Emergency Window Latch broken

[jlb27537]

2014 3150RL has a window in the rear that is a emergency escape window that is held closed with a lever that you pull the window closed with and then latch it in the closed position. We never open this window.

This afternoon during the normal Colorado afternoon rain shower the latch that holds the window shut broke and the window swings free in the wind.

Since I always have a roll of Gorilla Tape on board, I now have my window secure.

My options? I am 14 months old.

[1retired06]

Exactly what broke on the locking arm? I had a similar issue and was able to rivet together a functional fix. Repair options depend on what broke.

[JandC]

I have the same rear bottom small exit window. We also had never opened or closed ours and one day while on the road I noticed it was flopping around. Red handle broke off right where it fastens to inside of frame. For temporary fix I drilled two small holes in inside ledge/frame and used plastic wire ties to secure. Local dealer said he could replace it but when I went in he figured out all the Montana replacement ones he had were too long. Now I am just going to have it replaced at the Goshen rally. I am confident that the handle is the only thing they will be replacing.

[jlb27537]

The handle inside broke at there it is attached to the window. The metal is way too small. There are a couple of pop rivets on the window that can be drilled out and IF a new latch is available replaced.

However, I think I am going to secure it closed since the new part is probably going to be like the one that broke.

[JandC]

jlb27537, that is exactly how my broken one looks. As I said in my other post, I secured mine with plastic wire ties from the inside. It was easy to drill the small holes and did not hurt the window or frame in any way. If Keystone replaces mine with the same cheap thin aluminum handle I will simply replace the wire ties to keep it closed next time it breaks.

[laburrows]

Wow, ours just broke too, in the exact same way on our 2014 3100 RL. Currently have it secured with bailing wire. Going into shop for other warranty items soon, so just added this to the list. Obviously, a bad batch of latches, and hopefully Montana has corrected the issue. Thank goodness for duct tape and bailing wire!

[jlb27537]

This is not a Montana issue, it is the POS Lippert window that Montana buys since they are the low bidder.

At some time Keystone will have to wake up and realize that the buyers of their products expect a window latch to last longer than a few months.

I had a 17 year old SOB that the windows were operational when I sold it to buy this POS Keystone/Lippert want to be a good RV.

I'll drill out the rivets and tie the window shut.

Jim

[astrungis]

Mine broke too. That bracket and handle can be found @ www.parkin-acc.com, Part #: 8730-30 HEHR, about $13 plus shipping. Be advised that everything was the same except for the shortest length of the arm. I think there was too much tension holding the window shut. The bumps caused the aluminum bracket to break. What I did is hack saw a kerf in the bracket in the plastic piece at the frame. It held shut it shut but with less tension.

[jlb27537]

Thanks for the link. You have a "," at the end of "com" but I was able to get there. I have Kinro windows, and they show the 9 1/2" one which is in the bed room, the one that broke is 5 1/2". I am going to call them in the morning and see what they can do for me.

Thanks Again, Jim

[jlb27537]

A update. I called the number for Kinro windows and got Lippert Components. Then using 1 or 2 finally got to Kinro customer service where you hear please wait for the next available. After several minutes I gave up.

Next I called Parkin Accessories. They answered on the first ring. They know what I want but do not have any. They have sent 2 e mails over 4 days and Kinro has yet to reply to them.

So looks like Gorilla Tape or wire ties are the answer.

Jim

[jlb27537]

Well the saga continues. I decided to contact Keystone. I was informed that they do not have a retail customer assistance service for a parts question and I need to contact a dealer.

OK, called a dealer who has the best parts person I have ever dealt with. Terry tells me she will probably get the Keystone part number for the complete rear window. Not the Kinro part number.

Terry has dealt with Parkin before and knows the drill. She has the 9" latch in stock at the dealership, but not the 5 1/2" one.

To get the Kinro part number off the window you have to remove the window from the opening. Not going to happen.

Jim

[JandC]

It will be interesting to see if Keystone can replace mine at the rally. It is starting to sound like they may not be able to.

[jlb27537]

Hi, If you get yours replaced, get the Kinro part number off the package.

Thanks Jim

[The Black Pearl]

Our unit is 3 months. Pulled into a site, raised our shade and realized our latch on our rear exit window was broken. Went to a near by CW and they stated they could order the latch but shipping cost more than the latch. Would have to drop the camper off for 3 weeks to install. Full-timing! Don't think so. Not a happy camper!!!! CHEAP latch!!

[JandC]

I will get answers for these short window latches at the fall rally. If they have a replacement for mine I will get the replacement part number.

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by The Black Pearl

Our unit is 3 months. Pulled into a site, raised our shade and realized our latch on our rear exit window was broken. Went to a near by CW and they stated they could order the latch but shipping cost more than the latch. Would have to drop the camper off for 3 weeks to install. Full-timing! Don't think so. Not a happy camper!!!! CHEAP latch!!

The latch is held on with 2 pop rivets. I can teach my 9 year old grandson how to do in in about 60 seconds. 3 weeks is nuts.

If they can order the latch, get the Kinro or Keystone part number from them, call Parkin-Acc, 1-800-637-8938 and see what they can do. I am talking with Ed @ Parkin and he needs the part number so he can get it from Kinro. The 9" one is in stock, the 5 1/2" one is new for '14.

Jim.

[Dave W]

I would bet that there is something here that could be made to work a bunch better and last even longer then the trailer: http://www.mcmaster.com/#latches/=t5ge7k

You will have to dig into that left side bar to find a good latch to mod to work, but McMaster-Carr has helped me on many knotty and oddball gadgets that someone has already 'invented'.

[capn chris]

"My dealer GM" said he knew what I needed to fix the rear exit fixture. Package arrived, today and the replacement is 3" longer than the broken one! Oops. Keystone customer service could not come up w/a part number when I called a week or so ago. Called Montana, today, to inform them that parts and numbers seem to be unavailable. Rep said he'd check w/Lippert?! Need new tape to hold it for trip to Goshen!!! Yikes.

[jlb27537]

Terry called, she has the part number. She is going to order a couple to see if it is the correct one. I'll report back.

Jim

[Jimmer]

My 3582 RL is 4 months old and on the last trip mine broke also. I was having other warranty work done but they did not have the 5 1/2 in latch. I asked the Service Person if they have updated the latch and she did not know. I used the wire tie and it works well. I did not have to drill any holes. I just put the tie strap around the window piece and ran it through the other piece and found something to hold the tie strap in place (like a washer) and tightened the tie strap and it worked great. I am not going to do anything until Lippert comes out with an update.

Jim and Margie Bonhote
2014 Montana 3582RL
2006 Ford F350 4X4 Lariat Crew Cab