For owners of recreational vehicles that like to view nature wonders and keep insects out, screen doors prove to be excellent additions to the interior. That being said, without good latches, even the best screen doors for recreational vehicles on the market would work mediocrely.
Thus, while setting up screen doors on your rig, it’s imperative that you pay special attention to the latches. By pairing your screen doors with suitable latches, you could enhance the level of security and smoothen operations of the doors at the same time.
Today’s market packs a wide range of latches for RV screen doors so there is no need to worry about running out of options. Still, without knowing what to expect of current models, you may have a hard time grabbing the best RV screen door latch for your rig.
Contents
Comparison Chart of Best RV Screen Door Latches
| No | Top-Rated RV Screen Door Latches | Price | Our Ratings |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Camp’N SDLRH | $ | ***** |
| 2 | RV Designer E285 | $ | ***** |
| 3 | JR Products 11205 | $ | **** |
| 4 | Strybuc 17180RHBC | $$ | ***** |
| 5 | JR Products 10795 | $ | *** |
| 6 | RV Designer E295 | $ | **** |
| 7 | RV Designer E291 | $$ | ***** |
| 8 | RV Designer E309 | $ | ***** |
| 9 | JR Products 10785 | $$ | ***** |
| 10 | Prime-Line A187 | $ | **** |
The Basics About RV Screen Door Latch
What is it?
A screen door is a door with see-through screen meshes that stops insects from passing but still allows air circulation. Compared to residential screen doors, screen doors for recreational vehicles tend to have superior endurance once it comes to vibration. In addition to that, RV-oriented screen doors weigh less than those used in households.
To hold screen doors in place, owners of recreational vehicles usually use latches which fasten the doors to surrounding surfaces. While a latch is not the same as a lock, both could show up as one unit on screen doors.
How does RV screen door latch work?
Numerous latches exist but they share similar working principles: by moving the loose parts in and out of stationary parts, people would be able to secure and operate attached doors.
Benefits of having an RV screen door latch
Security: It’s a common practice among RVers to set up screen doors alongside rigid doors with built-in locks. However, by giving the screen doors of your rig well-made latches, you can add an extra layer of protection. Considering the vast expenses that go into your RV and associated accessories, it never hurts to be thorough regarding security.
Convenience: When the wind picks up, screen doors may be blown open without being secured by latches and that leads to an assortment of inconveniences. That is why to optimize your experience with screen doors, latch is a must-have.
Maintenance: Latches require little maintenance to stay in top shape so RVing enthusiasts could dedicate time and stamina to more pressing matters on the road.
Types of door latches
Door latches come in all shapes and sizes but it’s possible to classify models nowadays into five types: deadbolt, spring, slam, cam and toggle.
- Deadbolt Latches: Packing basic and practical single-throw bolts, deadbolt latches give a good account of themselves in multiple situations. In use, models of types would only engage the bolts once people close the doors.
- Spring Latches: As the name suggests, spring latches utilize a spring-loaded mechanism to lock and unlock the attached doors. Thanks to the simplicity of their construction, models of types take a bit of time to set up and maintain.
- Slam Latches: Designed to be activated by the door slamming, slam latches possess outstanding endurance. Needless to say, models of the type prove well-suited for owners of recreational vehicles that travel around the year.
- Cam Latches: Dependable and reliable, cam latches operate smoothly in various conditions with minimal maintenance. As a result, enthusiasts of RVing that value security often favor models of the type.
- Toggle Latches: Consisting of a robust claw that catches the strike plate when it arrives at a certain position, toggle latches engage and disengage consistently. Thus, models of the types adapt marvelously to countless arrangements.
Best RV Screen Door Latches
Owing to the differences in preferences between owners of recreational vehicles, there is no such thing as the best RV screen door latch for everyone. Nonetheless, in the case that you wish to get your money’s worth, it’s suggested that you keep an eye out for these models.
1. Camp’N SDLRH – Best Of The Best
Specifications And Features:
- Right hand
- Dimensions: 5.0 x 4.0 x 1.0 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Universal application
- Hardware included
Why This Is The Best:
Designed with universal application in mind, Camp’N SDLRH could be put to good use in plenty of recreational vehicles. Thanks to the inclusion of hardware, enthusiasts of RVing need mere minutes to set up the latch of Camp’N. In addition, SDLRH and multiple OEM latches have similar dimensions so it’s a splendid RV screen door latch replacement. Needless to say, Camp’N SDLRH earned a shower of praise from RVers that have to replace broken latches on screen doors in a hurry.
