Storage Door Latch Won't Open

[ScoWall]

So, it's the screw hole you enlarge, right? Also, I'm seeing problems with the screw being too tight (latch opens but stays stuck in) and too loose (latch gets out of place and won't move at all). The middle sweet spot seems hard to hit and I fear that the screw may work it's way back out. Would a little loctite on the screw be advised?

[Bob Denman]

Joe,
I guess you're happy that you didn't leave it to your Son and Daughter-in-Law to fix; aren't you?

[schreinertms]

Scowall - Loctite or a lock washer will prevent the screw from backing out. I also applied silicone lube and have not had any issues since. You can even use a round file if you are concerned about drilling a hole too large.

[wrapped]

I know this is an old thread but I think there may be another bad batch of slam latches. I read the post showing the pivot screw backing out and the door not opening, that's what happened to mine. It's a 2019 Thor. I saw all of tthe suggestions on how to get door opened none sounded good ,I had no access from side or pass thru so I opened the door on hing side of stuck door, used a 1/4 in drive with 3 inch extension loosened top hinge bolt nut,then removed the nut from bottom hinge bolt I left the prop shock on bottom of door on. Knock bottom bolt out, door will pull down and out from latch. Then I put bottom bolt back in,tightened both hinge bolts. Then removed 4 phillips head screws from backside of latch. Remove phillips head screw blue lock tight,reassemble. I now put lock tight on all my latches found 3 more with screws backing out. They all had lock washers but don't want to chance it. Hope this helps someone,when the door wouldn't open I thought it was going to be bad. PS I called Thor they sent me a new latch got it in 2 days.

[exit55]

Not trying to steal thread, but has anyone had trouble with the non key latch on a 2016 thor. Have had trouble with two. Thankful have be able to get to turn (one on generator door). Even off , it will not turn. No big problem in replacing, but afraid one will fail and I WON'T be able to get in door

[Bob Denman]

Have you lubed those latches?

[exit55]

see no way to lube . Have sprayed with WD 40. Does not help.

[Bob Denman]

Try grabbing them with a large pair of Vise Grips (for a better grip only!).
Try "working" them until they do start moving, and open up. Then; remove them, soak them in some kerosene to clean them, and then hit them with the WD 40.
Good luck!

[16ACE27]

Those latches have a ball and spring detent system for the two positions. They have "gaskets" that are supposed to keep moisture out but they fall apart, moistuire gets in, and the ball rusts in place. Trying to get WD-40 in around the cylinder and working the cylinder back and forth may free it up enough to turn, but don't rule out resorting to some big pliers to torque it.

[exit55]

With my pocket knife was able to get "keeper washer" off the latch barrel. Was then able to get latch apart and grease. Put latch back together (after cleaning ball and spring). Kind of hard getting the keeper washer back on. Replaced the outside rubber gasket with a rubber washer that goes in a water hose. Hope this works but at least I know how to take apart now.

[Bob Denman]

Glad to see that you got it!

[tbisulca]

I had the same problem today on the electrical door. Support was no help. I had to take the section off to the right and then was able to pry the lock open. The screw came loose and the latch was on top of the backstop and wouldn’t move with the outside latch. I am doing the same thing as Joe-FL did for all of my doors, tightening the screws and lubricating the slide.

I guess this will have to be part of my annual maintenance.

[Sergiof44]

How did you open the door? Did you have access to the hatch from
Inside?

[Sergiof44]

I still
Don’t understand what drilling a bigger hole will do. Which hole exactly? And what will that do?