My door handle needs replacing

Thundercloud · March 27, 2014, 05:44 AM

I wonder where Id go to get a door handle for my M-500 Chassis 79 Winnebago Ela'ndan 2? I have it kind of rigged so I'm sill using it but a new one sure would be nice. I'm sure this must be a common problem for older motorhomes. Any feedback would be ausome and any stories that you have of RV doors. Thanks!

tiinytina · March 27, 2014, 08:12 AM

We actually put a house "lock" on our RV and just use the handle to open and close the door... Hubs also keyed the lock so our "house" key unlocks both houses... :-) Don't know if it would work for all RV doors but did for ours.

Oz · March 27, 2014, 10:50 AM

I sorta did the same as Tina. Those OEM ones are easy to pick. In fact, numerous keys will work on them. I installed a deadblolt and a chrome pull handle on the door. I just used the OEM to as a latch handle when leaving the RV unlocked.

Of course, if you could get the original one rebuilt, like Gregg did, that would be just peachy!

Stripe · March 27, 2014, 04:06 PM

I like his idea of having taken it to a LS and only paying US$10 for a rebuild. THat was might nice of that Locksmith!

Thundercloud · March 27, 2014, 04:17 PM

I will try to post a pick later . I'm just using my phone and its running pn 2g right now. I just want to replace it. It seems like thed make a replica at least. When I'm really worried I just put a chain over the door with a masterlock. Lol. But I don't see how a deadbolt could be installed on my door.... Unless I put a different door on. My lock mechanism is still working and the outside part is ok its the inside door handle that busted so I'm manually pushing the open mechanism with my finger.

Stripe · March 27, 2014, 04:23 PM

I did a post on fixing mine. Here is the link.
http://www.classicwinnebagos.com/forum/index.php/topic,7862.msg37255.html#msg37255

Now one thing that usually goes before anything else is the spring/s that go in these. I replaced/repaired mine but did not take pics or post a how to. Maybe I should redo it and take pics.
It's actually very easy. Just make sure you have a clear level surface to work on it. With a towel underneath should a part fall it will keep the part from bouncing too far..

Thundercloud · March 27, 2014, 05:56 PM

The problem is though the inner part broke so its not rebuildable in that respect. I will look at a local salvage yard. That's all I know what to do at this point. I'm sure if it was made in China I could get the part.

Thundercloud · March 27, 2014, 07:57 PM

Yeah I hear you and I bet they do want $150-180 or so for a otherwise $30 doller part. And yeah I love listening to cool older people like that. That's where I've learned most all I know. And I'm happy to admit I gotta lot more to learn.

Oz · March 28, 2014, 12:51 PM

Would it be possible to replace the whole thing with another kind which is similar but less expensive? Maybe something that's just a little larger around if not the same size which would just require a little routing to fit?

I've spent hours just browsing the aisles of Lowe's and have come up with some very good options to replair things using house items that cost a fraction of actual replacements.

DaveVA78Chieftain · March 29, 2014, 08:10 AM

Hmm, 030-0300 sure looks very close to the standard Winnebago model originally used on these older Winnebagos. I am going to take some measurements as mine is well worn.

Dave

DaveVA78Chieftain · March 29, 2014, 04:06 PM

Good to know. Curious, what was the price?
At least we now know the things are still available. I assumed, incorrectly it seems, that they were no longer made.

Dave

HandyDan · March 29, 2014, 07:17 PM

Even though these handles look alike, there are some major differences. The top picture is the door handle on my Holiday Rambler. The bottom picture is on a door that I bought to replace the original door. It is off a Holiday Rambler very similar to mine, but as you can see, it is an entirely different handle. They will not interchange. I kept the original door.

tiinytina · March 29, 2014, 08:44 PM

Sands RV, Madison Ohio.... Got a replacement for Gone's.. think Bob charged me $40 for a used one... never know what they have in stock...

Tina

Thundercloud · March 30, 2014, 12:15 AM

Yeah full timing especially puts a lot of wear and tear on the door handle. That and slamming the door which I kinda have to do to get it to shut fully. Personally I wouldn't mind having a house style knob but its a different design than those. Its gotta catcher that hooks on to a post on the door frame v.s a hole that the knob gpes into. You know what I mean if you've seen a regular house door knob. Some inginuity would be require...

Stripe · March 30, 2014, 02:30 PM

I have the same setup as Dans' top photo shows, then again I have the same but shorter make and model RV.
I had to replace the old deadbolt with a new one.
The handle itself I tore apart and rebuilt. Refreshed the springs to tighten the latch on the inside. Jury rigged a clip at one point and it is still working. I have the replacement cir-clip just gotta get off my duff to do the job (you can get a box of them in a slew of sizes from harbor freight tools on the cheap).
Anyway a DIY fix is pretty easy and installing a deadbolt on one of these doors is as easy as one for a house door.