In use, SDLRH functions fluidly even when it comes into contact with elements like heat, sunlight, moisture, … day after day. In terms of maintenance, the latch made by Camp’N only needs to be lubricated once in a while to smoothen the internal operating mechanism. Beyond that, Camp’N SDLRH needs rather little attention from owners of recreational vehicles on the road which is advantageous. If you like to spend more time traveling and less time on maintenance of latches, SDLRH is the best RV screen door latch for you.
Being introduced to the market at a reasonable price, SDLRH of Camp’N suits the wallet of modern-day RVers. As a result, squeezing the Camp’N latch into the spending plan is going to be a piece of cake.
Pros:
- Inexpensive
- Dependable and reliable
- Setup process is intuitive
Cons:
- A few people complain about fitness issues
- Quality control is less than ideal
2. RV Designer E285 – Editor’s Choice
Specifications And Features:
- Right hand
- Dimensions: 6.7 x 3.5 x 1.5 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Amerimax
- Heavy-duty
- All-inclusive
Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:
Boasting a heavy-duty construction, E285 of RV Designer is able to deal with virtually everything the outdoors could throw at it and remain uncompromised. As an Amerimax-style model, the latch made by RV Designer also operates consistently in a wide range of environments. Moreover, since dirt and debris rarely accumulate inside E285, enthusiasts of RVing don’t have to do much regarding maintenance. Because of that, for owners of recreational vehicles that travel year-round, RV Designer E285 is the best RV screen door latch available for purchase.
On arrival, E285 comes alongside everything required for installation such as plate, handle and screws. Hence, people should have an easy time setting up the RV Designer latch on RV screen doors and there is no need for special tools. When installation concludes, RV Designer E285 is going to work like a charm for years to come with rudimentary care. Last but not least, E285 happens to cost less than its competitors on the market so once it breaks down, the replacement expense is low.
About post-purchase support, RV Designer provides everyone that opts to pick up its latch with a ninety-day guarantee. If your E285 fails with the guarantee still in effect, you could claim yourself a new one free of charge.
Pros:
- Long-lasting
- Fitness is fantastic
- Light and compact
Cons:
- Reports of missing hardware show up on occasion
- Users notice inconsistencies between latches
3. JR Products 11205 – Editor’s Choice
Specifications And Features:
- Right hand
- Dimensions: 7.3 x 4.7 x 1.5 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- For Philips-style doors
- Open to the right
- Center mounting holes
Why It’s An Editor’s Choice:
Your rig uses Philips-style screen doors and you wish to give them appropriate latches? Then it’s strongly recommended that you spare a bit of your time and take a look at JR Products 11205. Engineered from the ground up with Philips compatibility, 11205 performs terrifically on Philips-style screen doors of the average recreational vehicles. In use, the latch of JR Products would secure screen doors to entry doors no matter what take place and that is a big plus.
Similar to its contemporaries, 11205 of JR Products is accompanied by installation hardware upon purchase so RVers don’t have to make separate purchases for hardware. Additionally, the installation of 11205 is quite undemanding so setting it up is child’s play. As for maintenance, periodical lubrication should be all it takes to keep the latch from JR Products in working order. Unsurprisingly, JR Products 11205 proves to be popular among various RVers, novices as well as veterans.
Since the latch made by JR Products is a low-priced model, enthusiasts of RVing could buy it without having to cut back key expenses. As proof of confidence, JR Products backs 11205 with a lifetime warranty that covers manufacturing defects. To those that seek a sound insurance policy, 11205 is undoubtedly the RV screen door latch.
Pros:
- Economical
- Simple to maintain
- Smooth operation
Cons:
- Spring could use some work
- A number of latches arrive with several deviations in dimensions
4. Strybuc 17180RHBC
Specifications And Features:
- Right hand
- Dimensions: 9.0 x 6.2 x 2.0 Inches
- Weight: 2.0 Pounds
- Plastic
- Black
- Right opening
Why We Love It:
Basic and practical, 17180RHBC of Strybuc almost never fails to deliver satisfaction to owners of recreational vehicles on the road. Constructed using plastic, the latch made by Strybuc is light compared to typical models but it could handle the challenges of RVing with relative ease. Furthermore, featuring a straightforward operating mechanism, 17180RHBC allows enthusiasts of RVing to lock and unlock screen doors at any time. Thus, in terms of convenience, 17180RHBC of Strybuc is considered to be the leading travel trailer screen door latch nowadays.
