Don't get locked in!

[crazyro]

I've read stories of folks being locked inside their RVs (either by mistake or by some kids at night thinking they're funny). This can be at best just a prank and at worst a terrible accident (in case of a fire). I know this is not fool proof, but a simple screw and a couple of washers makes getting locked in much more difficult.

[Bumpyroad]

I keep trying to visualize some type of quarter moon shim that would lessen depth of groove but keep coming back to the large flange washer idea. but if I didn't have an awning rail or some such keeping me from swinging it away from the door I think I would figure out some way to fill up the channel.
bumpy

[PaulJ2]

PaulJ2 wrote:

drsteve wrote:
Why is folding the handle against the door even an option?

I agree. Just went out and tried mine. It looks different than most and has no curved slot but has only a square hole to which a square piece on the handle drops into. You have to lift the handle to unlock and move it. I see the only way out is to push/pull on the handle hard enough to break the plastic hinge mountings from the wall. Oh well---I do have two escape hatch windows in the trailer.

The fix on mine is going to be to fill up the one square hole level with something so handle can not drop into it any more.

[D_E_Bishop]

It looks like crazyro has learned how to KISS, "Keep It Simple Silly". Good Job.

Unfortunately on our rig there isn't the proper clearance to install an assist bar outside and we're getting to the point that we need them. The grab bar does help but the DW really would like more. Guess I'll just have to find some simple way to help her.

[crazyro]

DutchmenSport wrote:

crazyro wrote:
...

So, closer examination of the photo, I think my handle catch is identical to your's. Did you just drill a small hole into the plastic and then screw into that to add the washers? And, did you do the same to the bottom catch also? Or is the top sufficient for the washer?

I did the same thing to the bottom. Yes, I drilled a pilot hole (smaller than the screw I've used) and just screwed in the washers. It works well! It would probably work with just top or bottom (as the handle would be pushed up).

[Walaby]

Good ideas for sure. Im glad industry is addressing it. I guess I got one of the better ones. I've often wondered, but kept forgetting to test it. Now I know mine will pop with a small bump from the door. But, for those that don't work that way, this is a great solution.


Mike

[DiskDoctr]

DutchmenSport wrote:
OK, I'm back! got the photos of my Outback.

Here's a photo...

GREAT pics, really helps clear things up!

I remember reading about this some time ago, but don't remember ever seeing a washer used like that. It's a great idea for a common problem 😉

[GrandpaKip]

I tested our handle when we bought our camper. Could not open door with handle across it. I screwed a small aluminum bar over the groove top and bottom. I wish I had thought of using a fender washer. Would have taken only 5 minutes instead of 15.
Now I don't have to worry about whether or not I'm too feeble to get out the exit windows or break my door.

[DutchmenSport]

crazyro wrote:
...

So, closer examination of the photo, I think my handle catch is identical to your's. Did you just drill a small hole into the plastic and then screw into that to add the washers? And, did you do the same to the bottom catch also? Or is the top sufficient for the washer?

[Community Alumni]

drsteve wrote:
Why is folding the handle against the door even an option?

On many units the awning bar is adjacent to the door and some have rear doors. The handle would not fold properly for towing.

As I wrote in my previous post, it's something that was being addressed by rv companies by using lighter springs and shallower bar slots.

... Eric

[Bumpyroad]

thanks for pix. now it all makes sense. I thought that they all were made so that the door side notch/groove/etc. was designed so that they could be manually overcome by a good shove but I guess not.
bumpy

[PaulJ2]

drsteve wrote:
Why is folding the handle against the door even an option?

I agree. Just went out and tried mine. It looks different than most and has no curved slot but has only a square hole to which a square piece on the handle drops into. You have to lift the handle to unlock and move it. I see the only way out is to push/pull on the handle hard enough to break the plastic hinge mountings from the wall. Oh well---I do have two escape hatch windows in the trailer.

[drsteve]

Why is folding the handle against the door even an option?

[crcr]

On our TT, there's no room to fold the assist bar flat against the trailer wall -- only option for folding it flat is against the door. However, we have a second door without an assist bar, so it's not a worry for us.

[Walaby]

I just tested my handle and it flips from being 'locked' in front of the door to the ready position with virtually no force. Just a slight flip of a finger and it pops out of the U no problem.

Maybe a new design?

Mike