I have a 1995 Breakaway 31' coach. The problem is the outer shower door doesn't have a latch other than a ball and socket at the top of the door. It doesn't hold the door shut and the previous owner put a sliding bolt (Ugly) to keep it shut. While I can't find where any other latch had been mounted, I don't believe the ball and socket latch is original. This is the floor plan where the shower is opposite the bathroom and the door opens to close the hallway off and create a larger bathing area by connecting the shower and bathroom. Does anyone have a working door closing latch and/or what the original latch system is. A picture would be great. Thanks in advance. Mitchell

Hi Mitchell, I have similar shower door retainer. It is two posts that close in between a "U" shaped spring retainer. I is original.

I have the same layout as yours.

As long as I keep the glass shower door latched, the outer door will stay closed. Every now and then it may open on a very bumpy road.

Thanks, I would really like to see the latch you describe and know whether they are available today. Where on the door is it mounted? Mine is at the top of the door.

Sorry Mitch, got busy with my RE-DO. Here is the picture of the outer shower door latch if you could call it that.



As I mentioned the door does stay closed unless I forget to latch the glass door. Occasionally if on a very bumpy road (most all of California's roads) the wood door will open. If I tighten up the spring catch, that "U" shaped piece, then it is very difficult to pull open so I have just left it as is.

I generally run down the road with it closed across the hallway to keep the front half cool/warm.

I replaced the pressure ("gas") cartridge on mine. Can be seen it the picture above. It appears the cartridge is much more effective in keeping the door in closed position.

Ed, your verbal description was spot on, and I ordered the exact latch you posted as a photo. I never thought of the gas closure cartridge and plan to replace it.

My door has a gas loaded piston.

Removed the "Gas Spring" and it reacted very wonky to manual extension and retraction, so I ordered a replacement. Mounted spring clip as shown in picture and got a noticeably stronger resistance to opening (but acceptable) the outer door. I feel confident in an effective repair, and can't wait to go camping. Thanks for the help, the Barthmobile.com site was a big part of my decision to buy a Barth.

Gas spring arrived. Thought I would share that the new gas spring is designed so the shaft is fully extended under pressure. It is calibrated at 20 pounds force and very hard to retract by hand. I mounted it on the door and discovered not only did it push the door open to stop when fully extended, but when closing it collapsed the cylinder completely at a point where the door was about 6 inches from closed. Then stroked back to extending the shaft about three inches putting closing pressure on the latch. I am sure the door will work properly and remain closed while traveling.