Bulletproof the modern inside door handle

[Wayne&Sam]

Nice video GMFL. Is there a reason you didn't state the actual size of the washers?

[Bob Thomson]

Last night we got locked in our 2019 27 Flying Cloud due to loose inside handle screws and had a neighbor open from the outside. Now I can't seem to reinstall the inside handle assembly.





How does this engage? I can't seem to make anything work.

Thanks,

Bob

[Bob Thomson]

I just found that if the latch assembly is locked position it all goes together and mysteriously works. I still can't see why, but hey ------- !

[Tim A.]

Unfortunately, washer sizes are not truly standardized. The good news is that they are cheap, so you can buy several different sizes and see what fits best.

Tim

[Hans627]

I finally got this mod done!

Thanks for all the suggestions!

[Bill_H80]

Did it this weekend. Nice and easy, made even easier by using a thread cutting screw instead of tapping the hole first.

I’ll try and grab the bags from the parts and post up the part numbers from Lowes for those that want them.

[kkid]

I performed the suggested modification, tapping the end of the door handle and using a 10-24 machine screws to more securely attach the handle. I also added a separate pull handle. I am glad that I made these modifications, but dissatisfied with the three smallish screws that secure the assemble to the door. I was hoping for a more robust place to mount my pull handle, but this will have to do. I did find that on my 2021 FC27 there is no need to drill any holes to “pick” the latch if the door handle should break. If I pull black strip out of the way, I get reach a screw driver through. It seems to me that Airstream has been reading this forum, and made an adjustment to the screen door.

[Electronut]

Thank you for providing details to this mod. I performed it no problem and also added the custom black cabinet handle on the interior so the AS latch handle is no longer used as the pull handle. Looks as if came OEM with the rig! Better insurance ;-)

As info, I had a metric tap already handy since I had available for use when working on my Ducati motorcycles. Matching metric screw sizing to the US sizing is a 5mm x .80 thread x 25mm length screw. Worked perfectly for anyone that would rather use metric hardware. I did have to shave down the head of the screw with my dremel since interfered slightly with the smoothness of the door lock. The washers I got were thick too. So perhaps if used thinner washers could have avoided but no big deal. Going with a flat screw head instead of the traditonal phillips head screw would have been the better option too. Just as added info. Performed on our new 2022 Flying Cloud 27 FBT.

[rich.dev]

Thanks Ronnie, and all for your input! I just completed the door handle support, I also added an extra handle. As already said, very simple improvement indeed.

To support the back of the door handle I used:
1. #10 x 3/4" metal screw, I did not use a self tapping screw...the hole is already there, screw went in nice and tight, and I also added Loctite.
2. 1/2" flat washer to fit over the square handle end
3. 3/16 fender washer

I got the extra door handle from HD and used 2 x washers for extra support of the screw heads.