Troubleshooting and Repairing: Storage Compartment Door Edition

Hitting the open road in your beloved RV is an unparalleled experience. All seasoned RVers know that that RV parts can break on occasion. Sometimes, broken items become can be forgotten about, especially if they are used infrequently or still technically work, despite being damaged. If any of your storage compartment doors (also often known as baggage doors, cargo doors, bay doors, access doors, basement doors, or any other combination of these names) are experiencing problems with staying closed, locking, or staying open, we’ve got you covered. Let’s dive into how to troubleshoot potential issues with your compartment doors and replace any broken parts. Learn how to repair:

• Latches
• Locks
• Pistols, Props, and Lift Struts

Latches

Compartment door latches refer to the pieces that connect and keep the compartment doors closed. Below, you can find tips for troubleshooting these potential issues and repairing them.

Troubleshooting

If your RV compartment doors won't stay closed after shutting them, you may have some faulty latches. Compartment door latches are prone to breaking when they are roughly slammed shut, especially during the cold months. Most compartment doors are secured by pop-out latches that are triggered by the opening and closing of the handle. Typically there is a latch on both sides of the compartment door to hold it in place.If the latches are broken or malfunctioning, it can create a huge safety hazard while driving. Imagine your compartment door flying open, potentially hitting another car, and spilling its contents onto the highway. Securely close your compartment door. Push hard on both sides until you hear your latch click to ensure contact is made. Give your compartment door a gentle tug on the bottom to check your latch functionality. If your compartment door opens or wiggles on one side, it’s time to replace some latches. 

Repairs

Thoroughly check your compartment doors to see what type of latches they require. Googling your RV’s year, make, and model can produce inconsistent results because the latches used can sometimes vary greatly. It’s best to check your rig’s manual to find the exact type of latch for the replacement.