RE: Coleman: New screen door top twist latches?

[Taoscop]

 
I have an 02  Taos and have experienced some minor problems with the two top twist latches for the screen door.  They pop off every once in a while and the door comes loose. When I was at an RV show in Ft. Washington ,PA I was looking at the newer model Colemans and noticed that they have improved this aspect.  They are now using bigger plastic twist latches that cannot pop off...My question is does anybody know if I can retrofit these new latches to my 02 Taos...I think all I have to do is mount the new latches in the roof and rout out the door slots so they will fit...Any suggestions?

[tlhdoc]

 Taoscop
Some one else had the same problem.  I think it was Copcarguy.  Send him an email and see what was done to fix his door.

[JemJen24]

 Taoscop
We just purchased a 2003 Coleman Yuma (one step up from the Taos) and we have HUGE white latches.  There s no way the d move.  
 
 If you do make any adjustments to your PU, make sure it doesn t affect your manufacturers warranty as self-improvements can sometimes void a warranty.
 
 Good luck!
 
 J.

[bikolee]

 Taoscop
I had the same problem with our Tacoma. I contacted Coleman s customer support and they sent me the required parts to fix the problem free of charge. Several of us have had to make this modification. It s not difficult.  The parts in the kit consist of the 2 latches, a new top plate for the door, and the required rivets. You drill out the rivets holding the top plate to the door and also the rivets for the old latches. You must remove the old small latches.  You then attach the new top plate to the door with rivets that you supply. Then with the door in place, mark the location for the new latches. Be sure that where you mark them allows for free unobstructed rotation. Remove the door, drill new holes for the latches, and rivet them in place. Done. Be sure when drilling out the old rivets and drilling holes for the new ones, that you don t go all the way thru the roof. You could also use the old top plate if you enlarged the slots. I chose to just replace the plate with the new one supplied.

[Taoscop]

 Taoscop
Well thanks to Bill, from BIKOLEE, My problem is just about solved..I just called Coleman customer support and they are sending out the necessary hardware to cure the problem.  Once again I am glad I bought a Coleman....No charge and very helpful people.  2ndly I am thankful for this website so I could obtain helpful advice from a nice person like Bill.....Bill I owe you a refreshment if I m ever down in the BIG state Of Texas....Thanks again, and if anyone else is having the same problem just call Coleman...They are very helpful.....-[][][]

[Taoscop]

 Taoscop
The paerts arrived yesterday...But I m gonna wait til some warmer weather to start this project..Seems like it will be fairly easy..I ll let everybody know how it turns out[][][]

[Taoscop]

 Taoscop
Well the job is complete...Finished it last night and everything went pretty smooth.. The only problem I ran into was trying to enlarge the slots on the old door...looked pretty ratty so I just used the new plate with the larger slots that was provided....Much nicer and more secure fit now with the bigger latches..Thanks again Bill I m glad I did this update...

[bikolee]

 Taoscop
Glad I could be of help. []
 
 If anyone else has this problem, contact Coleman Customer Service and request the kit. It is not a difficult fix.

[Edina Kid]

 Taoscop
I know you have solved your problem, just wanted to give you my belated 2 cents worth.  
 
 We ran into the same problem with our Sedona.  The latches kept coming undone after going in and out of the door a few times.  I called my dealer and told him my problem.  He ordered the parts from Coleman for me and installed them as well.  Now those latches do not move, in fact, they are kind of hard to latch, now!
 
 I am glad you were able to fix your latches!

[Stargazer]

 Taoscop
I have a 2002 Coleman Sedona with the latch problem.  I bought my
 PU used (only six months old, used just twice).  My local dealer said
 they would not help me with the problem since I m not the original
 owner and my PU is out of warranty.  I too have noticed the big
 improvement on the 2003 models.  I will call Coleman support to see
 if they will at least sell me the need parts to make my door stay on!

[Taoscop]

 Taoscop
Stargazer...I would bet if you made enough noise Coleman would give you the parts also..When I called them they asked me for the Vin for my Pu. They just wanted to make sure they were talking to the owner....I beleive they want to keep happy customers and make sure your next PU is a Coleman.. Give it a try...Either way I can t see the parts costing that much and it is well worth it for this upgrade.....

[Stargazer]

 Taoscop
I just received from Coleman two new large
 white plastic twist latches for my screen
 door.  I did not receive a new top plate
 with the larger slots.  My dealer said it
 was not needed to fix the problem.  I was
 told that the new latches will fit through
 the slots of my existing top plate, but they
 recommended that I file the sides of the
 latches down just a little.  I also received
 two rivits for attaching the new latches.
 
 Can someone tell me exactly what I need to
 do to install the new latches?  What needs
 to be drilled out, itc?  My camper is
 presently closed up so I m having some
 trouble visualizing what to expect when I
 go to do the fix on my next weekend camping
 trip

[Taoscop]

 Taoscop
Stargazer....I recieved the new top plate for the top of the screen door..It makes the job a little easier...However you will still be able to complete the job without it..  1st drill out the pop rivets that hold the old latches to the roof of your camper.... then make sure the slots line up with the old holes b4 you rivet the new latches to the roof.  Just be careful when you drill out the rivets that you don t go all the way thru the roof....
        Next thing you ll have to do is either file or cut out the slots so they are large enough to fit the bigger twist latches... I found it is easier to take the whole door off to do this.   After the slots are big enough...re-install the door and your all set.. Not a tough job if you take your time....If you are not in a rush to get this job done, I would call Cloeman up and complain a little bit.. I would bet they will send you the top panel with the larger slots...  Good luck and let us know how you make out....

[Stargazer]

 Taoscop
I filed down my two new white twist latches like my dealer
 told me to do.  However, they would not fit through the slots
 in my screen door top plate.   I had my dealer order me a
 new top plate with the larger size slots.  Also be sure to get
 the little plastic spaces that need to be installed behind the
 twist latches.  Moral of the story:  Do it right the first time!