Compartment latches?

[Exnavydiver]

I have had two of the cheap garbage compartment latches jam in the last week. I broke the thumb tabs off one and had to empty the basement enough to get at the inside of the latch. My big problem right now is that I cannot find replacements. CW didn't have them and 2 Montana dealers didnt have them. I need 1 inch latches and the only ones they seem to stock are 5/8 and 7/8. I tried the 7/8 and it was only long enough for the end to just reach through the door without enough thread exposed to put the large nut on. Any ideas where to find the hardware I need? Dave and Betsy

[bigmurf]

Try a lock and key shop.

[Icehouse]

Just what bigmurf said. Try Bradley's Lock and Key downtown. They are the best in Savannah. Their number is 232-2148. I am assuming since you checked at Camping World you went to Bill Wait's. Why don't you call Dick Gore's out in Richmond Hill and see if he has any. He doesn't sell Montanas, but he may just have some. His number is 756-6606. Good luck.

[Exnavydiver]

We will do that when we get back to Savannah next week, by the way Bill Waits is now all Camping World. No more Bill Wait signs anywhere. Will try some here in Mayport... Dave and Betsy

[Icehouse]

I must say it's no loss for Bill Waits to disappear. JMHO. Have a safe trip and good luck finding those latches.
Tammy

[Waynem]

I have seen those in camping supply stores, but cannot remember which one. May have been PPL in Houston. However, looking at those latches the last time I opened up the basement, they looked like the same type of latch used to lock desk drawers. You may be able to find them in an office supply type place. That particular type of lock in our basements, and on drawers, can be opened with an "echo fastener," the two prong type. Many a person where I have worked have forgotten their keys and I have opened those locks with the echo fastener. Anyone interested, give me a PM for details.

Good luck.

Editied: I know, I know! That's why we can borrow our neighbors basement key and get in. Point was that office desk locks perform the same way with the same latching mechanism. As do some file cabinet locks.

[Exnavydiver]

On further investigation the actual size is 1 1/8 inch. Campers world has them online but I have to drive to Savannah next week and the front of my right hatch is without a closing device. The tech that was here today will try to bring me at least one this weekend.

[Waynem]

A bunch of long bungie cords from one inside lid to the broken lid to keep it closed maybe?

[stiles watson]

Now we all know what duct tape is for, huh?

[bncinwv]

And if you look hard enough, the duct tape can be found in a nice color-coordinated white. The advances to the major West Virginia car body repair material is beyond understanding!! Sorry for rambling as usual......reminded me something about louvered tailgates being taped shut.
Bingo

[Tincup703]

Take a latch off of one of your compartment doors that has two latches.

tc