1995 Monaco Dynasty: Stuck Storage Bin

[JamesW]

Team - this is my first post (been lurking).  I just purchased a very neatly used 1995 Monaco Dynasty, 40'.  I have one storage Bin door that is engaged closed.  It is a Right Side Bin, and the forward horizontally engaging retractable plastic piece is not  retracting enough to "disengage" and allow the door to open.  

The Bin Door construction does not all access to the backside of the door latch mechanism, without cutting a hold in what looks to be a large  flat index cover.  Thus, I am unable to "remove" the pull handle, without cutting out a hole in the back of the door.  

Any ideas on how to disengage & retract this retention device? 

Thanks,

Jim

Edited April 22, 2020 by JamesW
edited subject line

[Dennis H]

Jim, a couple of things. Putting "closed" the way you did, looks like your topic is closed. At least that's the way I first interpreted it. You may want to reword that. Second, I'm guessing you've accessed the INSIDE of the stuck closed door thru the body of the coach. If I'm correct, that square you see is attached via 4 screws and can be removed to activate the opening/locking mechanisms. Most likely one of the pins has come loose or maybe just needs adjustment. Either way, remove that square cover and manually operate the mech. Make sure the lock is in the OPEN position. Below is a picture of the type of clips that hold the rods in place. They're available at any auto parts or hardware store......Dennis

 

[dl_racing427]

If they're similar to mine, those doors can slide fore-aft in the track a bit.

You may try disengaging the rear side, then, while holding the latch handle up.  carefully prying the door rearward to see if it will move enough to release the front catch .

You also may have success bending up a stiff wire to reach in and push the latch back the final bit.

[Dude_from_Florida]

The latch mechanism on my Diplomat is not the same as the one you describe. I apologize for any confusion I may have caused by my previous post. 

Edited April 23, 2020 by Dude_from_Florida
The information provided does not apply to a 95 Dynasty

[JamesW]

Team - storage Bin issue solved.  I'm going to describe this in some detail so future searches might be fruitful:

1. Right Side Storage Bin Door was stuck shut. The pull handle and retractable linkage operation is intact - everything working normal.  However, The Forward Latch was not retracting far enough to clear the Aluminum Angle engagement piece.

2.  With me on the inside pushing out, and my friend on the outside opening the handle  and pulling up, we were able to "convince" LOL the door to open.  

3.  Analysis:  At least for this 1995 era of Monaco, every bin door is different.  The backside of the door (on every door) is shifted slightly fore/aft in the frame openings; however, the "retractable-latches" operate with a fixed amount of throw.  Because the doors  are all uniquely "not-centered" in the frame openings, the factory did the following:  they install "different/varying-length" AL angles on the frame, to "catch" the retractable slam-latch.  

4.  Solution:  Considering all aspects of this design; the simplest modification to ensure this will not happen again, was to take a Dremel Sanding Drum, and grind-off about 1/16" of the retractable plastic tip/plunger.  This allows the handle to pull/retract the pin, and clear the AL Angle catch.

5.  Corollary:  If you have a door bin and the handle & retractable latches are all working as intended/perfectly, yet one side is not engaging;  my suggestion is to remove the AL Angle catch and add washers underneath it, so it will move closer to the retractable pin. 

Thanks,
Jim