Exterior Storage Door Slam Latch Catch Plate Screws

[howson]

One of the screws on the catch plate on a pass-thru storage door on my 315RLTS will not tighten up. The catch plate slides forward, so the door doesn't seat firmly against the seal.

When I removed the screw it is tiny. Almost as short as a screw holding the back cover on a cell phone. Can I replace it with a longer screw? How long it too long? Should I fill the previous hole made by the small screw with some sort of glue prior to installing a new one?

It's a minor issue, but one I'd like to get fixed.

 

[Cate&Rob]

Hi Howard - This question will make more sense to us if you post a picture .

Rob

 

[howson]

Hi Howard - This question will make more sense to us if you post a picture .

Rob

I'm at work. I'm kind of a "Maytag repair man" so I'm bored right now...thought I'd post the question. If it ever stops raining I'll take one when I get home.

 

[TucsonJim]

On most of these rigs, if you fill the existing hole with toothpicks and wood glue, it will allow you to tighten the screw adequately. Fill the hole with wood glue, then force as many toothpicks in as you can. Cut the toothpicks flush with the mounting surface and allow the glue to dry. The reinsert your screw and you should be in good shape.

Jim

 

[howson]

Hi Howard - This question will make more sense to us if you post a picture .

Rob

As requested.

 

[HappyCampersJandT]

A local building maintenance worker prefers golf tees to toothpicks because they are hard wood.

 

[gbkims]

As requested.

LOL, I didn't know they were that short.

 

[Cate&Rob]

Howard - That screw is so short it is probably not past the tapered tip where it threads into the aluminum frame. Because it is going into aluminum, toothpicks or other wood is not going to work. I would start by trying the same gauge slightly longer screws. If this doesn’t work, go up one size, but still the longer screw length. There is nothing beyond the screw hole that is going to be damaged by the screw tip.

Rob

 

[howson]

Howard - That screw is so short it is probably not past the tapered tip where it threads into the aluminum frame. Because it is going into aluminum, toothpicks or other wood is not going to work. I would start by trying the same gauge slightly longer screws. If this doesn’t work, go up one size, but still the longer screw length. There is nothing beyond the screw hole that is going to be damaged by the screw tip.

Rob

I thought they were ridiculously short. Thanks for the reply/info.

 

[Country Campers]

Now I have to go check mine. Thanks Howard. Remember what I posted before read, go check, repeat.

I can not believe they use such a small screw, I think I will replace mine. Thanks all....

Brian

 

[howson]

Follow Up

The screw on the left is the original. I think it is a #6 x 3/8". The middle screw is a #6 x 1/2", and the one on the right is #6 x 3/4".

I replaced both of the original short screws with #6 x 3/4" and the latch catch secured down nicely.

I went to the OTHER (utility) side of the trailer to check that latch catch. The picture below is what I found. Disappointing, to say the least. I left it alone--who knows what buffoonery I'd have to deal with if I removed those screws.

 

[Country Campers]

buffoonery? I agree it is amazing what the manufactures across all lines get away with.
Thanks for the update.

Brian

 

[Chiefblueman]

Buffoonery is a good word! Sometimes I think a 10 year old with his new screw gun he got for Christmas screwed these things together.

 

[G and J]

Did you find water in the plastic tray after opening the door? I am finding water in the tray after a rainfall and was wondering if this is a common fault with the slam door.

 

[Country Campers]

G and J , you should not get water in the plastic tray after a rain. I would check the seals around the door to make sure they are doing the job. Also make sure the latch mounted to the door is secure.

Brian

 

[colo native]

I had to weld an extension to the storage lock(Key) in the bed slide compartment because it would not reach so it was locked