I need a better screen door latch!

[sjturbo]

This has likely been discussed already but I can't seem to find info. I have the standard cheap plastic handle screen door latch on my 2010 Laredo. It is broken and rather than replace it with the same problem I wondered if anyone had "upgraded" to a different latch mechanism? Or is it even possible? If you have suggestions please let me know! Thanks in advance for your suggestions!

[Pull Toy]

When my kids were little (many years ago)... I unscrewed the cheap latch and threw it away. I installed a barrel bolt for the screen door. Just open the slide, and move the bolt. I also put foam core poster board (plexi would work) in the lower screen section. Not only did it keep the kids from pushing thru, it also kept some cold air in when the "real" door got left open.Each set-up Is slightly different, but it's not rocket science.

Good Luck

[sjturbo]

Thanks for the suggestion PT! Not so worried about kids, more interested in easy in/easy out. plastic handle latch is not my idea of good engineering. I have seen a couple of ideas. one was magnets strategically placed and small handle to open and close. Another was spring roller cabinet catch. Both good ideas and as you say, not rocket science!

[Dave B]

I'm interested in seeing some other fixes too. These plastic latches are a joke.


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[JRTJH]

Hopefully someone will come up with a solution that works.

Here's a thought:

Keep in mind that the screen door is the most expensive component in the assembly, the plastic latch is designed to break (or give way) before damaging the screen door, so in your "engineering to build a better mousetrap" don't build it so strong that if someone pushes or falls against the door, the door latch still "gives way" before the door frame is damaged.

If you come up with something that works and doesn't jeopardize the door frame, post the solution we're all hoping to find.

[sjturbo]

WOW, I feel as though the weight of the RV world has just been put on my shoulders: Actually here are some ideas that look promising, and I take no credit other than internet searching:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsuTn7ccYkI

and http://www.irv2.com/attachments/phot...creenLatch.jpg.

[michol02]

I did the super magnet mod on my door about a year ago, and have had no problems with it. I kept the plastic latch just as a "grab handle", but I think I will change it to a handle like the one on the U-tube video. Thanks for posting that link sjturbo.

[John/June]

A better fix is to install a screw and washer. This will keep it from breaking again.

[michael_h]

the new 2016 models have an interesting latch that can be opened from the inside and outside without the sliding door, also it appears to be a bit more sturdier

[eds451]

I have never been happy how my screen door latches so I did the magnet set up. Could not find a glue good enough to keep the magnets on the aluminum, so what I did was use the metal screws IN the screen door to hold the magnets and the metal frame in the regular door to hold those magnets. I kept the handle. I like it so far. We will see if the DW likes it.
My friend had his door replaced when someone broke in last year. The newer doors have a better latch than my 2007.

[PhilDeb]

Dug up an older topic.

The screen door latches on my 2016 2890rl must have cost about 4 cents. They are just long enough to catch the door frame by 1/16".

They are adjusted all the way out and the door frame, nor door can be moved far enough to get it to latch any better.

The latches on my cousins Jayco are awesome, very sturdy.

I'll have to do something, these stink.

[Tbos]

My front screen door won't latch unless the TY is perfectly level. I'll be changing/modifying mine but haven't figured out what I'll do yet.

[sherrycalh]

Originally Posted by michol02

I did the super magnet mod on my door about a year ago, and have had no problems with it. I kept the plastic latch just as a "grab handle", but I think I will change it to a handle like the one on the U-tube video. Thanks for posting that link sjturbo.

How did you attach the magnets to the door and frame?
can you post a pic?

[michol02]

I don’t have that camper anymore, but the magnets were little metal plates that had a hole in the middle to screw it to whatever you want. I found one similar to what I had online.

[greenpotato]

why not those soft magnetic screen door, that humans can push through easily, but not other creatures or insects?