Quote:
Originally Posted by Kacordy
I found one on Amazon but it’s a knockoff with a pot metal deadbolt. My MW has the knockoff with the pot metal deadbolt and that’s why it broke. After further research I’m ordering the Tri-Mark original unit because it has a steel deadbolt.
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It shouldn't be the deadbolt that should concern you but rather the actual latch (spring-loaded plunger that latches once in the strike plate mortise). Tri-Mark is famous for this weak design for the entry latch. If the plunger doesn't break as yours did, the inside handle prawl breaks; both with the same result; the plunger remains extended (latched) in the strike plate leaving the owner trapped (inside or outside). I've replaced 3 of them in one year on the mobile health screen coach at work. Tri-Mark will replace under warranty within one year but that doesn't correct the poor cast aluminum components. I've been told they are going to steel components but so far I have not seen updates from my local supplier.
FWIW, to open a door with a failed Tri-Mark, you have to be on the inside of the RV. You need a phillips driver and take off the inside assembly of the Tri-Mark. If the handle prawl is broken, you can simply slide the plunger back out of the latch plate using a narrow flat-blade screwdriver. If the plunger broke at the prawl catch as yours did, you might can grab the plunger with needle-nose or probe a butter knife in the gap between the door and the strike plate, effectively pushing the plunger back enough to release from the latch plate.
I would reach out to Tri-Mark regardless if you are in warranty or not.
Bobby
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