Magnetic Door Screen

[KansasFR3]

Based on a YouTube video that I came across, I knew once my screen door latched broke, I was going to do this mod.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=SsuTn7ccYkI

Here's some pictures on my setup. A local tool store had some magnets that I picked up.

The larger one used on the main door were about 0.5" dia x 0.25" (8lb) and the ones I used on the screen door were 3/8" dia x ~1/8". I used some Gorilla Epoxy Glue that I had and took a couple days to epoxy one side, then the other, etc... Also epoxy some washer to provide a ferrous surface for the magnets to be attracted to. I used 3 small magnets on the screen door, could get by with less if you want. Think you need at least the 2 of the 8lb magnets to hold the door to the screen frame so it doesn't come loose when you open with you a quick tug. Maybe you can find one 16 lb magnet instead of 2...Anyways, this is my setup. We'll see how it works on our next trip. Handle is a Camco handle.

5lb Magnets: General No. 342 ($6, 5 pack, Local Supply)
8lb Magnets: Enkay 4480-C ($8, 4 pack, Local Supply)
Camco 42183 Door Handle (Amazon)

[OldCoot]

What is the purpose of the wires on the main door glass frame?

[KansasFR3]

Just some string that I used to hold up the foil insulation over the window in the summer. Just tuck in the insulation behind the string and it stays in place.

[OldCoot]

Originally Posted by KansasFR3

Just some string that I used to hold up the foil insulation over the window in the summer. Just tuck in the insulation behind the string and it stays in place.

OK, thanks. We shade ours with the awning.

[DutchRv]

Originally Posted by KansasFR3

Just some string that I used to hold up the foil insulation over the window in the summer. Just tuck in the insulation behind the string and it stays in place.

Good idea Mike, I might black out ours as well for added insulation (you know abt South Florida )

Also, did I see you have one of those bars on the screen?

[KansasFR3]

Yeah, just added that bar as an extra hand hold when opening the door. Its a nice touch. A little more ergonomic. Wife likes it, so we're good!

[DutchRv]

Originally Posted by KansasFR3

Yeah, just added that bar as an extra hand hold when opening the door. Its a nice touch. A little more ergonomic. Wife likes it, so we're good!

Ordered it. Received it. Installed it. Love it.

Also removed the original handle/slidestopper that already broke.

Thanks for the tip Mike!

[colourful64]

Kansasfr3 is that strong on the window of your door?

[KansasFR3]

Its not meant to be leaned on, or assisting you going up the stairs. Just to hold the door when opening, or closing. I mounted it to the door, close to where I put the mounting of the magnets. This way when you give it a tug, the screen door will pop away from the main door magnets with ease. If you ever closed your door while squeezing size 13 shoes in the lower stairwell, hunched over, its a pain. :-)

[colourful64]

Oh my that was suppose to say string not strong. ! I'm sorry about that

[KansasFR3]

Yes, its string. Its there to hold the insulated bubblewrap that I slide in between the string/window.

[dmchapman]

Our old trailer had a magnet to hold the screen door to the main door. The screen had a bullet type catch to the frame. Our ill-mannered dogs could pop the screen open with no effort. Our new trailer has the modern positive latch. Much better suited for our needs. And when the cheap plastic handle breaks I intend to get the metal replacement handle and see how sturdy that is.