Regarding installation, the setup process of 17180RHBC is uncomplicated so RVers would have no trouble attaching them to screen doors of recreational vehicles by themselves. When assembled correctly, the latch from Strybuc is sealed which reduces the odds of dirt build-up getting into the way of its operating mechanism. That being said, as a precaution, it’s a good idea to wipe clean Strybuc 17180RHBC from time to time. To maintain the structural integrity of hardware, you should avoid using strong chemical solutions here.
Available at a price that ordinary RVers could accept, 17180RHBC of Strybuc earns positive remarks from people that don’t like to spend big bucks. The latch of Strybuc lasts a long time as well, hence, it certainly packs outstanding values for what it costs.
Pros:
- Reasonable price
- Easy to set up
- Splendid compatibility
Cons:
- No instructions
- Mediocre packaging and shipping
5. JR Products 10795
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 6.4 x 0.5 x 0.4 Inches
- Weight: 0.5 Pounds
- Coleman-style
- White
- Screws included
Why We Love It:
While it lacks exceptional characteristics, JR Products 10795 is still a solid model that performs fantastically in an assortment of conditions. Owing to the incorporation of a robust operating mechanism, 10795 is rather simple to use and rarely acts up as well. In addition, the latch of JR Products is sold with mounting screws so RVers could start installing it as soon as it leaves the packaging. That is why 10795 of JR Products is held in high esteem by owners of recreational vehicles with tight travel schedules.
Possessing a body that consists of metal and plastic, the latch made by JR Products is superior to traditional models once it comes to durability. From outdoor elements to physical impacts, 10795 is capable of enduring hardship on a daily basis. Therefore, JR Products 10795 is well-received by full-time enthusiasts of RVing that have few opportunities to replace door hardware. Finally, since the latch from JR Products is fairly affordable, its purchase would have inconsequential effects on the upcoming spendings.
To keep 10795 of JR Products in top shape, RVers just have to clean and lubricate it to get rid of obstructions in the operating mechanism. In the case that your 10795 experience issues out of the blue, you have a lifetime manufacturer warranty to count on.
Pros:
- Resilient
- No-nonsense setup process
- Delivery service is excellent
Cons:
- Particular parts should be redesigned
- Latches sometimes get stuck
6. RV Designer E295
Specifications And Features:
- Right hand
- Dimensions: 6.5 x 1.2 x 0.1 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Phillips-style
- Right opening
- Black
Why We Love It:
Featuring a stylish black finish, E295 of RV Designer is aesthetically pleasing and suits the theme of lots of rigs. Also, created with a slim and sleek build, the latch from RV Designer guarantees wonderful fitness as time passes by. Because of that, it’s going to be years before owners of recreational vehicles run into problems with E295 performance. Lastly, since RV Designer E295 is sold with hardware, people could set it up in a blink of an eye.
In terms of compatibility E295 is a Phillips-style model so it would attach to Philips screen doors of recreational vehicles without having any trouble. As it’s made from plastic, the RV Designer latch never rust which is nice. To keep RV Designer E295 operating normally, RVers only need to clean it now and then to stop dirt from accumulating in the internal mechanism. It’s worth pointing out that E295 opens to the right so you need to check the orientation of your screen doors and decide accordingly.
For affordability, the latch made by RV Designer is inexpensive so enthusiasts of RVing don’t have to empty their wallet to get it. To reassure RVers, RV Designer backs E295 with a ninety-day guarantee and that is nice.
Pros:
- Great endurance
- Quick shipping
- Maintenance is child’s play
Cons:
- Mismatched mounting is moted
- Slightly weak inner spring
7. RV Designer E291
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 5.0 x 2.0 x 1.0 Inches
- Weight: 0.01 Pounds
- Fasteners and screws included
- One-hand operation.
- Bullet
Why We Love It:
Put together with an emphasis on utility, RV Designer E291 earns numerous compliments from owners of recreational vehicles that prioritize convenience and ease of use. Featuring a user-friendly bullet design, E291 could be engaged and disengaged by one hand. Additionally, the latch made by RV Designer is terrifically reinforced so it’s capable of handling elements in the outdoors. As a result, with RV Designer E291, enthusiasts of RVing don’t have to worry about replacing the laches of screen doors for a while.
Thanks to the fasteners and screws, the latch from RV Designer takes just a couple of minutes to set up. Assuming that installation proceeds smoothly, E291 would operate without experiencing issues in plenty of conditions. Needless to say, the adaptability of RV Designer E291 outmatches that of ordinary latches for screen doors of recreational vehicles. Besides that, the latch of RV Designer is a breeze to clean as well so keeping it operational should be a walk in the park.
