Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection) (Read 1149 times) previous topic - next topic

'03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

I have a customer with an 03 FT, they have the grab bar with the doorbell in it and we have not been able to find a replacement bar, does anyone know who the supplier is?  Any help you can give us will be most appreciative!

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #1 –
Took a bit of searching of the forum, but I did uncover this post by Keith and Joyce a couple of years ago Plastic Lighted "Foretravel" Entrance Handle

Perhaps it will help in the search.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #2 –
Thanks Michelle,  We can still get the complete assembly, gaskets and all, for the lighted bars, the ones with the doorbell are actually longer.  I am checking with my supplier to see if they can make a longer bar.  I was hoping someone had already found one. FT nor MOT have any.  I was told you couldn't get them anymore???

Thanks again, Jennifer

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #3 –
The gaskets on my ( door bell ) Handle are perished , I understand they are no longer available , has anybody found suitable material to manufacture new ones
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Xtreme –
FT nor MOT have any.  I was told you couldn't get them anymore???

Hmmm.... a definite possibility.  I think 2003 was the only year to use the doorbell-inclusive model.  Steve and I are both vaguely recalling being told at one time (when we needed new gaskets and they were not available) that (at least the '03 handles) were either from a company in or at least made in Spain.

Having a source for workable replacements will be useful, even if it isn't OEM.

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #5 –
How about a regular handle and maybe a cowbell at the door? Lol! 
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
The gaskets on my ( door bell ) Handle are perished , I understand they are no longer available , has anybody found suitable material to manufacture new ones
I replaced our door handle a while back, I got the replacement on line and I cannot find my receipt. In any case We had our name engraved on the handle. When I installed the thing the gaskets were toast. I filled the back of the mounting pieces with silicone so that the stuff squished out when I attached it to the coach. Was a mess to clean up but I believe it looks like it is well sealed.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #8 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
The gaskets on my ( door bell ) Handle are perished , I understand they are no longer available

Quote from: Roland Begin –
I replaced our door handle a while back, I got the replacement on line

That's another "challenge" with the 2003 handles - the gaskets (at least the for end with the doorbell button in it) are different than any other year/coach.

Our plan when the time comes is to cut "reasonable facsimiles" out of rubber gasket sheet material.  Poortravel "arts and crafts" ;)

-M
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #9 –
My bad :(  I just noticed this be on coaches ten years younger than mine. Guess that handle will probably not work very well.

Roland
1993 U280 4341
2010 Jeep Liberty
The Pied Pipers

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #10 –
Quote
Just did a quick search on Google I believe this is the handle I purchased. - 5500L Lighted Grab Handle - Price: .00 - Factory RV Surplus - 1611 W

Roland
I ordered the gaskets and bulb for that handle for my 95.  The gaskets are slightly different but I was able to modify them with a razor knife.  The bulb they carry is not compatible with my 95.  I replaced mine with a 12 V flashlight bulb from Ace hardware.
Gary B

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #12 –
When we painted our coach last year, Xtreme took everything off the outside, so we decided to put some new stuff back on after painting, like mirrors & grab bar.

The following is our postings on a Foreforum subject from last year titled "keyless entry key pad":

If you want to go the replacement route, Foretravel was using TriMark, which will directly sell to us.
http://www.trimarkcorp.com/en/zCategory.aspx?intcategoryid=174

We purchased a new 18" TriMark grab handle part number 22956-01 for $100 to give our painted coach an updated look. We found their customer support helpful.

Our handle is the same one that Foretravel has used, but ours has identical bottom and top mounting parts. Neither mounting part has a keyless keypad, but one part has a single LED which illuminates the handle. Our coach does not have keyless entry and a new keypad would most likely not work with an existing keyless system. We installed the handle ourselves which was no problem.

For those wanting to make new gaskets, find some rubber at Home Depot, etc and with an Exacto knife, cut out new gaskets.

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #13 –
I spoke with James at Extreme today but will post the info I found on this item for anyone else who may need it.

Part is made in China and is no longer avalible.  The manufacturers rep is:

Trusty Products
1660 Gateway Ct.
Elkhart, IN 46514.
Phone: (574)264-4788

Keith
Keith, Joyce & Smokey the Australian Cattle Dog
1995 U320 SE Extreme 40' WTBI Build # 4780, with a Honda CR-V hopefully still following behind.
Motorcade # 17030
FMCA # F422159

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #14 –
Michele , followed your advice and bought gasket material at local hardware store and some dielectric grease and our handle light works perfectly , the door bell push is a bit sticky so may look for a replacement button
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #15 –
Quote from: Jimmyjnr –
Michele , followed your advice and bought gasket material at local hardware store and some dielectric grease and our handle light works perfectly , the door bell push is a bit sticky so may look for a replacement button
Jimmy,
If you are not aware of it, you may want to disconnect your doorbell until you can either add a fuse or change the button. The doorbell has cause some Foretravel fires.I know my transformer had burned up but melted the wires apart before a fire could start. Search past posts for doorbell issues for more info. Doorbell fire hazard (was What did you do to your coach today)
Good luck,
Rick
Rick

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #16 –
Quote from: Rick –
Jimmy,
If you are not aware of it, you may want to disconnect your doorbell until you can either add a fuse or change the button. The doorbell has cause some Foretravel fires.I know my transformer had burned up but melted the wires apart before a fire could start.

In our '03 the box with the chime is battery-operated.  3 D-cells.  White box on the forward wall of the cabinet above the passenger seat.  The chime itself comes off with the cover.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320
 

Re: '03 exterior grab bar needed (split from Re: Part Number Collection)

Reply #17 –
Yes and the chimes are programmable, so disconnect the button in the door handle, buy a stick on programmable button at your favorite hardware and program it to ring your chimes. Bingo, no more fire hazard
No RV! Have hung up the keys.
In the past: 2016 Winnebago Era, 1994 Foretravel U240, 1995 Foretravel U240 (wide body), 1999 Foretravel 320, 36 Foot, 2003 Foretravel U320 38 foot,