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05-04-2016, 03:20 PM
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#1
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Rivet Master
2014 23' International
Hurst
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,495
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Broken Door Handle? Be Prepared With This Simple Mod
OK, I'm a worrier. When I saw this thread about the entrance/exit door handle breaking off, it got my attention: http://www.airforums.com/forums/f44/...ht-133974.html
Having no interest at all in crawling out the "emergency exit" of our 23D, I started checking the latch mechanism to see if there is a way to get it open even with a totally-broken-off-handle.
As it turns out, there is.
In the attached photos, you will see a little "tab" inside the door latch mechanism. Lifting "UP" on this tab will release the latch... exactly what happens when you turn the handle.
So, a few minutes work with a file to create a "notch" in my screen door frame, and drilling a small hole in the door frame allows me to "trip" the latch with a small Phillips screwdriver (now residing in my inside-the-trailer tool kit).
I bought some fuzzy-side Velcro and made new pads for the door frame. I cut a "X" where the hole is drilled in the frame, and, sure 'nuff, the screwdriver goes right through and with about 5-seconds of hunting for exactly the right place, "POP" my door is open.
I plan on buying a new handle assembly (they are only just over twenty bucks) and carry it as a "spare." This level of preparedness should ensure my handle never breaks!
"Spare" door handle here: http://airstreamsupply.com/New-Airst...e-lh-381547-02
Rob
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05-15-2016, 05:42 PM
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#2
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2 Rivet Member
2016 30' International
Richfield
, Ohio
Join Date: Feb 2016
Posts: 32
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When it happened to me, I didn't have to crawl out the emergency exit. Luckily I was in the driveway. I called and woke up my wife (11pm) to open the door . Next time I will crawl out the window. Or wok on creating the "notch"
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05-18-2016, 01:04 PM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2008 25' Classic
Full Time
, Texas
Join Date: Nov 2012
Posts: 4,309
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I hadn't seen the thread about the door handle breaking off and getting stuck inside. We've (well, my wife) locked ourselves out. I wasn't at the campground at the time but she managed to crawl through the outside, under bed storage (luckily unlocked) opening to get inside.
I'll have to look at my door to find the magic catch.
Kelvin
__________________
2008 Classic 25fb "Silver Mistress"
2015 Ram 2500 6.7L Cummins. Crew Cab, 4x4, Silver
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05-18-2016, 02:00 PM
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#4
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Rivet Master
2014 23' International
Hurst
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,495
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Quote:
Originally Posted by KJRitchie
I hadn't seen the thread about the door handle breaking off and getting stuck inside. We've (well, my wife) locked ourselves out. I wasn't at the campground at the time but she managed to crawl through the outside, under bed storage (luckily unlocked) opening to get inside.
I'll have to look at my door to find the magic catch.
Kelvin
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Kelvin,
This little "mod" will be a piece-of-cake for you! Of course, now that I've don the "mod," it's a certainty that my door handle will never break. This is such a super-easy preventive step, I thought a lot of Airstreamers would have shown interest. As for me, I just had a life size mental picture of trying to crawl out the minuscule Emergency Exit window... yuk! Hence, the fix. No acrobatics for this old guy.
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09-07-2017, 06:52 PM
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#5
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Rivet Master
2016 30' Classic
Lorton
, Virginia
Join Date: Jul 2015
Posts: 689
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Door handle broke off on me, thanks for the instructions. I was able to slide a knife in to catch the black tab without modifying anything. I'll do your mod soon to make exiting easier.
It is really sad to see how cheap the internals are of this mechanism. The door handle is literally just crimped onto the latch plate inside and will eventually fail for everyone given enough time. Nothing surprises me anymore though with Airstream.
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02-10-2018, 07:33 AM
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#6
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Rivet Master
2000 25' Safari
Davidson County
, NC Highlands County, FL
Join Date: Aug 2006
Posts: 4,493
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I noticed the screen door of my 99 Excella had a notch cut in it and an added piece of Velcro on the inside, but did not know why the previous owner had done this. All I have to do is find a small screw driver!
Thanks for posting this!
__________________
Alan
2014 Silverado LTZ 1500 Crew Cab 5.3L maximum trailering package
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02-10-2018, 12:16 PM
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#7
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Rivet Master
2012 25' FB Eddie Bauer
Vintage Kin Owner
Virginia Beach
, Virginia
Join Date: Sep 2004
Posts: 7,801
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[emoji868][emoji108][emoji849] you da man! Super clear and helpful.
Moderators, give this thread a sticky!!!!
__________________
Today is a gift, that's why they call it the present.
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02-10-2018, 01:33 PM
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#8
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Rivet Master
1991 34' Excella
Princeton
, New Jersey
Join Date: Aug 2003
Posts: 7,070
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I noticed on the other tread about door handles that the mechanism was made by TriMark. About that time, 2014 or so, TriMark made door handles for many motor homes that would fail in the locked position and were under a Federal Recall to replace them. I had to replace the handle on a friends, 75 year old single woman that got locked in her motor home, under the recall. TriMark tried to wiggle out of it but when I quoted the recall number they quickly sent newly designed door assembly.
