Emergency Window Latch

[JandC]

Soon after purchasing my new 2014, the rear emergency window latch (short arm) broke off. I have had two dealers tell me in the past year that they are "on back order". I have read on the MOC that these short arm latches are not even produced anymore.

Currently my selling dealer has one on order, along with a replacement for my warped sink cover.

My question is if these are not produced anymore than do owners of newer units just forget about it? Wouldn't that be like buying a new car and one of the window cranks breaks off and you just live with it because the manufacturer says they can't get the parts anymore?

[jcurtis934]

Just buy a new trailer...easier than trying to get another part. I like your thinking...yeah the same as a broken window crank on a car...that's why most cars have electric windows now...plus they get more bucks to fix them. Or just get some bale wire and fix the latch that way. Added benefit of the wire is it's cheap and is an instant conversation item. John

[h2ojocky]

Gotta love the humor!

[mlh]

I'm not sure what you need, exactly but if you can't find it go to my web site find my phone number and call me. I have a full machine shop in my back yard and I might be able to help you. If I can it will be at NO CHARGE.
Ask for
Lynwood

[Eagleback]

My question is. There are salvage yards for cars but I haven't seen one for RV's. Where do the old RV's go to die because the spare part would more than likely be on an old unit that is scraped.

[8.1al]

Do a Google search and you will find many RV salvage yards such as Colaw salvage in Carthage MO.

[sapest]

I think I read here that Kinro supplies windows to Keystone. Perhaps calling them might be worthwhile? They might have the part you need.

There are many RV salvage yards. Walts Salvage in Rialto CA is one of our favorite stops.

-Steve

[JandC]

Thanks for suggestions. I have it secured with plastic wire ties. That was my "emergency" repair while on the road after purchasing the new unit.

So this is what it has come down to for us as owners of a $70,000+ Montana unit. You wait for a $12.00 part that broke before you even had a chance to use the window, and after 10 months you have to start considering fabricating a homemade new part or finding a used part that may work at a salvage yard?

[8.1al]

Well I have a 1 year old house with faucets from a failed manufacturer and no parts are available. Is it the builders fault? I don't think so. Sure it can be frustrating but stuff happens.

[Dmcgrew]

I called Kinro about the broken emergency lever and was asked to send a picture of the part I was needing. I sent the photo with a tape measure lying next to the broken lever. I was informed they had one in stock and they would send it out! I was also told the cradle that the lever locks in was included in the kit. Well... I got the lever it was the long one which still worked however no cradel was included so now I have to manufacture a new cradle rather than attempt to order the part again. I think the rocker recliners which store in front of the back window when traveleing rocked enough to break the assembly. The price for the little aluminum lever was almost $50.00 with shipping. I thought this was high for what the part is. Replaced the cheap OEM recliners with two wall hugger Lazyboy recliners, not rock or swivel. Hope no more problems with this.

[Jimmer]

Mine broke on our 3rd trip out. I found the window flopping when I washed the Montana. surprising that they are having a problem getting parts. I am using tie straps to hold my window and it works well so I will wait until they have parts. Obviously there was a problem with the window lever, hopefully they are working on a new redesign and that is why the part is not in stock.

[rohrmann]

I remember seeing the photo with the cable ties, but can't remember what exactly broke. Was it actually the lever or did the rivet pull out of the bracket? After all these problems with supply of the latch, it would have been more effective to push for a complete new window unit, as they are probably still installing the same window on the new rigs.

[JandC]

quote:Originally posted by 8.1al

Well I have a 1 year old house with faucets from a failed manufacturer and no parts are available. Is it the builders fault? I don't think so. Sure it can be frustrating but stuff happens.

I actually think having an operating emergency escape window in the rear of my living area is possibly more important that a faucet not working.

Here is my take on Keystone RV, or whoever sold them these windows recently, not able to fix all the broken emergency window latches out there.

By being required to temporarily secure this built in fire escape closed at the back of the coach, where many may have their grandkids sleeping, it constitutes a severe safety hazard. There are 3 required exits built on my model, and due to faulty manufacturing defects, I am now down to two exits.

If you pull out your trustworthy "Montana Owners Manual" you will find a section, which they are required to inform you of, titled something like "Reporting Safety Issues". It informs you that if you find any defects in your model that could cause injury or death you should contact Keystone RV (which many of us have done) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

It goes on to explain that if numerous owners of the same product experience these same defects (broken emergency latches not being repaired) then it could be a forced recall.

[sailer]

Well JandC did you find your new house in the cape yet or are you coming down to Bonita,,sailer

[8.1al]

quote:Originally posted by JandC

I actually think having an operating emergency escape window in the rear of my living area is possibly more important that a faucet not working.

Here is my take on Keystone RV, or whoever sold them these windows recently, not able to fix all the broken emergency window latches out there.

By being required to temporarily secure this built in fire escape closed at the back of the coach, where many may have their grandkids sleeping, it constitutes a severe safety hazard. There are 3 required exits built on my model, and due to faulty manufacturing defects, I am now down to two exits.

If you pull out your trustworthy "Montana Owners Manual" you will find a section, which they are required to inform you of, titled something like "Reporting Safety Issues". It informs you that if you find any defects in your model that could cause injury or death you should contact Keystone RV (which many of us have done) and the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration).

It goes on to explain that if numerous owners of the same product experience these same defects (broken emergency latches not being repaired) then it could be a forced recall.

If I felt this was a safety hazard I wouldn't wait for somebody to find one for me, I would be calling window manufactures, salvage yards, anybody that could help. If need be I would replace the window and deal with Montana later.

It's good that you mentioned (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) many people are not aware of this agency and don't report their safety issues.

[jlb27537]

This is my broken part. Pic sent to Kinro.



They can not get off their chair, go to the shop and pick one out. NO, they want me to remove the entire back window, get the part number of the assy off the frame, reinstall the window and wait for a part.

A Keystone Dealership has struggled with this for 10 months now. Yea, I can buy the 9" one and cut it down. But not going to do that.

http://www.kinrowindows.net/page3.html

[laburrows]

Already had ours replaced. obviously a defective design. Montana should come up with a reliable replacement.

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by laburrows

Already had ours replaced. obviously a defective design. Montana should come up with a reliable replacement.

Big Jim, You got a part number for the short handle?

My handle has a metal end that attaches to the window with 2 rivets.

The part number for the short handle but with the plastic end (on the window end) with one rivet hole is K456423. Not what I need.

It is not a Montana problem, it is a Kinro problem.

Jim

[PackerFan]

Has anyone tried contacting the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) since Keystone or Kinro aren't helping you?

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by PackerFan

Has anyone tried contacting the NHTSA (National Highway Traffic Safety Administration) since Keystone or Kinro aren't helping you?

Complaint filed #10692654 @ NHTSA...........

Jim