Upon purchase, E291 of RV Designer is backed with a decent one-year warranty that takes care of manufacturing defects. That brings much-needed peace of mind to quite a few RVers who like to stay on the safe side.
Pros:
- Impressive ruggedness
- Instantaneous installation
- Second to none adaptability
Cons:
- Several users complain about the lack of instructions
- Latches intermittently get stuck at the open position
8. RV Designer E309
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 6.0 x 2.0 x 0.4 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Grey
- Strengthened
- Coleman-style
Why We Love It:
Specifically built to last and fashioned for today’s applications, RV Designer E309 often gives a good account of itself in the course of operation. Being strengthened for longevity, the latch from RV Designer holds up well regardless of weather that it’s exposed to. Moreover, E309 employs plastic and metal parts in the construction so its handling is superb. Hence, moving E309 of RV Designer into position and securing it should be a cinch in most of the cases.
The operating mechanism of E309 is basic yet works reliably even when it receives minimal maintenance from enthusiasts of RVing. Naturally, the latch made by RV Designer is highly sought after by owners of recreational vehicles that enjoy off-roading. Since E309 boasts a grey exterior, it would have an easy time blending in on the average RV screen doors. Because of that, if you like to keep latches of your doors from standing out like a sore thumb, E309 is exactly what you need.
Compared to other models, E309 of RV Designer is cheap so it’s a good buy for budget-minded RVers. In terms of post-purchase support, the RV Designer latch is backed with a ninety-day guarantee which is reassuring.
Pros:
- Tough
- Compatibility is top-notch
- Outstanding values for cost
Cons:
- Quality control still leaves something to be desired
- Owners of recreational vehicles report sticky handles from time to time
9. JR Products 10785
Specifications And Features:
- Dimensions: 5.5 x 1.1 x 0.1 Inches
- Weight: 0.1 Pounds
- Secure
- Direct replacement
- Instructions and screws included
Why We Love It:
Latches of your screen doors break out of the blue and you need to get your hands on some replacements? In that case, it’s highly likely that you would come to like JR Products 10785. Engineered as a direct replacement for latches of screen doors, 10785 could take the place of damaged latches in a heartbeat. In addition, being distributed with instructions as well as screws, the latch from JR Products possesses a short setup process and that saves considerable time.
Following installation, 10785 of JR Products is going to optimize the performance of the screen door with its secured operating mechanism. The JR Products latch permits RVers to engage and disengage it essentially at will in use so the level of convenience is second to none. It’s noteworthy that the construction of 10785 excels at keeping dirt out of the mechanism. That is why with JR Products 10785, owners of recreational vehicles seldom have a hard time with operations of screen doors.
When JR Products decides to release 10785 into the market, it backs its latch with a wonderful lifetime warranty that puts enthusiasts of RVing at ease. Since the latch made by JR Products is economical, people could get several without having to re-balance the budget.
Pros:
- Cheap
- Sublime structural integrity
- Cleaning is a breeze
Cons:
- Some latches arrive without any instruction whatsoever
- Users detect irregular warping on latches
10. Prime-Line A187
Specifications And Features:
- Non-handed
- Dimensions: 3.8 x 2.5 x 1.8 Inches
- Weight: 0.01 Pounds
- Black plastic
- Steel latch
Why We Love It:
Despite its plain appearance, A187 of Prime-Line is a resilient model that seldom lets owners of recreational vehicles down. Since A187 is a steel latch, it’s strong enough to endure vibration as enthusiasts of RVing move between locations. Furthermore, with the integration of black plastic in the body, the latch made by Prime-Line packs a classy profile. Because of that, whenever RVers require a RV screen door latch upgrade that could blend in, Prime-Line A187 is one of the best choices.
Being non-handed, the latch from Prime-Line is compatible with a wide range of screen doors for recreational vehicles. A187 comes alongside hardware on arrival, hence, RVers don’t have to spend a lot of time setting it up. The installation of Prime-Line A187 only involves basic tools so people should have everything they need in their toolbox. In the course of operation, the internal mechanism of the Prime-Line latch would minimize the odds of accidental opening by weather, pet and more.
Owing to its construction, A187 of Prime-Line is less vulnerable to elements than classic screen door latches of RV. Thus, A187 holds up well in an assortment of environments and its maintenance is a piece of cake as well.
