Plastic medicine cabinet latches

[willbrackman]

Does anyone know where I can get a replacement plastic medicine cabinet latch for my 25 foot '87 Sovereign?

Take a look at the attached photos. One of the photos shows a complete, unbroken latch, the other shows the broken piece.

These latches are a hard, white, plastic that attach to the cabinet with two pop rivets. The latch is about 1" wide.

Thanks

[StingrayL82]

Wow, I can't believe that they still used that crappy part in '87! Ours broke in the same spot as yours and I epoxied it, but it broke again.

When you find a source, I'll need to get one too.

[Silverhobby]

Try Out-of-Doors Mart
They may be able to help you.

[dwightdi]

The part is made form aetel, trade name from Dupont Delrin. You can not get any epoxy or other high strength adhesive to stick to it. You might try and make an equivalent part from metal.

[StingrayL82]

Actually, the epoxy I have did stick to it, but it broke again in a different spot.

I'll just find some new ones and keep them handy.

This is the closest that OODM has: http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=646

[palmtreegirl]

My '92 latch like this just broke. Does anyone know where to get one of these or any suggestions for something else? This holds the upper bathroom mirror cabinet closed.

[harryk]

I need 2 medicine cabinet latches for my 93 Classic...Called Airstream & they are no longer available...out of door mart, no. Vintage Airstream Supply no.

Any ideas ???

[rfield54]

Has anyone found out where to get these latches? Or maybe a possible solution? The latch on the upper mirror bathroom cabinet in my '89 Excella just snapped. The challenge with finding alternate solution is the fact that the swing out mirror/door has nothing like wood or plastic to screw anything into, it's just the mirror.



Thanks

[nvestysly]

Yep... We're looking too. Does somebody have a 3D printer that can make parts in a flexible material?

It's amazing the part has lasted this long - about 30 years. Even though it may be considered "cheap" plastic, that's not too bad. If a replacement lasts another 30 years that would be great!

[Fungus]

I’m one of many folks here that 3D print items for the trailer. Based on the photo a replacement part should be easy to design.

POM (Delrin) filament is available but looks to be difficult to print due to poor bed adhesion. I’ve not printed with it. I wonder how a part printed in ABS or nylon would perform over time.

Anyone attempting to design it would need very accurate dimensions measured with digital calipers or the entire part. Another obstacle is in testing it without a trailer nearby. These things usually take a few design/build/test cycles to get exactly right.

[nvestysly]

I was not able to find a replacement for the original latch. Seems odd since it was used widely in the late 80's through much of the 90's. Oh well.

I took a chance and ordered part number 005308 from Out of Doors Mart.

The part from ODM may be a reasonable substitute although not a direct fit. You can see from the pictures that I needed a wood spacer to locate the latch so it would work properly. I also had to drill new holes in the side of the medicine cabinet at the mounting feet were in a different location compared to the original. Hope it works well... Time will tell.

I didn't have the correct grip length for my rivets so I added a small hex nut as a spacer. It doesn't look so great but it's on and ready for the next trip.

[Sav'h Steve]

Some years ago I had the same problem on a '90 Excella 25.

Solved with just a magnetic latch on the overhead medicine cabinet door.

Works just fine and I am pleased.

[richard5933]

I've read about people have replacements made by 3D printing them. If there is a maker space in your area, this might be a good time to get involved. Or, find a friend with a 3D printer.

[Dickandvicki]

Hello…
I was wondering if you would mind sharing what type of magnet you used and how you configured it? I have tried using a strong magnet but it’s not working. I sure wish I could find a direct replacement or some where to have a 3d printed.

Thanks!