kurmugn
Marysville, Ca
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Joined: 10/02/2003
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My 2004 Southwind has 4,000 miles on it, and the latch end pieces for the basement storage bins are all breaking! The engagement tips of the latches are all breaking at exactly the same place in the plastic portion of the latch, a place that is the weakest in structure. Anybody else having this problem? The dealer says this is a widespread problem, and Fleetwood is ignoring the problem. The plastic latch is a low-grade plastic, rather than something stronger such as 33% glass-filled nylon, which would be unbreakable.
Glenda & Jim
'04 Southwind 32VS
Towing: '84 Jeep CJ7 or '99 Toyota Tacoma SR7
Past Vice Pres.: CALIFORNIA ASSOCIATION OF FOUR WHEEL DRIVE CLUBS (CA4WDC)
http://www.CA4WDC.com
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jrp
SD, NM
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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I've replaced 3 of them so far on my 2005 Discovery. From my discussions, Fleetwood is well aware of the issue, but blames it on improper closing. Holding the bin door handle/latch open while carefully closing the door, as opposed to allowing it to slame shut on its own, helps reduce the breakage. To some extent, they have a point; but you're also correct that this part could be improved on. I doubt Fleetwood designed or spec'd this part. They try to make use of whats already available in the marketplace from other vendors. I'm just thankfull the replacement part is readily available and easily replaced on my own, without requiring a service dept visit.
Jim
Jim
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Kanata
Ottawa, Ontario
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Joined: 09/23/2006
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Must be a cheap door latch. Mine have been slammed shut for 10 years and not one is broken.
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leaddog
All over the USA
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Joined: 07/11/2003
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jrp,
Where do you buy the replacement parts? I have a broken latch also and would like to repair it.
2002 Southwind 36T
8.1 Workhorse chassis
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FLINTSTONEH
Fontana, Calif. 92335 U.S.
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Joined: 02/01/2005
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I am with leaddog. where can we get replacement parts. I have a '04 Southwind also. One side broken on 3 doors.
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jrp
SD, NM
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Joined: 03/22/2005
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I get them from this online supplier:
http://www.rvpartstore.com/proddetail.php?prod=F137383
most Fleetwood dealer parts shops also have them, but at double this guys price
if yours are the same as mine, it takes a #2 Robertson (square) screw driver to remove/replace the mounting screws.
Jim
* This post was
edited 09/13/08 06:05pm by jrp *
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dons2346
Sioux Falls, SD, formerly of So. CA
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Joined: 11/21/2001
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For hinges, latches and a bunch of other good stuff go here www.spdhardware.com
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leaddog
All over the USA
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Joined: 07/11/2003
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jrp & dons2346,
Thanks for posting the websites for latches. I will be ordering from one or the other next week.
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