__________________
WBCCI 12156 AIR 3144 WACHUNG TAC NJ6
2004 Excursion 4x4
1991 34 ft. Excella +220,000 miles, new laminated flooring, new upholstery, new 3200 lbs axles
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02-11-2018, 03:41 PM
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#9
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Rivet Master
2004 28' Classic
Monument
, Colorado
Join Date: Nov 2015
Posts: 1,566
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Thanks for reviving this thread. Just checked my door handle today. It is very loose, so I will be ordering a new one.
__________________
DaveP
2004 Airstream Classic 28 "Willard"
2023 Ram 3500 4x4
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07-17-2018, 05:12 PM
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#10
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2 Rivet Member
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 77
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RFP, what a great solution to a potential problem! I just made your modification to our door. While there, I decided that it would be a good idea to dedicate a screwdriver to this task, and keep it handy. I can imagine doing this mod, needing the screwdriver, only to realize that it's in the toolbox in the outside compartment.
Here's what you'll need.
https://i.imgur.com/6E9lRlo.jpg
Determine the proper placement and install.
https://i.imgur.com/zFrMM0R.jpg
This one lives here now.
https://i.imgur.com/XibBL2R.jpg
--Sean
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07-17-2018, 05:46 PM
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#11
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Rivet Master
2014 23' International
Hurst
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,495
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SeanWasHere
RFP, what a great solution to a potential problem! I just made your modification to our door. While there, I decided that it would be a good idea to dedicate a screwdriver to this task, and keep it handy. I can imagine doing this mod, needing the screwdriver, only to realize that it's in the toolbox in the outside compartment.
Here's what you'll need.
https://i.imgur.com/6E9lRlo.jpg
Determine the proper placement and install.
https://i.imgur.com/zFrMM0R.jpg
This one lives here now.
https://i.imgur.com/XibBL2R.jpg
--Sean
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Wow, Sean, you are truly prepared!
My little dedicated used-to-be-a-screwdriver thingy lives in the same little box of I'll-need-this-sometime goodies (like fuses, etc.). If I ever need it, I hope I can remember that it's there.
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07-17-2018, 08:15 PM
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#12
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2 Rivet Member
Santa Rosa
, California
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 77
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Foiled Again (post #7) is right, RFP has invented a really good solution to a potential issue. This ought to be considered for a Sticky.
Hey Moderators, how about a general "Safety Sticky" for things like this?!?
--Sean
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07-17-2018, 08:37 PM
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#13
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Overkill Specialist
Commercial Member
2020 30’ Globetrotter
2014 23' International
Dadeville
, Alabama
Join Date: Oct 2015
Posts: 4,516
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I’ve done Rob’s emergency exit also. Great backup plan for sure.
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07-22-2018, 02:14 PM
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#14
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Rivet Master
Kensington
, Maryland
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 554
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Great stuff Tex I just did this and will add a few more process shots.
AS people are the best.
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07-22-2018, 03:05 PM
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#15
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Senior Member
2012 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Sparks
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,116
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I did the “safety release “ hole and as I was doing it it occurred to me to attack the root of the problem.
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07-22-2018, 03:18 PM
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#16
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Rivet Master
Kensington
, Maryland
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 554
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Like minded Sheriff. My burning question is what is under that plastic that I'm going to drill into?
Just recently ordered and installed this handle for my box trailer. Quality is excellent:
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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07-22-2018, 05:05 PM
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#17
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Senior Member
2012 27' FB Eddie Bauer
Sparks
, Nevada
Join Date: Mar 2014
Posts: 1,116
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3 screws, pull it off, drill and mount handle like you would on a cabinet and replace. EZ!
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07-22-2018, 05:34 PM
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#18
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Rivet Master
2014 23' International
Hurst
, Texas
Join Date: Jan 2016
Posts: 1,495
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Quote:
Originally Posted by sheriff1
I did the “safety release “ hole and as I was doing it it occurred to me to attack the root of the problem. Attachment 317777
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Actually, sheriff1, your approach, while both easy and effective, is really a 'Band Aid,' not really attacking the underlying problem. The real problem is the method of swedging the handle to the actuator plate.
The potential weakness of the handle assembly can be mitigated by tapping the hole that is already in the back of the handle (10-28 threads) and installing a washer 'stack,' held in place by a #10-28 screw. Also an easy fix that I'll document once I'm finished wasting time with other little projects.
Your handle idea is a really good one, though... I'm not sure I'm smart enough to remember to use it
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07-25-2018, 07:56 AM
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#19
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Rivet Master
2015 25' Flying Cloud
Bend
, Oregon
Join Date: Sep 2014
Posts: 762
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I just threw some picks into the tool box.. actually "0-ring hook scribe set"
https://www.harborfreight.com/2-piec...set-42159.html
I can with a head lamp get in-between the screen door and latch. Not easy, but it is a back up position...
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07-25-2018, 08:03 AM
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#20
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Rivet Master
2014 20' Flying Cloud
Sag Harbor
, New York
Join Date: Jun 2015
Posts: 17,523
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