6 Best RV Baggage Door Catches The RV Community Swears By

You’re halfway through pulling out the sewer hose when a gust of wind slams the baggage door shut, right on your head. We’ve all been there, fighting with those flimsy plastic clips that barely hold on a calm day. Upgrading your RV’s baggage door catches is one of the fastest, cheapest, and most satisfying improvements you can make.

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Why You Should Upgrade Your RV Baggage Catches

The baggage door catches that come from the factory are an afterthought. They’re typically made from cheap, UV-brittle plastic designed to last just long enough to get the rig off the dealer lot. They break, they get weak, and they simply don’t hold up to the realities of wind, rain, and constant use.

This isn’t just an annoyance; it’s a safety issue. A falling baggage door can cause injury, especially when you’re crouched down and focused on a task. It can also damage the door or the side of your RV, leading to a much more expensive repair than a simple catch replacement.

A good upgrade gives you peace of mind. It means you can set up camp without worrying that a breeze will send a heavy door crashing down. It’s a small change that eliminates a major point of frustration, making your entire RVing experience smoother and more enjoyable.

RecPro Magnetic Catch: A Strong, Simple Upgrade

Magnetic catches are a game-changer for most RVers. The RecPro Magnetic Catch is a popular choice because it does its job without any fuss. There are no clips to snap or plastic to fatigue—just a powerful magnet that grabs the door and holds it securely.

What I appreciate about this design is its simplicity. You get a strong, reliable hold every time, even in moderate wind. The magnet is encased in a durable housing that stands up to the elements far better than the old plastic clips. It’s a true "set it and forget it" upgrade.

The installation is straightforward, often using the same screw holes as the original catch. This makes it a quick 10-minute project for each door. The result is a clean, modern look and a door that stays put until you decide to close it.

Camco T-Style Holder: The Classic OEM Replacement

Sometimes, you just need a direct, no-frills replacement. The Camco T-Style Holder is exactly that. It’s the familiar plastic clip-and-holder design you see on thousands of RVs, but often made with slightly better UV-resistant plastic than the original factory parts.

Let’s be clear: this is not a major upgrade in function, but it’s an effective and incredibly affordable repair. If your old clip snapped and you just want to get the door working again for a few dollars, this is your answer. They are sold in multi-packs, so you can keep a few spares in your toolkit for the next time one inevitably breaks.

The biggest drawback is that you’re still dealing with the same fundamental design flaw. The plastic will eventually get brittle from sun exposure, and the clip can be a pain to engage with one hand. But for a quick, budget-friendly fix, it’s a reliable standby that gets the job done.

JR Products Spring-Loaded Plunger Catch

If you want a more mechanical and secure hold than a plastic clip, the spring-loaded plunger catch is an excellent option. This style features a metal plunger that snaps into a socket, providing a very positive and secure lock. You can feel and hear it click into place, so there’s no question whether the door is secure.

This design is particularly useful for doors that are slightly misaligned or warped, as the plunger has a bit of tolerance. Unlike magnets that need a flat, close connection, the plunger will find its home in the socket and hold tight. It’s a robust, all-metal solution that won’t degrade in the sun.

The only real tradeoff is that it requires a deliberate action to release; you have to pull the door away with a bit of force. Some people prefer the effortless release of a magnet, while others appreciate the security of this mechanical connection. It’s a matter of personal preference, but the holding power is undeniable.

Southco Grabber Catch for Heavy-Duty Doors

For large, heavy, or insulated baggage doors, you need to bring in the heavy hitters. The Southco Grabber Catch is an industrial-grade latch that provides serious holding power. It’s designed with a unique spring-loaded "grabber" mechanism that clamps down on the receiver, holding the door with incredible force.

This is the kind of hardware I’d use on a custom build, a bus conversion, or a high-end fifth wheel with oversized basement doors. Standard plastic or even light-duty magnetic catches simply can’t handle the weight and leverage of a big door, especially in a strong wind. The Southco catch eliminates that worry entirely.

Installation is more involved, as it needs precise alignment to function correctly. But if you have a door that constantly breaks other catches or just won’t stay put, this is the definitive solution. It’s overkill for small compartment doors but essential for big ones.

AP Products Magnetic Kit for Easy Installation

The AP Products Magnetic Kit is another fantastic magnetic option that often wins on ease of installation. Many of these kits come with both screws and a high-strength adhesive backing. This gives you the option for a no-drill install, which is a huge plus for anyone hesitant to put new holes in their RV.

While I always recommend using screws for a permanent, secure mount, the adhesive can be a great way to test placement before committing. The holding power is comparable to other leading magnetic catches, providing a solid grip that’s easy to engage and disengage. It’s a simple, effective solution that looks clean and modern.

This kit is a perfect entry point for someone who wants to upgrade from plastic clips but is intimidated by the process. It’s user-friendly, reliable, and removes the biggest barrier for many DIYers: drilling into their rig.

Hatchlift Gas Strut Kit: The Hands-Free Solution

If you want the ultimate baggage door experience, you graduate to gas struts. The Hatchlift kits are engineered specifically for RVs and provide a true hands-free solution. A flick of the latch is all it takes for the door to open smoothly on its own and stay open securely.

This isn’t just a catch; it’s a complete opening and holding system. It’s incredibly useful when your hands are full with gear, hoses, or tools. No more fumbling to clip the door open—it just glides up and out of your way. This is the single biggest quality-of-life improvement you can make to your storage compartments.

The upgrade comes at a cost, both in price and installation complexity. You’ll need to measure carefully and install mounting brackets on both the door and the RV frame. It’s a more involved project, but for those who use their storage bays frequently, the convenience is absolutely worth the effort.

Installation Tips for Your New Door Catches

Installing new baggage door catches is a simple job, but doing it right ensures they last. First, always clean the surface thoroughly with alcohol before mounting, especially if you’re using adhesive. Old grime and wax will prevent a secure bond.

If you’re drilling new holes, use a bit of high-quality sealant like ProFlex RV or a butyl tape behind the catch. This is non-negotiable. Any new hole in your RV’s skin is a potential entry point for water, and a tiny dab of sealant is cheap insurance against delamination.

Finally, pay attention to alignment. For magnetic and plunger-style catches, temporarily attach them with one screw or adhesive to test the position before securing them permanently. A misaligned catch won’t hold properly and can put stress on the hardware, leading to premature failure. Take an extra minute to get it right.

Don’t let a broken or weak baggage door catch be a source of constant frustration on your travels. For less than the cost of a tank of gas and an hour of your time, you can install a solution that is safer, more reliable, and far more convenient. It’s one of those small projects that makes a huge difference every single time you set up camp.