Bunk ends pop out of latch on ‘19 Viking VTrek

[StormFuel]

I’ve got a 2019 Viking VTrek V3. This model has the bunk ends suspended from the roof via cables rather than supported from below with poles from the frame. One thing that happens to us on campouts is that the slides seem to wiggle past the latch that keeps them fully extended. It usually only happens on one of the slides and not both on each bed. Sometimes it happens if someone is on the bunk end tossing and turning. Other times it seems to happen at random. One thing that I find odd is that the latch is so small. I guess they did that so that it is easy to lift out to push the bunk ends in but it’s small enough that it’s inevitable that it will get loose at some point. Anyone seen this and have any suggestions?

 

[PopUpSteve]

Wow, I don't like that design at all.

 

[Jean-Francois Voyer]

View attachment 80592 I’ve got a 2019 Viking VTrek V3. This model has the bunk ends suspended from the roof via cables rather than supported from below with poles from the frame. One thing that happens to us on campouts is that the slides seem to wiggle past the latch that keeps them fully extended. It usually only happens on one of the slides and not both on each bed. Sometimes it happens if someone is on the bunk end tossing and turning. Other times it seems to happen at random. One thing that I find odd is that the latch is so small. I guess they did that so that it is easy to lift out to push the bunk ends in but it’s small enough that it’s inevitable that it will get loose at some point. Anyone seen this and have any suggestions?

Hade the same issue with the front bunk on our 2017 2308ST. Had the latch and the entire slide replaced once under warranty as it happen in the middle of the night while my wife and I were in bed and it twisted the slide from the force when it popped. They put in the same style latch and guess what, on the second trip after repair same issue.

I removed the latch pin and replaced it with a long bolt that fits in the existing hole and goes all the way to the bottom of the track, a simple $2 fix. We completely remove the bolt and store it under the mattress when we close the trailer down. The only thing is you have to slightly pull beds out to remove the bolt but besides that no issue with this ever again!

 

[StormFuel]

That makes a lot of sense. It's so strange that they designed it like this. Did you drill out the bottom of the rail so that the bolt drops through? Would be grateful for a photo!

 

[Jean-Francois Voyer]

No, I did not drill thru the slide rails, simply use a bolt that's long enough to get to the floor of the rail. I actually used a longer bolt and cut off the threaded portion so that it can slide in and out of the hole, essentially replicating the latch but it now goes all the way down. Our Trailer is in a storage garage for the winter and it's got 3' of snow around it so won't have access for a couple of months still.

 

[StormFuel]

Your explanation helps. Thanks for this tip. I'm going to give it a shot.

 

[Tracy D.]

Hade the same issue with the front bunk on our 2017 2308ST. Had the latch and the entire slide replaced once under warranty as it happen in the middle of the night while my wife and I were in bed and it twisted the slide from the force when it popped. They put in the same style latch and guess what, on the second trip after repair same issue.

I removed the latch pin and replaced it with a long bolt that fits in the existing hole and goes all the way to the bottom of the track, a simple $2 fix. We completely remove the bolt and store it under the mattress when we close the trailer down. The only thing is you have to slightly pull beds out to remove the bolt but besides that no issue with this ever again!

Hi, thanks for your excellent solution! Would you happen to have a picture of the fix? We’re having the same issue?

Many thanks!

 

[Dave Brick]

View attachment 80592 I’ve got a 2019 Viking VTrek V3. This model has the bunk ends suspended from the roof via cables rather than supported from below with poles from the frame. One thing that happens to us on campouts is that the slides seem to wiggle past the latch that keeps them fully extended. It usually only happens on one of the slides and not both on each bed. Sometimes it happens if someone is on the bunk end tossing and turning. Other times it seems to happen at random. One thing that I find odd is that the latch is so small. I guess they did that so that it is easy to lift out to push the bunk ends in but it’s small enough that it’s inevitable that it will get loose at some point. Anyone seen this and have any suggestions?

I used almost the same fix as JFV.. I just use a cheap screwdriver holder with the bit removed. Works perfectly.

The design is really good in theory but the materials are poor. A longer bolt and metal-to metal contact would have solved the problem. I like not having to climb underneath to set the poles.

EDIT: For spelling error and to add-there is no need to drill. It easiest to just remove the entire black ball/spring loaded mechanism and the little frame it rides in.

 

[Tracy D.]

Perfect, thanks!