hatch latch

[Ron in BC]

Imagine my surprise when the latch for the hatch just fell off all by itself when it wasn't even holding up the hatch. Good thing it happened in my driveway while I was by the trailer than on the highway.

I was a little surprised to see that it had only been installed with double backed tape despite there being the provision for using screws.

You can see in the photo how road dust works its way in and destroys the effectiveness of the adhesive. Two screws later and it won't fall off again. There is wood behind this area so no worries about protruding screws etc. in the compartment.

Ron

[sclifrickson]

I had my new-to-me 2010 17B up at the factory in November for some work. The cargo latch was one of a few things that I thought was fine but they fixed at no charge by prophylactically adding two screws. So they must have seen a few where the double sided tape hasn't stood the test of time.

[MyronL]

I'll be danged! Exact same thing happened to me. Instead of taking action think I saved the part someplace in the trailer and forgot about it. Hope I can find the thing.

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Two screws later and it won't fall off again. There is wood behind this area so no worries about protruding screws etc. in the compartment.

Two screws with butyl or two screws and caulk? Surely not just two screws...

[float5]

Couldn't VHB be used?

[MyronL]

I'm thinking two ¾" long wood screws are all that's needed. No tape can compete with mechanical holding power.

[KarenH]

I thought everyone complained loudly if there were more holes than absolutely necessary in the shell??

[MyronL]

I'm thinking two ¾-inch long wood screws are all that's needed. Pre-drilled, of course. No tape beats mechanical holding power. The failed vhb still there should act as a caulk against water.

True, I did just fine for over a year or more without needing some way to keep the lid latched up.

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by Donna D.

Two screws with butyl or two screws and caulk? Surely not just two screws...

Two screws and silicone.

Ron

[Donna D.]

Originally Posted by KarenH

I thought everyone complained loudly if there were more holes than absolutely necessary in the shell??

None of these have fallen off of Ten Forward. But yeah, if/when any do, I'll reinstall with VHB.

[float5]

I would not want holes for a mere cargo latch. I doubt the tape there was as good as the VHB I have.

[cpaharley2008]

Mine came off BlackJack right before it was sold, I merely threw it into the storage and allowed the new owner to address. I'm thinking of asking for my new one to be mounted upside down so when opened it will not need one. Does this sound like a good idea?

[jennykatz]

On our Snoozy the hatch is upside down so it drops down no need for latch .I might ask ETI to do the same .Our build sheet is due this monday Aug 8th
Jim (jennykatz)

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by jennykatz

On our Snoozy the hatch is upside down so it drops down no need for latch .I might ask ETI to do the same .Our build sheet is due this monday Aug 8th
Jim (jennykatz)

Let us know what ETI says....

[jennykatz]

Just sent Sarah a e-mail with some more questions ?
1-Is there a battery shut off with solar option and twin batteries ?
2-flipped burners which side does top go and the side metal hold up panel go ?
3-Hatch down instead of up so no need for latch
4-I asked for extra plug and wire dead headed in battery box area to facilitate a inverter installed by me ?

5- going to $1500 flip out windows instead of older style windows?

BTW they will not come back until friday the 5th of Aug .

[J Mac]

Originally Posted by cpaharley2008

Mine came off BlackJack right before it was sold, I merely threw it into the storage and allowed the new owner to address. I'm thinking of asking for my new one to be mounted upside down so when opened it will not need one. Does this sound like a good idea?

Maybe the installers "thought train" is that, a top hinged access door is less likely to attract water run-off, rain etc than a bottom hinged access door.

[sclifrickson]

Originally Posted by jennykatz

1-Is there a battery shut off with solar option and twin batteries ?

Curious why you would want this?

There's a problem with this though. If you place a switch between the solar controller and the batteries and remove a place for any solar input to go you will fry your solar controller. If you put a switch between the panels and controller your controller will still be energized by the battery. And you will prevent your system from keeping your batteries topped off automatically.

[Rossue]

Was waiting to see any other reports, however our latch has two rivets. Also have a battery cutoff and solar.

[Iowa Dave]

Originally Posted by J Mac

Maybe the installers "thought train" is that, a top hinged access door is less likely to attract water run-off, rain etc than a bottom hinged access door.

Our three hatch doors are mounted to swing up, no water intrusion in 30,000 miles of towing. Tape mounted, no problems on our 2010. I attribute this to clean living. I'm not too concerned about holes in the trailer body. Set down and look at your trailer and count the holes in it. There are a lot of them.
Dave

[cpaharley2008]

Originally Posted by sclifrickson

Curious why you would want this?

There's a problem with this though. If you place a switch between the solar controller and the batteries and remove a place for any solar input to go you will fry your solar controller. If you put a switch between the panels and controller your controller will still be energized by the battery. And you will prevent your system from keeping your batteries topped off automatically.

The battery cut off switch installed eliminates any parasitic drain by various detectors while the trailer is in storage. It cuts off the battery from the rest of the trailer. Solar, however is still connected and will charge the batteries.