Another door latch

Making final preparations so we can get on the road tomorrow and start our trek up to the Duluth Reunion. Cleaning out and flushing the fresh water tank I opened the door to do a visual check on the tank and close the drain valve. With all that done we're ready for tomorrows departure. Closed the door and it fell open. our drive way is on a slope. Tried it again. Same result. Further inspection revealed a broken latch. Boy what timing! Sunday afternoon with an early departure tomorrow! I tried a small magnetic latch I had on hand, but I know it will not withstand the rigors of the highway. So got out the old bungee cord and immediately fired off an email to Dave Ponsler, who I was told to contact for parts/service. Told him to mail me one so it's here when I return, OR if any one from the company is so inclined they could bring one to the Reunion and I would be extremely grateful. But as it is we will participate in the "open house" with others showing off our rig bungee cord and all.

Got an email from Dave Ponsler last night. Simply said he will be at the Rally alsoand will bring the latch. What a company!!! Sure impressed the daylights out of me.
Thanks again Phoenix!

Finally got wifi again and got another email from Mr. Ponsler saying that his travel plans have changed and will not be attending the rally so he is having a package sent to my attention at the Buffalo Valley Campground. Sounds like he included some extra latches to distribute to those who need them, which is good, because another cabinet latch latch broke last night. Pretty nice of them to do such. Have to see how many he sent.

Got an email from Dave Ponsler last night. Simply said he will be at the Rally alsoand will bring the latch. What a company!!! Sure impressed the daylights out of me.
Thanks again Phoenix!

Who is Dave Ponsler?  I have seen several individuals' names dropped on this forum, but have no idea who they are. 

Do I assume correctly that during my PDI, I will receive a "WHO TO CALL" list?  I have a feeling I will be fully instructed when I leave Elkhart.

I must admit that I am getting excited as the day draws near.  My wife is much too matter of fact to express excitement, although I know she is.

Cheers 
Barry T

"Do I assume correctly that during my PDI, I will receive a "WHO TO CALL" list?  I have a feeling I will be fully instructed when I leave Elkhart."

I didn't receive a "who to call list" but I never have trouble calling the main number and being directed to the right person. Its not a huge place.

"Do I assume correctly that during my PDI, I will receive a "WHO TO CALL" list?  I have a feeling I will be fully instructed when I leave Elkhart."

I didn't receive a "who to call list" but I never have trouble calling the main number and being directed to the right person. Its not a huge place.

Thanks for the reply Mike.  I have been there twice.  No doubt in my mind that any problems or questions will be handled properly and promptly. 

Barry T

well now I have a door on drivers side with southco  latches that will not stay closed. I have removed most of the stuff in it since I had to move out to a parking area away from home today. I have put tape on the door to try to keep it closed while I am on the road. Now to figure what on earth do I do to get it so things line up and remain closed. I  have looked at it and do not see any adjustment  to change it so it locks good. One is closed one side is not and the whole door can be opened locked or not. That is how poorly it closes.  Well guess I have to hope for advisors on the 8th or 9th. Idea's welcome indeed.  If it rains the tape will come off I bet. The left side of the door does not line up straight in the opening. It is lower than the right so good reason not to catch when it closes.

If I understand the problem it is one the exterior storage doors that will not close. The latches are adjustable, with one hand hold the metal tab that goes into the cutout slot in the adjacent panel and with the other hand turn the external knob counterclockwise. May need a little fiddling to get the tab and slot aligned. Hopefully this is the issue, it’s a common occurrence.

RKS, thanks for explaining this - no one ever told me how those latches work so recently  an hour after leaving home, we stopped on the interstate to close a flapping compartment door - when I couldn't get the latch to connect, I taped it shut for the 500 mile trip.  Once at the destination, climbed underneath and figured out exactly what you described.

bftownes: Dave Ponsler is the General Manager according to my correspondence with him. He is the one who contacted me when I sent a message/request via their web site about the latches.

Unless Phoenix changed things as of late, the knurled rod handle latches for the Sanicon system and the battery compartment are unique to everything else.  To operate them is a bit tricky until you understand how they work.

You have to align the pivoting latch-lever to the slot in the body of the motor home by unscrewing it more (rarely tightening it more) so it swings into the slot as you tighten it.  Once you think you got it into the slot, gently pull on the knurled rod to confirm it is hooked into the hole, then tighten further.  When you get better at it, you can feel the 1/4 turn swing and be even more confident with the latching.  Once you get the hang of it, you will never have trouble again.

I feel it is a very nice latching system for the application.  I advise to spray some silicone lube on the back side annually to keep them easy-turning.  Silicone lube will not attract dirt like other lube sprays.....and a lot of road dirt swirls around in those areas being exposed to the elements as they are.