Today I’m going to replace the front door swing arm on our Monaco Coach. Monaco used these things on all but their top of the line DP’s, They work like a locking scissors, they keep the door under control, and lock it in the open position such that a simple pull will unlock it and let you close the door.
At least they are supposed to. This thing is 5 pieces of stainless steel held together by 3 rivets. When they are brand new they are very tight, I think I may hear about how hard it is to close the door now. As they wear, they get loose, and don’t hold the door open, a mild breeze will slam the door. When completely worn out, they lock firm, and require one to reach up and push it before the door will move.
Ours has been in this terminal mode for a few months. It’s a pain because it’s high on top of the door, and you have to remember to reach up and pop it before you get to the bottom step and can’t reach it.
Luckily, this part is still available. I found one place, an old Monaco Dealer who seems to have stocked up before the bankruptcy. They have lots of uncommon or hard to find Monaco specific parts. If you have a Monaco made RV, I highly recommend Veurinks RV for those hard to find parts.
Anyway, Sunday I bit the big one on this, and $155 later including shipping the new swing arm is here.
First to get the old one off. I get out my trusty extend-o-ladder and climb on up. The coach side is 6 square head screws, easy peasy. The door side uses 4 3/16” short rivets. These have to be drilled out.
The new one is very tight, and somewhat of a pain to get into exactly the right place. Then run the screws back in (I replaced 2 because the heads were kinda worn. Edit: I used Stainless allen head screws from a hardware store) and get out the old pop rivet tool and pop in some 3/16” short rivets. Use steel rivets, aluminum won’t last.
Mark Heise
Best write up on the internet about how to replace these swing arms, thanks. Assume you used a 3/16 drill bit to remove the rivits?
Jim Mellema
Thanks! And yes, a 3/16 drill.
Mark
Thanks for the drill bit size…with rivets, its a one shot deal. I have ordered the stainless rivets and swing arm from Veurinks’ RV Center, $40 less than from Monaco. So, how is the swing arm holding up? Figured the one on my RV is original and held up for 15 years, hope this new one will last 10. Mark
Jim Mellema
The new one is very tight. Was almost hard to open the door for a few months. It works great now.
Steve
Hi Jim, really appreciate the post. I have the arm assembly with steel 3/16 rivets. My problem is removing one of the screws on door side. It’s a phillips screw that apparently after 18 years in door this screw doesn’t want to leave my 2001 Monaco Knight coach. I’ve tried drilling screw out with regular drill but this thing is stubborn hardened steel. Next step is hammer drill with diamond bit. Any other ideas? It’s in storage but I have 110v available for corded hammer drill just purchased online. Box store will have diamond bits. I’m losing battle with this little screw. I don’t even know what size it is.. I’m only guessing 3/16. I’m guessing once screw is out I can replace with one size up hardened steel screw??
Jim Mellema
Steve,
My standard fix with totally stuck screws is to grind em flat, drill em with the correct size drill, and tap them for the same size screw.
If the head is still there, drill it off so you can remove the old scissors arm.
Then make a hole that will hold a screw. Don’t worry about going oversize or anything.
Jim
william greenhaw
thanks for the know how!
Jim Mellema
You’re welcome!
Ramiro Gomez
I replaced the do swing arm and it’s already wore out . How can you keep it tight and keep it from rattling going down road. Dose some one have a idea how l can fix it?
Jim Mellema
Ramiro, thanks for reading!
The “standard way” to keep it from rattling is to stick a piece of thick velcro to the top of the door, position so it will be under the pivot when the door is closed.
As far as new ones wearing out, I got nuttin. The one we used was very tight, and stayed tight until we sold the Monaco last year.
William R Johnson
Hi
I am writing up a procedure for replacing the swing arm / scissors with a gas strut. Would it be OK if I used a couple of pictures from your write-up?
Jim Mellema
Sorry, but no. You could take your own pictures when you do this repair?
Or you could link to my write-up.
Billy King
gas strut for 2009 Monaco Dynasty. i have replaced the original a couple of times they don’t last long, can I replace it with a gas shock?
Len Landry
How do you install the rivet? I see the picture in your presentation of an apparatus to install the rivet but am not familiar with any of this. I have never used these rivets. Can screws be used instead of rivets on the door side?
Jim Mellema
Len,
“Pop” rivets are common blind fasteners. They are very handy, they allow you to permanently put 2 things together when you can only get to one side. They are much stronger than screws and won’t strip out.
The rivets and installation tools are available at all home center stores, hardware stores, and many places on the internet including Amazon. https://amzn.to/3dYaQBf
Glenn
Great write-up!
Going to replace mine tomorrow or soon. You mentioned replacing your screws. Did you find original “square drive” screws? If so where did you find them? I am missing one and one is bent.
Thank You!
Glenn
Jim Mellema
Thanks for the kind words Glenn, and sorry for my delay in replying.
I used hardware store screws. 3/16 fine recessed hex, in stainless steel.
Patty
Your explanation is very helpful. We have a 1995 Monaco and the door won’t stay open, as you explained. Do you think it would it take the same hinge? On the Veurinks RV site, they only go back as far as 1999. Thanks for any thoughts…
Jim Mellema
I’m sorry, I do not have any info specific to your coach.
Perhaps call Veurinks?
Or try to get a part number from REV Group.
Patty
Hi…I know this is an old post, hoping someone sees this. You mentioned 3/16 short rivets. Not sure what you mean by short. I found 3/16” rivets with a 1/4-3/8” grip range. Is this what I need?
Jim Mellema
Yes, the 1/4 to 3/16 reach rivets are the “short” ones
Thanks!