Replacing my old swell latches with the new ones was super easy!
Description
Broken latch on your Airstream's bumper compartment?
We had the same problem. Then we found these.
These plastic "swell latches" sometimes break off. The good news is that they are easy to replace.
These swell latches fit the bumper compartments on aluminum Airstream trailers made since 2016. We offer them as a set of 2, because if one has broken, the other one is likely to follow.
To install, simply unscrew the bottom cap and slide off the washer and spacer (see photo). Insert the swell latch in the bumper hole, then replace the spacer, washer, and bottom cap.
Replaces Airstream part # 382456
Customer Reviews
Overall rating: 4.1 / 5 from 19 reviews.
Your customer service was excellent.
Outstanding service especially since the first one I had and broke. They sent a replacement quickly. Service is key
I needed one but ordered two for a spare. First one broke on first use. Second one is working as expected. These were pretty pricey so one failure is really not ok.
Swell latches for Airstream bumper compartment (set of 2)
Store owner replied: Sorry to hear that! If the latch is adjusted too tight, it will break. We're sending you two new latches for free. Be sure to adjust them so that they are a bit loose when they are open.
One broke very easily at the handle as I was adjusting the tension to make sure a perfect fit. The first one went very well and holds great. A little worried if the 2nd broke that I may have to "baby" the first one. Keeping the two old ones just in case.
Swell latches for Airstream bumper compartment (set of 2)
Store owner replied: Sorry to hear the first latch broke. This often happens if the swell latch is tightened too much. As a courtesy, our customer support team will send you a latch to replace the one that broke.
Ordering was easy and was exactly what I needed!!!
Service was good. They’re replacement latches for the bumper cover. They appear to be a perfect match.
Identical to the original parts. I replaced my originals because the rubber cylinders had swollen permanently to the point where it was very difficult to open the hatch. The new ones work fine. When installing, don't screw the nuts all the way down, or the latches won't close without breaking the shafts.
What is there to say about a latch for an outside compartment for our Airstream?
Easy easy install
Really nice to be able to find these hard to find parts (swell latches). Wish Airstream had done something better, but lacking that, you were invaluable.
Swell latches for Airstream bumper compartment (set of 2)
Store owner replied: Our pleasure, David. We searched high and low for these replacement parts because our swell latches kept breaking, too. Now we always have spares in the trailer when we travel. We just used one on our trip last month to Big Bend NP. :-)
Well, actually have not used yet, I bought them for backups in case of breaking while out on road!
Swell latches for Airstream bumper compartment (set of 2)
Store owner replied: Smart move. These latches seem to have a habit of breaking when we are in a remote area so we always travel with a stash too.
Latch broke on first use. I am very familiar with these latches. It is important that that are not over tightened to avoid breakage. Despite being installed with that in mind one of the two latches failed on first use. These latches are notoriously not robust on their best days but the one I received was flawed. I was refused a refund by Air Gear. Nothing great to say about this experience.
Great product that I know I will need in the near future.
I bought these to add to my spare parts just in case I wear this latch out. It's a low cost adder to any order that you make with Air Gear that just makes sense. Just do it!
Swell latches for Airstream bumper compartment (set of 2)
Store owner replied: Thanks for the promo, Steve. Yes, it's smart to have these available on every trip. You never know when one of them is going to crack or pop off. We keep a bag of spares in the exterior compartment.
Exact replacement for clips holding rear compartment shut
just what I needed
Easy to install and a nice improvement to the original latches that were installed on our 2019 International Signature travel trailer. The timing of your release of the new manual bumper latches was perfect, pricing and easy installation was perfect as I needed to replace the original factory supplied product. Tom A.
Great product and easy to replace the original product.