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Topic: Main door exterior handle replacement  (Read 743 times) previous topic - next topic

Main door exterior handle replacement

Hello All,
After several months and two attempts at repair I broke down and ordered a new unit from FOT . The pull itself failed at the bottom where the rod attaches. Was wanting to know if there is any big secret as to how to access interior of door. The upholstered panel seems to be obvious route in but having never disassembled one of these thought we might reach out and benefit from others experience with the process.
                          Thanks as always!
Tom
1998 U320 40'

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #1 –
The interior panel is the way in. You will also need to remove the inside window frame to get the door trim completely off, it's not a big deal. Be careful with the window with the trim off, if you are going to have it apart for a while I would cut 4 spacers out of some scrap plywood and put the window trim back in temp to make sure the window doesn't fall out it's no likely but!!
Bruce, Linda, and Macy
Zoey RIP 1/20/19
1999 U295 40' build #5400
2017 silver Jeep Wrangler, 1260 watts of solar on top
Moving around the country

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #2 –
Yes, window trim, grab handles, door strap at bottom, interior panel and deadbolt have to come off.  One tip, though, take a couple cell phone pictures before removing original.  My coach handle was  damaged after burglary, Trimetric was very helpful but ultimately  couldn't supply an exact replacement.  Ended up repairing the original.  Make sure the spring clip rod retainers are replaced to hold the actuating rods in place. 

Replacing this will give you new found respect for the door handle, you won't want to do it on  a regular basis.  Many screws Kemosabe, many screws.
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #3 –
We have a 87 Grand villa.

Anyone have a parts vehichle or know of a used parts dealer that sells these? 

Foretravel wants 240$ for the full handle assembly, but my budget is not prepared for the expense.  I need the entryway door handles and guts. Doing Hurricaine relief in Florida right now with the door open 24/7.

Thanks
Julie. 814 746 5896

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Julie –
We have a 87 Grand villa.
Anyone have a parts vehichle or know of a used parts dealer that sells these? 
Foretravel wants 240$ for the full handle assembly, but my budget is not prepared for the expense.  I need the entryway door handles and guts. Doing Hurricaine relief in Florida right now with the door open 24/7.
Thanks
Julie. 814 746 5896
I replaced ours with an LED clear replacement for a small fraction of the price. I think I paid about $40 for the clear part and the chrome with LEDs in the top part. Check this link for yours: rv door clear led handle entry | eBay

https://jet.com/product/Brite-Bar-Brite-Bar-3-LED-Light-Illuminated-Assist-Handle/31c7487fabb5416c94494f33235eb16a?jcmp=pla:ggl:a_nj_dur_gen_home_decor_a2:home_decor_lighting_ceiling_fans_novelty_lighting_a2:na:PLA_784505249_42602324073_aud-320230129885:pla-370829336363_c:na:na:na:2PLA15&pid=kenshoo_int&c=784505249&is_retargeting=true&clickid=50fe1495-e78e-44b2-a7cf-d513ba7d8b67&kclid=50fe1495-e78e-44b2-a7cf-d513ba7d8b67&gclid=CjwKCAiAiarfBRASEiwAw1tYvxgZtxhyxngQwxNl9owfLwcqI5so1NNI-hTnUxwhJvlRcvwrQC9xXhoCbIQQAvD_BwE


Pierce
Pierce and Gaylie Stewart
'93 U300/36 WTBI
Detroit 6V-92TA Jake
1140 watts on the roof
SBFD (ret)

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #5 –
New problems never cease.  We are in extreme Northern California next door to Lava Beds National Park, been cold down to 10 at night and 70 during the day.  Last night went to close the door on our 88 Grand Villa and it wouldn't latch, finally got the dead bolt to work.  This AM found out the side panel had contracted due to the cold temp and the only fix was 2 washers under the latch pin, all is OK now.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #6 –
For a replacement Door Lock keep looking on EBay under RV Paddle Door Lock, I have seen them there.
1988  40' Grand Villa Cat 3208t

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #8 –
Quote from: NancyS –
Found door latch, go here  http://www.trimarkcorp.com/en/media/additional/030/030-0300_Rev8.pdf    go to EBay and type in Trimark, there's 3 for sale
It looks like it opens on the right is that what you need?
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Main door exterior handle replacement

Reply #9 –
There are  many flavors of this lockset with subtle but important differences.  As long as you have a power screwdriver of some sort might want to consider removing door interior and taking a look.  You may find, as I did, that it is fixable. 

Take lots of pictures before disassembling anything on the lock.  If it has been damaged by somebody cowboyin' on the exterior handle....possibly trying to open it while locked, this  was fixable for me.  (Burglars tried to force the lock on mine.)  It involved disassembling the lock, bending obviously distorted pieces back in shape, and reassembling.

You may also find a small rod which has lost its retainer.  Check door cavity carefullly for retainer. 

Spending some time observing the lock while actuating it....you'll see how it works.  Clean it well and relubricate. Might get lucky.....
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS