Posted 2010-09-10 11:40 AM (#124705) Subject: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
gard, retento, Paul, Tresvoite or anyone?????
Over the weekend somehow the striker bolt broke on the front stall of our Sundowner trailer. Better half went by the dealer this morning just to buy a replacement striker bolt and now he has her really upset.... He is telling her she "has" to bring the trailer in and they will have to pull the wall apart to remove the rest of the bolt then reinstall everything and will cost around $200. or so, but the good news is the bolt is only 3 bucks or so.
Why couldn't I drill a small hole in the center of what is left of the bolt then use a ease out to remove it then install a new striker bolt? Looks just like the same deal that is used for most car doors.
Posted 2010-09-10 11:59 AM (#124707 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 3802 Location: Rocky Mount N.C.
Quote... Why couldn't I drill a small hole in the center of what is left of the bolt then use a ease out to remove it then install a new striker bolt? Looks just like the same deal that is used for most car doors.
I'd a told him I ain't got to "HAS" to do nothin'!! Break out the drill and the easy-outs!! That's what I would try.
Why don't you go down there and see if they tell you to bring in the trailer along with the $200.00 for fishing out the broken piece!!! I bet they'll sell you the part and say nothing about you "has" to bring in the trailer..
Jennifer was looking a a trailer last week, salesman wouldn't talk to her, he kept telling me everything I already knew about his trailer. I kept telling him he best talk to her, she's the one that wanted to come to his lot, I was just the truck driver, she'll be writing the check for this one!! I finally got in the truck and rolled up the window, and he still didn't want to answer her questions. I guess he figured she didn't have a clue as to what he was talking about, but she had been schooled a little bit before we left home!!!!
Posted 2010-09-10 2:24 PM (#124712 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Elite Veteran
Posts: 785 Location: Tenn/Ala.
HTB- I can't speak for the dealer telling her what she has to do (except that he is braver than I).....:) but if I'm not mistaken isn't the striker the "nut" in this equation with a bolt coming in through from the other side? Therefore, if it is all loose or broken, it will likely involve having to get into the wall to correct it. On the steel frame models, I think that area was all put together and then sealed in at time of build. Thus not very easy to get back into now.
Posted 2010-09-10 3:47 PM (#124716 - in reply to #124712) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by RTSmith on 2010-09-10 2:24 PM
HTB- I can't speak for the dealer telling her what she has to do (except that he is braver than I).....:) but if I'm not mistaken isn't the striker the "nut" in this equation with a bolt coming in through from the other side? Therefore, if it is all loose or broken, it will likely involve having to get into the wall to correct it. On the steel frame models, I think that area was all put together and then sealed in at time of build. Thus not very easy to get back into now.
Well as far as what I am seeing it looks like the striker is the actual bolt..... I am going to remove the one out of the next stall and see for sure. The only problem I can see is going to be if the nut is attached somehow or if it is going fall when I remove the rest of the bolt.
Posted 2010-09-10 3:51 PM (#124718 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
Hey Kelley,
I can't help you with this one. I'm unfamiliar with SD divider latches, and no one I know owns one that I could inspect.
If it's made out of metal and by man, it can be fixed and repaired. Indeed; grab some tools and just start digging. You have the mechanical capabilities to handle the job, it might just take some digging to reveal the broken part (s). When you take things apart, just think about how you are going to reassemble them. Photos help if it's complicated.
Posted 2010-09-10 4:08 PM (#124719 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Location: Where the wind comes sweepin' down the plain...
It would be smart to attach the bolt from the backside, but you never can tell. Doesn't make a lot of sense to have to take out part of the wall to get to it, but you never know. Good luck and let us know how it goes.
Posted 2010-09-11 9:21 AM (#124743 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Veteran
Posts: 231 Location: Illinois
I have been to several Trail Rides where there are SD dealer present and they do minor repairs for you ,FREE of charge...my friend had the latch that hold the trailer door open to LQ..they replaced the latch ..no charge...another friend had a cracked hinge on the back door..the repalced it no charge.... Nothing Like good service...just saying
Posted 2010-09-11 10:32 PM (#124768 - in reply to #124705) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
2 drill bits and a broken snap-on ease out and still not out.
After a few choice words and looking everything over, it looks like the dealer is the way to go. Will be calling Sundowner first thing Monday to get their take on it before we hit the dealer. Was told by the dealer that this is only the second time he has ever seen a broken bolt.
Posted 2010-09-12 9:47 AM (#124775 - in reply to #124768) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 5870 Location: western PA
I've often used up the resources of several religions, while trying to extract broken easy outs. It's not an enjoyable job.
Only two broken bolts and you have one of them? Sounds as if you are enjoying our "Luck of the Irish".
Hopefully the dealer will have torches, impact guns and the knowledge to do the job. Sell another truck and pay the dealer what he needs. That will help stimulate the economy and lower your blood pressure. BOL
Posted 2010-09-12 3:43 PM (#124785 - in reply to #124775) Subject: RE: Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
Expert
Posts: 1351 Location: Decatur, Texas
Originally written by gard on 2010-09-12 9:47 AM
I've often used up the resources of several religions, while trying to extract broken easy outs. It's not an enjoyable job.
Only two broken bolts and you have one of them? Sounds as if you are enjoying our "Luck of the Irish".
Hopefully the dealer will have torches, impact guns and the knowledge to do the job. Sell another truck and pay the dealer what he needs. That will help stimulate the economy and lower your blood pressure. BOL
Thanks gard......
I will be going to the dealer myself and we will be talking about the price thats for sure but will wait until I here back from Sundowner first.
Slam latch/ Striker bolt broke on Sundowner
