The 18+ Heritage bags use a 3/8"-16 bolt that is 2.0" ish long. Just go search for a thumb screw in that size.

 

Thank you, that's a good idea! Maybe a Hex Washer Head would be the way to go. Just afraid the factory screw head would tend to strip out after multiple bag removals and installs.

 

I never had a problem with the Dzus pins either until I picked up my bike after some service work, rode home, opened the lid and there was the pin sitting in the bottom of the bag. That’s when I placed an order for the screws with the plastic ****. I only put one on in each bag and they work great.

 

This is my solution. A 5/16-18 stainless steel button head screw, lock washer and a u-bolt, also known as a fender washer. I use this on the rear attachment and the dzus on the front. This sticks out less than the dzus fasteners and I keep a small alien wrench in the bag I keep my shock air pump.

I’ve never had the dzus fail in 10 years so they are pretty good. HD must have changed something on the early Rushmore bags because they were failing and it was a recall. I had a coworker that lost a bag on a 2014 Streetglide.

 

That's where they got their start, and they built a solid reputation.... Dzus fasteners were subjected to more forces in those applications then they will ever see on an HD saddlebag...

Prior to the Rushmore recall, I would have bet that 99% of the bags that fell off, were due to operator error.... It does take a certain feel, to know when they have been properly latched.... and I still feel most of the early bag losses were operator error...

Unfortunately, on the '85-'13 baggers, you could easily pop the saddlebags, with a Dzus fastener, off the bike, by prying the fastener between the saddlebag and frame rail. It was very quick, and easy if you knew how. I saw a video of it, and was amazed at how easy it was to do...

On my '12 bagger, I ran one Dzus fastener and one RickRak bolt per bag, to stop the possible theft, not because I mistrusted the Dzuz fasteners...

With the Rushmore baggers, HD made changes (unknown if intentional or accidental) that didn't allow access to the fasteners between the bag and the frame rail. The easy theft opportunity was removed from the equation...

Then more saddlebags started falling off bikes than usual....

I was one of "those people" who thought that the loss of a Rushmore bag was total operator error, until I saw the recall...

I still have faith that the Dzus fasteners are a solid, reliable fastener.... but as in many areas, it's just one more thing that I believe the MoCo cheapened in the name of corporate profits.... I haven't examined two side by side, but would be willing to bet that there was change in the HD version of a Dzus fastener somewhere along the line... probably with the Rushmore bikes, and probably with the spring latch, not the pin...

I traded my '12 for '16, and even though I trust a traditional Dzus fastener, I no longer trust the MoCo to build them as they were intended... I still use one Dzus fastener and one RickRak bolt per saddlebag, for peace of mind.....

 

Those style retaining clips also double as tie down points for when you don't want things to bounce around in the saddle bags.

 

Dzus fasteners,a lot of history. I found thi online years ago for 8 bucks,great read.

 

The RikRak SureKlik saddlebag safety bolts are longer than the stock OEM 1/4 turn fastener. The safety bolts in the rear position of your saddlebags will most likely interfere with the mounting bracket if you have a trailer hitch installed on your motorcycle. I have a McHitch trailer hitch on my 2011 Ultra and the safety bolts interfere with the hitch mounting bracket in the rear saddlebag mounting hole.