Door latch and catch recommendations please

[Wshowell]

Our plastic door latch usable life has expired. I’d like to replace it with either the same one or a stainless steel upgrade along with the catch on the body of the trailer. I have a rivet gun and I want to be sure the replacements are exact fits to the existing rivet holes. Does anyone have a recommendation that you used? Links greatly appreciated. Thanks in advance.

[Donna D.]

This is the one I bought. All the holes lined up for me.

[Drives1937]

I would suggest that you drill that old one off of there then make yourself a templet of where the holes are. You can then take that with you when you go to the trailer supply so you can match up the holes or find one that covers them up.
Ken in AZ

[Rossue]

I bought this in early 2020 and is still great. I didn't want stainless as I would rather the door holder break vs. it damaging the FG. Was an exact fit.
https://www.amazon.com/RV-Designer-E...73&sr=8-5&th=1

[Wshowell]

Thank you. 6” length versus 4” for any specific reason?

[Wshowell]

Originally Posted by Rossue

I bought this in early 2020 and is still great. I didn't want stainless as I would rather the door holder break vs. it damaging the FG. Was an exact fit.
https://www.amazon.com/RV-Designer-E...73&sr=8-5&th=1

This is a valid point I’ll need to consider.

[George Johnson]

Gee, wish I had known all this before I replaced my broken door holder about a month ago. My local repair shop was in the process of moving, so they ordered my replacement part, but when it came, it was a 6" piece and ice white rather than ivory white. A re-order got me the 4" piece, but still ice white. I took it anyway and it works just fine.


Were I to do it again, I'd get the stainless steel unit. Those plastic bits appear to be pretty fragile. Make sure you seal the rivets well, they will leak water into your trailer if you don't.

[Wshowell]

Suggested techniques for sealing the rivets? Thanks.

[iamunique127]

Originally Posted by Wshowell

Suggested techniques for sealing the rivets? Thanks.

Dabs of ProFlex RV, although it won't take much from a $17 tube. I wait until I have something else to seal, like the tail lights, so I don't waste almost a full tube. I find the tube dries up before I need it again.

[Drives1937]

If I was installing this, I would apply some 3M black two-sided tape two the back of the plates. It can be found at most hardware stores or automotive paint suppliers. Trim it around the edges and open up the holes for the rivets align the plate with the rivets before pulling them once you make contact with the tape you will not be able to adjust the fixture. This tape is used to hold automotive trim on cars etc. it is very strong and will make a good seal around the fixture. If you wish to seal the hole in the rivet silicone will work over the head or if you have a hot glue gun fill the hole and trim with a razor blade. I hope you find this helpful.
Ken AZ

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Drives1937

If you wish to seal the hole in the rivet silicone will work over the head...

You must be new here

[Rockhead]

Never ever say the word (silicone ) sorry Donna

[Centex]

Silly me (the 'not enough coffee' syndrome) ...

This thread prompted an early morning walk out to eyeball my 'door catch'.

DOH, I don't have one, my door has 'the strut'

Must've been reliving the Casita days

[rubicon327]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

This is the one I bought. All the holes lined up for me.

Replaced ours with similar in August 2021. Holes lined up fine for me as well. Would never go back to the plastic.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...0?ie=UTF8&th=1
https://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f...tml#post394047