26 PM   #15
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Let us know how it works for you!
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Old 08-17-2021, 10:10 PM   #16
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Solution

Reviving this thread as I found a viable solution. After have the same issues other did with the locks sticking, or the back brace popping off and not able to open the latch I spoke to someone at Locks and More who is the supplier for Miramar and Challenger basement locks.

Seems there was an issue with the size of the crossbar and thread holes on the four corners for the locks made in 2015 - 2017. No warranty by the manufacture unless you notified Thor in the first year. But the issue was resolved. So I ordered a new one and it worked great. So then I called them back, explained my situation and asked what we could do if I bought the whole set, they gave me a good discount. Replaced all of them with a new keycode that is not the one the dealer users. All doors locks are nice and tight now without sticking latches or the cross bar slipping and preventing opening up the compartment.

Here is the one that seems to have been used on Thor Miramar and Challengers for a few years, it's called the southco
https://www.rvlocksandmore.com/Locking-Slam-Latch If you call them you can get them all keyed the same.
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