Exterior Grab Handle Mod - Don't Get Locked in!
Thought I would post this here since many types of RVs use this same folding grab assist handle.
I was surprised to read (here) that you could fold the handle forward against the RV (across the door) and actually trap somebody inside. It doesn't take much force to move the handle, the issue is that the door hits the handle very close to the pivot point and therefore has no leverage to move it.
I had the handle off to replaced the rubber grip portion and decided to see if there was a fix. What I did was take a cut-off wheel and cut some of the side corner off of the mounts to reduce the friction of moving the handle out of a door-blocking position.
Here is the original mount:
Here is what it looks like after I have shaved off the side closest to the door:
Note that I didn't cut into the profile that locks the handle in the open position. This won't affect the storage position or the stability ion the open position if you are careful with your cut. What it does is remove most of the friction and allows the bar to rotate from a position over the door to the open position.
After I got it back together I made a quick video showing how easy it is to open the door if somebody were to pull that prank. Sorry about the orientation , I thought I could fix that on You Tube.
I was shopping on eTrailer the other day and even they had a warning on their site about the potential to be trapped inside with this product. If you have one of these handles I would encourage you to make this (or some other) mod to avoid being trapped inside your RV.,
I was surprised to read (here) that you could fold the handle forward against the RV (across the door) and actually trap somebody inside. It doesn't take much force to move the handle, the issue is that the door hits the handle very close to the pivot point and therefore has no leverage to move it.
I had the handle off to replaced the rubber grip portion and decided to see if there was a fix. What I did was take a cut-off wheel and cut some of the side corner off of the mounts to reduce the friction of moving the handle out of a door-blocking position.
Here is the original mount:
Here is what it looks like after I have shaved off the side closest to the door:
Note that I didn't cut into the profile that locks the handle in the open position. This won't affect the storage position or the stability ion the open position if you are careful with your cut. What it does is remove most of the friction and allows the bar to rotate from a position over the door to the open position.
After I got it back together I made a quick video showing how easy it is to open the door if somebody were to pull that prank. Sorry about the orientation , I thought I could fix that on You Tube.
I was shopping on eTrailer the other day and even they had a warning on their site about the potential to be trapped inside with this product. If you have one of these handles I would encourage you to make this (or some other) mod to avoid being trapped inside your RV.,
