Bunk End Latches

[dave89]

I stopped at the local Jayco dealership today and after getting a couple of things, I walked around the showroom floor. They had a number of hybrids on the floor and the first thing I noticed were the new style bunk end latches. They are mechanically operated lower next to the outside the bunk and catch a stud mounted up on the bunk deck. While is is a good concept, the parts are made of plastic. It doesn't seem very robust to me. I have a 2013 x23b with the cargo latches. The reason, I was told, for the change was because of the height of the latches. Too high for people to reach. I was wondering if people have had issues with the new latches not being sturdy enough. And also general thoughts on the change. Happy Camping!!

[glsimms]

Hmmm..... The old latches work fine for me, then again I'm 6'3".....

[ashmanbrian]

I can see where the latches are too high for many people. I have to stand on tippy toes, I'm 5'8". My wife cannot reach them. I wouldn't want plastic latches. Ours are metal on our 2014 hybrid.

[navymommy]

I'm 5'3", have a small foldable stool, and have no problem setting up or tearing down on my own. No one with a brain should have trouble with the latches. Maybe I should order some metal latches before they go out of stock, in case ours ever blow up. I don't want plastic.

[GRUU]

Originally Posted by navymommy

I'm 5'3", have a small foldable stool, and have no problem setting up or tearing down on my own. No one with a brain should have trouble with the latches. Maybe I should order some metal latches before they go out of stock, in case ours ever blow up. I don't want plastic.

I'm 5' 5" and I use a small stool too. Works just fine for me. I also like the heavy metal latches. I have not seen the new latches in person but from the pictures I have seen and posts I have read, I don't want them.

[Kdunk1]

The new latches do not seem very durable to me. When I posted pics of my 2017 x23b someone noted the 2 steps. I guess the new model does sit up higher.

[DocBrown]

I have not personally seen the new latches myself but I've seen photos. I don't like them. Our '03 Kiwi had a screw down type which I never cared for. I like the cargo style latches on my '13 X20E.

Not everything is an improvement on newer trailers. Mine was the first year with the new collapsible dinette legs. Terrible. And everyone hates them. I complained to Jayco and asked for an old style set of legs. They said they would give them to me if they had them but they no longer stocked them. I found my own.

[kampfirekid]

We considered a new hybrid this next time around. Frankly, I'm not to sure if we are "hybrid" material anymore, but after seeing the cheap plastic latches Jayco is using for 2017, the hybrid was removed from our consideration. They are so cheap and flimsy, I will bet the farm they won't make it to the 2019 models.


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[bankr63]

Originally Posted by navymommy

I'm 5'3", have a small foldable stool, and have no problem setting up or tearing down on my own. No one with a brain should have trouble with the latches. Maybe I should order some metal latches before they go out of stock, in case ours ever blow up. I don't want plastic.

Probably not necessary. The cargo latches are not a Jayco specific part and are used on all kinds of trailers. You can get replacements on Amazon, eBay, or eTrailer easily if you ever need to replace one, or upgrade the new ones if they turn out to be a bust.

[Jagiven]

The new 23B's have a traditional axle that can be flipped. Hence the double step, and the new bunk latch location.

I looked at the latches at the camping show. They appear to be a bake-a-lite type of material. If they are, they are really strong.

They would not bother me.