Magnetic latches

[Scott'n'Wendy]

This is on a 2021 303RLS. On the street side the basement door is a two door arrangement. The right side 1/2 door opens vertically and mates up with the corresponding magnet fine. The left 1/2 door opens horizontally. But before the door magnets can mate up, the latch handles from the propane access door get in the way.
I would have to space out the magnet on the wall about 15mm in order for the magnets to contact each other.
Did anybody come up with a fix/remedy for this?

[Dennis66]

I just got my 2021 303rls 2 weeks ago and I have not experienced that issue works fine on my rig

[Heavysledz]

can you post a few pictures showing the issue....this will help us visually understand your situation better.

[Jlawles2]

Scott'n'Wendy Just went out and looked at the street side forward door on my 303. The propane latches are close (like 3 mm).

Are both magnets the same thickness? remember the hinge is proud of the door frame which helps with the clearance.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

OK, here it is. Pic is taken from the front of the trailer. The magnet gap is apparent. You can also see how the propane door latches are preventing the door from swinging open any further to allow the magnets to contact each other.
If yours is fine....what is the difference??

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Don't ask me why 3 photos uploaded cuz I don't know....

I'll put this dude in a kilt here cuz I don't know what he's for either...lol


Ok, I fixed it, but I'm leaving the kilt guy here...lol

[Tom in PGH]

My 2019 303 fits very well. I think my hinge may be mounted differently, so that it sits flat against the magnets when opened. Could the side of the hinge that is attached to the trailer wall be in too far?

[Jlawles2]

I can't see the hinge on the side swing door, but it appears to be 2 pcs instead of one long one like mine.

One other thing I cannot tell is if the propane door is latched tightly. I rotated the cam plates on my latches so they are all horizontal (even the cam locks) for quick walk around look. If the Propane door is not latched with a little bit of compression against the seal my side swing door will hit the thumb latches. you might want to check the cam latch plates on the back side to see that they are properly seated and tight.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Thanks for the suggestions. I went out and checked.
The hinge is one piece and the propane door is latched tightly and the door face is flush with the wall.
The magnets themselves are each 15mm in height.
I wonder if the manual latches on the propane door are bigger or the magnets smaller? Everything looks fine but there must be a difference somewhere.

[Jlawles2]

I'll go out in a while and take some measurements (inches b/c i don't do well with reading a metric tape even though I work in metric all day). Ill start with the hinge and work out from there.

[Jlawles2]

Scott'n'Wendy Just took lots of measurements and pictures. I'll hold off on the pics for now will need my computer vs work for uploading.

Propane latches stick out from propane door about 5/8" (16mm).
Hinge on side swing basement door is about 3/8" (10mm) overall.
Latch on wall is 9/16" (14mm) from wall
there is only 1-2mm clearance between propane thumb latch and side swing door.
CL of Magnets from non hinged edge of side swing door is 5" (127mm)
Door Magnet is 9/16" (14mm) thick
This puts the door 1-1/8" (28.5mm) from wall when open at the magnets.

I think placement of the magnets is critical. If they were farther from the edge it would be better, closer to edge is worse.

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Thanks Jlawles2, I'll go see how closely my trailer measures up to yours. And I agree with your magnet placement statement

[Scott'n'Wendy]

Well measurements are pretty close. I think I found the reason. My door is bowed out in the middle.
Wonder if GD has a fix for this or will send me a new door?

[TedS]

Well I just had to go look. My door just kisses the propane latch wings, I too reoriented them to horizontal when latched, when the door magnet contacts the sidewall magnet. I agree that placing the magnet more towards the hinge would be better, but I'm not making any change.

[Country Campers]

Well measurements are pretty close. I think I found the reason. My door is bowed out in the middle.
Wonder if GD has a fix for this or will send me a new door?

That is a pretty big bow to that door. I would call GD and ask , never hurts. Have you vin ready and also send them the picture showing the bow.

Also is it bowed when open or is just bowed when shut and latched?

Brian