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Old 06-05-2017, 03:54 PM   #1
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Screen Door Handle Mod-Help?

Hello all,

New owners of a 2018 Roo 19. We are loving everything about it, but there are some things I would like to improve. The handle for the screen door when entering from outside is easy for adults to manage, but my 5 & 3 yo almost went off the steps a few times trying to open it.

They have to climb the steps, pull down on the handle, walk backwards down the steps with the door in their hand until they can get past it and then climb back up the steps. Then the door is out of reach and I have to close it for them.

Anyone have any ideas on how to make this easier? I was initially thinking about moving the handle to the bottom corner of the door, but closing the door from the inside would not be fun. Now I am thinking about a pull string or rod mounted to the handle so they could pull it down and open.
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Old 06-05-2017, 03:58 PM   #2
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Any door that opens out with steps and no stoop which is pretty much
every RV you've ever seen is difficult for adults and just about impossible
for the little ones.

Anything you can come up with on your own would be worth posting pictures for the rest of us that have grand kids.

You often see long term campers with a mini deck at the door for this
very reason.

Good luck!
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Old 06-05-2017, 03:59 PM   #3
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The string idea seems like a great fix until the little campers are tall enough.

What I did was install a battery operated doorbell at the top of the steps (the grandkids can reach it from the ground). They ring the bell and step back and one of us opens the door.

I got the 2 button bell and installed one at "adult height" and we know who wants in by the different ring tone.

Wireless Plug-In Door Bell Kit with 2-Push Button, White-216604 - The Home Depot
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Old 06-05-2017, 04:32 PM   #4
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Saw someone do a trick a couple years back on here. Basically, they added a second screen door handle at bottom of the door with a heavy wire link-age attaching into the factory one. Worked well. Wish I could find the post. My 4yo has it figured out where she can reach the handle, then lay flat on a step while the door swings over her. Not sure how she figured it out but it works. Like Herk said, we help often.
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Old 06-06-2017, 07:05 AM   #5
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^ I like he idea of a second handle connected by a linkage of some sort.

Doorbell is out of the question. Both kids love to play with doorbells, and we go camping to get away from such things!!
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Old 06-06-2017, 12:21 PM   #6
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saw these at the RV show in York PA a couple months ago... awesome product.
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Old 06-06-2017, 12:25 PM   #7
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Here is a link to an idea. I thought this was a great idea for my grandsons.
http://www.doityourselfrv.com/rv-scr...latch-mod-kid/
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Old 06-06-2017, 12:35 PM   #8
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If you want the main door easier to reach, then Stromberg-Carlson has the EZ open door handle that looks to be nicely made. The screen door is a different animal.
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Old 06-06-2017, 12:36 PM   #9
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Here's a link for the screen door. I might just do this for us adults.

Kid Friendly RV Screen Door Latch Mod: 2 Handles, One Door
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Old 06-06-2017, 03:14 PM   #10
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I installed one of the Stomburg-Carlson devices for my disabled wife shortly after we went from a Class A to a 5th wheel. Works like a champ. got it at one of the on-line Rv suppliers but OI just saw it at CW
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Old 06-06-2017, 10:03 PM   #11
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The latch is $16.37 Amazon; free prime shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...lifenetwork-20

Easy DIY project.
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Old 06-06-2017, 10:05 PM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Herk7769 View Post
The latch is $16.37 Amazon; free shipping.

https://www.amazon.com/exec/obidos/A...lifenetwork-20

Easy DIY project.
I thought so. I saw another one where a string hung down with a ring attached and it did the same thing.
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Old 06-07-2017, 08:12 AM   #13
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^Really great ideas and I appreciate the time spent linking data. I didn't even think about the actual door yet, just the screen door. The EZ open handle looks like a great solution.
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Old 06-12-2017, 08:09 AM   #14
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Quote:
Originally Posted by DustyRoads View Post
I thought so. I saw another one where a string hung down with a ring attached and it did the same thing.
Just did the mod this wknd. Connected the two handles w/ a cable. Kids luv it. Easy peasy.
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