T Draw Latch Removal and Replace

[Rpwrs]

What is the proper technique for removing the old latch from exterior. It appears to be a small rivet with a hole in the center. My guess is that this must be drilled out. I plan to reinstall with a small sheet metal screw. The rubber is pulling apart on a new 2017 Flying Cloud 19. Very little info on this. Any help is appreciated.

[CRH]

I replaced mine with small machine screws

[Rpwrs]

Did you drill it out?

[CRH]

I drilled out the rivets.

My trailer is a 1995 and may be different from yours. Both pieces of my latches for my rear drawer are in a location where I can get to the backside to out a nut on.

Drilling out and riveting with a pop rivet is no big deal. I just wanted to make the next replacement easier.

[Rpwrs]

Very helpful.

[Stews]

I think this is a big manufacturing defect by Airstream. My 2016 Classis, both of them broke after one year. They replaced them both because of warranty, but now I never latch them unless we are rolling down the road. Hopefully they will last longer that way.

[CRH]

Airstream didn't make the rubber part

[Stews]

Originally Posted by CRH

Airstream didn't make the rubber part

I'm scratching my head to that one. Airstream may not have made the exact part, but they are using this part on their products, so I assume they stand behind any part the may put on an Airstream, especially a new one.

[CRH]

Originally Posted by Stews

I'm scratching my head to that one. Airstream may not have made the exact part, but they are using this part on their products, so I assume they stand behind any part the may put on an Airstream, especially a new one.

Your sentence made it sound like Airstream manufactured the part. Perhaps, poor reading comprehension on my part... Lol

Regardless...My original T straps lasted 20+ years. I broke one and ordered a replacement from an Airstream dealer. It was fine. I tried to save a few bucks and ordered a couple of more from an outside source. They looked the same. The rubber was less pliable. I broke one the first time I used it.