Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Topic: Replacing exterior entry assist handle (Read 2070 times) previous topic - next topic

Replacing exterior entry assist handle

January 11, 2018, 11:49:13 am

Ours has about had it. Found a firm that offers retro versions in many varieties. Called a "Brite Bar". Talked with the rep this a.m., will send her a pic and info to confirm size. Cheap just for the plastic handle. They will also custom engrave! Fleming Sales OEM | Premium RV Accessories and Parts For Your Model

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #1 – January 11, 2018, 11:56:54 am

Did you check with FOT. I got one this summer that was engraved and I think about $40.

Rich

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #2 – January 11, 2018, 11:59:31 am

I bought a replacement for mine from foretravel also says foretravel on it

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle (add-on)

Reply #3 – January 11, 2018, 11:59:56 am

Quote from: Rich Bowman – January 11, 2018, 11:56:54 am

Did you check with FOT. I got one this summer that was engraved and I think about $40

FOT never returned my call. The price for a engraved handle only from Fleming is around $29.00.
The chrome holders are fine, I'd rather have a "official" insert from FT. Do you just remove the bottom to replace, or??

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #4 – January 11, 2018, 12:09:50 pm

Called FT about a month ago and parts said they were all gone and no prospects for replenishing stock. Went with the company mentioned above in original post. Only thing had to do was re locate one screw. Looks like original.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #5 – January 11, 2018, 12:11:16 pm

Does it come on when touched, like mine is now, or is it on a switch only ? We were in Nac in Oct. and told they were out of stock.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #6 – January 11, 2018, 12:20:24 pm

Quote from: GleamB – January 11, 2018, 12:11:16 pm

Does it come on when touched, like mine is now, or is it on a switch only ? We were in Nac in Oct. and told they were out of stock.

Mine comes on from a interior switch with the top light.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #7 – January 11, 2018, 12:24:14 pm

MOT replaced mine in fall 2016...I think the light works with the porch light.....

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #8 – January 11, 2018, 12:29:57 pm

Mine has a separate touch pad to the side of the lighted bar that you brush with your hand and the light comes on. Still does with the new light.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #9 – January 11, 2018, 12:35:17 pm

Quote from: Miz Dani – January 11, 2018, 12:24:14 pm

MOT replaced mine in fall 2016...

Just got a call from FOT, previous posters were right: not available no more! Hey Dani, how are you?

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #10 – January 11, 2018, 01:03:15 pm

...jet lagged....just in from FOT, FBP starts 2/12....the ol' girl (da coachita) is gettin' younger everyday...

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #11 – January 11, 2018, 03:07:55 pm

I have replaced three of the clear plastic handles on different coaches and found that the overall length had to be "adjusted" (cut) because of the location of the end holders. So, make sure you have the hacksaw or the ability to make the adjustment.
I bought mine at FOT and still had to cut the ends to make it fit.
Careful making the length adjustment. It is called trial and error, and I don't know of a hacksaw that puts the material back if you cut off too much.

I just have to add the question: Do all Foretravel coaches have the lighted handle? Check the bottom holder to see if there is a bulb in there. It most likely is burnt out.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #12 – January 11, 2018, 03:26:57 pm

Quote from: nitehawk – January 11, 2018, 03:07:55 pm

Do all Foretravel coaches have the lighted handle? Check the bottom holder to see if there is a bulb in there. It most likely is burnt out.

Good idea to replace the bulb at the same time! Does the handle replace with just the bottom holder removed? My buddy with the Blue Bird replaced his without needing a hacksaw, so I'll cross my fingers.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #13 – January 11, 2018, 03:31:09 pm

I bought two sets of the Fleming parts a couple of years ago. Rod needed to be adjusted for the length.

Chrome not nearly the same quality as the original oem part.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #14 – January 11, 2018, 03:40:16 pm

Mike, let us know how it turns out.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #15 – January 11, 2018, 03:51:32 pm

Quote from: Caflashbob – January 11, 2018, 03:31:09 pm

Chrome not nearly the same quality as the original oem part.

Not sure what you mean, I'm just (I hope) replacing the lens and not the brackets.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #16 – January 11, 2018, 04:57:02 pm

My bulb is in the top holder. I can't believe that Foretravel does not have the acrylic replacement handle in stock anymore.
I used a Led bulb also. You could put a colored bulb in there to make it like really funky cool.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #17 – January 11, 2018, 08:26:49 pm

I replaced mine a year ago when FOT still had them. I took out the really weird bulb and holder from the top chrome piece, it wasn't too bright after finally finding the replacement bulb. So I was working with LEDs at the time, and took a 3-bulb piece and used double sided 3M tape to tape it into the curve on top. Hardwired the rest, and it's nice and bright.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #18 – January 11, 2018, 08:33:49 pm

Quote from: stump – January 11, 2018, 04:57:02 pm

You could put a colored bulb in there to make it like really funky cool.

....well stump, that's a nice little idea unless the colored bulb is red and you're a single woman like me...

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #19 – January 11, 2018, 08:44:28 pm

You know a straight piece of 1" diameter solid acrylic rod is about $8 per foot at Amazon. If it is not heated up to bend and engraved to add stress points it might just last longer than the OEM ones if you could find them. Looks like my original owner replaced his (and now ours) with a straight one. It still works fine and it glows in the dark too when the light is on.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #20 – January 12, 2018, 10:17:17 am

Now that the handle is my new project, I took a closer look at it as the sun changed angle. Appears both ends are sealed with caulk or something. Wonder if that's going to be a problem removing the old one? $:-\$

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #21 – January 12, 2018, 11:12:49 am

Mike that may just be some caulking to stop rain getting in the bottom chrome holder. Take the screws out and pull it apart.
JohnH

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #22 – January 12, 2018, 11:22:55 am

Quote from: John Haygarth – January 12, 2018, 11:12:49 am

Mike that may just be some caulking to stop rain getting in the bottom chrome holder. Take the screws out and pull it apart.

I think you are right, John. The bottom and top brackets are sealed, someone did a nice job, no slop. I'm going to pull the bottom bracket first and see if I can ease the lens out.

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #23 – January 12, 2018, 06:03:23 pm

I ordered a new engraved handle from FT last month. My mechanic said it was too short. I told FT parts and they sent me another. It too is too short. Do I need to drill new holes and move a bracket?

Re: Replacing exterior entry assist handle

Reply #24 – January 12, 2018, 06:15:43 pm

Quote from: Tom Lang – January 12, 2018, 06:03:23 pm

I ordered a new engraved handle from FT last month. My mechanic said it was too short. I told FT parts and they sent me another. It too is too short. Do I need to drill new holes and move a bracket?

I wonder if FT still has them and the counter jockey was too lazy to check when I called the other day. Fleming did not ask me the length, only the color of the etching. I assume they've got FT in their files, hope, hope. I'd hate to go to the trouble of moving the bracket, could be a problem with the light wiring, as well. They are not expensive, could be the Fleming version (I'll find out shortly) is a correct fit.

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