Splendide Door Latch Broken

[cwalker]

The door latch has broken on our Splendide and so won't move to start the washer. Has anyone else had this happen? Is it a part we can get and repair easily? We're at a KOA in Fort Mill, SC between selling/buying houses (that's another nightmare in itself). Thanks for any help!

[7.3Ford]

The problem was (as DW called it) the toilet seat broke that holds the latch. See first photo. My Rube Goldberg fix is photo #2. Door was hard to close ever since we had, so my guess has been it was broke a long time. When in frustration, DW slammed shut the door, the other side that was still holding the latch, it dislodged from the good side and would not work at all after that. Door shuts very easy now, which it has never done as long as I can remember.



Before Fix.. see broken piece.



Rube Goldberg fix.

[Recumbent]

Yes, I fixed our Splendid 2100XC Comb washer/dryer (in our previous coach) door latch with fishing line. One side of the molded plastic latch holding area was broken and would not allow the door-closed sensor to be actuated when the door was closed. Took off the front see-through window that allowed access to the hinged latch (silver looking pen/rod) where the plastic part was broken. Drilled holes in the remaining plastic and wrapped the fishing line around it and the rod about 15 times till the 1/8 inch drill hole were full of line. Tied a knot in the line and it held the latch rod in place. Put the door back together and it worked like new.

[7.3Ford]

Garry,

I used .20 stainless steal safety wire (I use to be airplane mechanic). Sounds like we did basically the same thing. Our door has always been hard to get shut and locked, we just thought that was how they were new. Door is easier now, than when it was brand new.

Long out of warranty, but I may contact manufacture anyway.

[Recumbent]

yes, wire or fishing line works. I was able to catch ours before both ends broke so only had to do one side of the latch. The new owners will probably never know the reason their door works so well is because a 'good ole boy' from up in the hills used fishing line.