Out camping this weekend and the locks on the passenger side panel broke. The one closest the the cab, the entire locking mechanism fell out when I unlocked and opened the panel.
Rear lock on the same panel would not unlock.
Time to open a service request and more likely, time to replace these cheap locking mechanisms
I asked about an upgrade as I had issues within the first week and was told:
“ We do not have a timeline on the latches, but I wager it would not be anytime soon”
the C5 Levers. I have been looking at those.
I wonder if these are a direct fit replacement…. I’d pay a premium for a locking set that is bomber
GFC uses the C2. Panel opening is 86x25mm. The C5 panel opening is 90x35mm. Not a direct fit replacement. Both rely on the same type of bracket for installation and have the same locking cylinders. Other than the size difference and the C5 being more flush to the panel, I don’t see a lot of difference between them.
C2:
C5:
Major difference is that Southco makes a cover (or if they don’t some company does) that fits the C5. Thus actually being the better option for the GFC, IMO.
I have done it to all 6 understand why it doesn’t seem very different but I can tell you have a lot experience with the others just about every camper shell I ever had used them and they have all failed these are far burlier the mechanism is much smoother and does not protrude out in addition to cover is adequate for all weather conditions I have had no issues summer winter dirt dust or mud.
The outside dimensions of the stock latches works perfectly as a template although they did supply a template I did not need to use.
10 minutes each using a hand metal file allowed me to pop them in snuggly.
They are more expensive I contacted one of their distributors brought the cost down to 50 bucks each that was including all the parts.
After having my first set on now for over six months I can tell you I am far happier with these.
I have done it to all 6 understand why it doesn’t seem very different but I can tell you have a lot experience with the others just about every camper shell I ever had used them and they have all failed these are far burlier the mechanism is much smoother and does not protrude out in addition to cover is adequate for all weather conditions I have had no issues summer winter dirt dust or mud.
The outside dimensions of the stock latches works perfectly as a template although they did supply a template I did not need to use.
10 minutes each using a hand metal file allowed me to pop them in snuggly.
They are more expensive I contacted one of their distributors brought the cost down to 50 bucks each that was including all the parts.
After having my first set on now for over six months I can tell you I am far happier with these.
Maybe GFC will upgrade to the C5 with covers. 
Hi cvollers
I have attached the link here and the items that I purchased and their cost thought you might be interested.
What is that top item labeled “latch”?
I am planning on swapping out all mine so have researched this too. That item is the weather cover. C5-0-34682 | NULL | Southco
One other “key” difference is where the key is. The c5 allows you to lock it without opening the latch when you put the stupid key in. This is one of the biggest pet peeves I have with the camper is when I put the key in to lock it, it often pops the latch and hits my knuckles.
I’ll probably join this C5 club before long but have other projects in the meantime.
“Key” difference… Get it?
Its the gasket and cover
Thank you for the BOM! I’m doing buying materials to do my tailgate now. I love my GFC, but these latches are miserable.
Hey J finally did switch all of them out everything worked out the same I used a hand file you probably could use a Dremel but it didn’t take me very long. The only difference as I had the mount them with the weather flap facing up Ill attach a pic if you like
Please do snap some pics.
Let’s start a petition to get GFC to switch to the C5…who’s with me?
