How to Install a Baggage Door Catch on a Camper

rv image by Greg Pickens from <a href='http://www.fotolia.com'>Fotolia.com</a>

It wouldn't be much fun to get to your RV destination, only to find the storage door opened en route and your belongings are scattered across a highway some 100 miles back. Baggage door handles and latches on RVs get shaken, rattled and jarred during transport, necessitating the need to either switch out or install a new catch.

This fairly simple chore is done within minutes and provides the peace of mind that your belongings will end up at your campground with you when you pull in the RV.

Instructions

Difficulty: Moderate

Things You’ll Need:

Phillips head screwdriver
Flat head screwdriver
Power screwdriver
Caulk gun and silicone caulk
Measuring tape
Grease pencil

Step 1

Measure out the location of the catch on the baggage compartment door. Mark the screw holes with a grease pencil on both the door and where the catch will attach to the RV body.

Step 2

Drill out the holes with the power screwdriver. Use the appropriate bit, according to the screw size in the catch kit.

Step 3

Place the catch door section over the drilled holes and align. Starting from the upper left hand corner, screw in the attachment screws so the door catch section locks into place on the door.

Place the RV wall section of the catch onto the drilled area and align the holes. Going in a circle starting at the upper left-hand corner, screw in the attachment screws to lock the RV wall section of the catch in position.

Step 4

Open and close the baggage door and lock the catch several times to make sure it's functioning properly and in the right position.

Step 5

Place a small dollop of silicone caulk over each screw where you drilled on the baggage door and the RV wall.

Article Written By Eric Cedric

A former Alaskan of 20 years, Eric Cedric now resides in California. He's published in "Outside" and "Backpacker" and has written a book on life in small-town Alaska, "North by Southeast." Cedric was a professional mountain guide and backcountry expedition leader for 18 years. He worked in Russia, Iceland, Greece, Turkey and Belize. Cedric attended Syracuse University and is a private pilot.

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