Pros:
- Practical
- Low-priced
- Firm and fit
Cons:
- Pull should be extended a bit
- Customer service is mediocre
RV Screen Door Latch Buyer’s Guide
Enthusiasts of RVing have various ideas about the best RV screen door latch but to grab a good buy, you need to memorize these criteria
Durability
As people enter and exit recreational vehicles, they would repeatedly operate the screen doors as well as the associated latches. Because of that, once it comes to the camper screen door latch, it’s essential that you think about durability. The last thing you want to get is a fragile latch that falls apart shortly after purchase and forces you to spend more on replacements. To see how well a model holds together in use, you should check out the structural integrity of its materials.
Mechanism
Latches for screen doors of recreational vehicles on the market nowadays utilize an assortment of operating mechanisms with distinct characteristics. Considering that mechanism usually dictates convenience and level of security, you must keep it in mind while assessing available models. You could learn a great deal about the operating mechanisms of a particular screen door latch for RV by going through its owner’s manual. Besides directly evaluating models, it’s wise to read customer reviews and see what others say about latches you like.
Ease Of Installation
When you embrace RVing, you have to handle plenty of tasks so you don’t need a latch that takes all day to set up. To avoid headaches, it’s strongly recommended that you give ease of installation some thoughts. Avoid committing to a purchase until you know for sure that you have the skills and tools to set up the chosen screen door latch. In the case that you happen to have interests in a certain model but lack the means to install it, you may hire someone to deal with the setup process.
Maintenance
Like anything else, screen door latches for recreational vehicles require periodic maintenance from RVing enthusiasts to remain in working order. Thus, to ensure that you have enough time to enjoy yourself on the road, it’s widely advised that you prioritize models with simple maintenance. The owner’s manual normally contains details about what latches need so you should take a close look at it. That is going to let you cross out models with complicated maintenance from your shortlist and save lots of time.
Price
With brands releasing models across price points, people have a couple of options for latches regardless of the shopping budget. Still, price is linked to quality so you have to be thorough as you calculate the amount of money to spend on screen door latches. Unless you have sophisticated demands for your latches, a standard model would suit you well. In any case, it’s a good idea to steer clear of latches with unbelievably cheap price tags as they rarely last long over time.
How To Replace A Screen Door Latch
Overall, the replacement and installation of latches for screen doors of recreational vehicles tend to vary substantially between models, arrangements, … That being said, if you need some pointers, you should go through the steps below
- Step 1: Block the door in the open position and remove the screws that hold the latch halves
- Step 2: Take out the latch halves then clean out the grime underneath using warm water and mild detergent.
- Step 3: Pour lubrication into the space that the original latch halves leave behind. Use a moderate amount and wipe the excess to stop dirt from accumulating.
- Step 4: Position the new latch halves so the mounting holes and operating sterms match. When everything seems ideal, use screws to secure the latch halves.
- Step 5: Open and close the screen door to test out the new latch. Depending on the outcome, you have to disable the latch halves to add/remove shims.
How To Fix A Faulty Latch On A Screen Door
So the screen door latch of your rig starts acting up out of the blue? Then it’s suggested that you implement the following fixes
Tighten the screws with screwdrivers: Screws sometimes work themselves loose and impair the operation of latches in the process. As a result, once the latches of your screen doors don’t work correctly, you need to check up on the screws and tighten them.
Lubricate the internal operating mechanism: All sorts of things could build up inside latches of RV screen doors as RVers move from location to location. By lubricating the internal operating mechanism of the latches, you could keep everything working smoothly.
Apply changes to latch placement: Due to heat, moisture and alike, materials could warp over time which prevents previously well-fitted latches from performing as designed. Therefore, while addressing a malfunctioned screen door latch, you should consider changing the latch placement.
FAQs About Camper Screen Door Latch
How long would latches for RV screen doors last?
A lot of things from weather conditions to habits of RVers determine the longevity of a motorhome screen door latch. In the case that you don’t push your latches to the limit, they should remain operational for many years.
Is it possible to reuse hardware of old latches?
Door latches of the same type usually consist of parts with similar dimensions and purpose. Hence, depending on models, you could incorporate the hardware of old latches to new ones.
Should I substitute camper latches with residential ones?
Generally speaking, latches for households and camper latches don’t have significant differences between them. Nevertheless, residential latches lack the strength of latches designed purposely for use in recreational vehicles. That means if you outfit screen doors of your rig with household latches, you have to buy replacement fairly frequently.
You can also find our guides on how to choose the best RV door lock, best RV window, best RV skylight with detailed reviews in RV Door & Window category. In these reviews, we only include and recommend the best products with the highest ratings among highly sold products on the market.