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icebox500 · 07-30-2011, 01:22 PM

Question about our screen door. I don't have the slider that covers the exterior door handle but it's on order... In case that's related

The question has to do with latching the door. Ours has a white catch in the door frame and one of the airstream black latches on the screen door. The PO put a screw into the black latch to disable it. If used it would make the door unopenable if both the exterior door and screen door were closed.

So, how's it *supposed* to work? I assume we have an incorrect setup.

Thanks, I can post a photo if needed. Currently I'm the passenger as we pull home on the final leg of a 2 week, 3,000 mile journey.

James

cameront120 · 07-30-2011, 01:48 PM

There should be a latch that, when not in use, the screen door is held fast against the regular door. This way, you're not fumbling with two doors at once every time you want to enter/exit the Airstream when the screen door isn't needed or wanted. I'll try to run out back this afternoon and photograph mine for you.

cameront120 · 07-30-2011, 03:40 PM

Here's a couple of images for you. Hopefully it explains how it all works. Feel free to ask any questions!

cameront120 · 07-30-2011, 03:43 PM

That image is a little small. I've attached a PDF as well that will give you a larger image size, I think.

icebox500 · 07-31-2011, 08:13 AM

Thanks that's very helpful! It is the exact setup that I have. I'll have to retry. It seems to me that the inner screen door is going to latch when the main door is closed and will prevent me from opening the door at that point. I'll have to retry with someone in the trailer!

I went to college at Western and spent a lot of my "pre 21" time in Vancouver. Terrific city.

Inland RV Center, In · 07-31-2011, 08:19 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icebox500

Thanks that's very helpful! It is the exact setup that I have. I'll have to retry. It seems to me that the inner screen door is going to latch when the main door is closed and will prevent me from opening the door at that point. I'll have to retry with someone in the trailer!

I went to college at Western and spent a lot of my "pre 21" time in Vancouver. Terrific city.

You can readjust the screen door location, to make that old style black latch work, by making the screen door set a tad closer to the hinge. Just a good "shove" of the screen door towards the hinges, does the job.

Or, replace the screen door latch, with the newer style, white colored, roller latch.

Andy

cameront120 · 07-31-2011, 09:34 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by icebox500

It seems to me that the inner screen door is going to latch when the main door is closed and will prevent me from opening the door at that point.

For some reason, this doesn't happen. I'm not sure why - engineering isn't one of my strengths!

Funny, I was at WSU and spent a lot of time in Seattle.

Wabbiteer · 07-31-2011, 09:44 AM

I've had the screen door latch while attached to the outer door, and yes I've had to crawl in through the utility hatch - about seven times so far.

Someone did weaken the screen door sliding latch internal spring, that helps keep it from happening but it seems slamming the door(s) lets the striker slide out. Using a solvent to remove any oils or lubrication from the nylon helped too.