We have tried to push it open. I'm sure if we pushed hard enough it would probably pop back. But I suspect it would damage the door as a gentle push does not work.
The less you plan the more options you have.
Currently with a 26' Forest River Class "C"
Ex Navy Diver
Ex Archaeologist
Ex Museologist
Actively retired
I guess if you needed to get out, a little damage to the door finish would be the least of your concerns.
But if it concerns YOU, as I recall the simplest solution offered was simply bolting a piece of aluminum to the side of the handle hinge block, which prevented the handle from dropping into the notch on the side toward the door. You could still swing the handle that way, but it would not drop into the notch, and therefore swings easily back outward.
Funny, people use the handle for transport like that all the time but never think about them being in the camper when it's done that way. My camper has 2 doors, so I lucked out on that. But on some campers, I could see that being an issue.
I have just fitted a handle on the door of our truck camper that is designed to LOCK over the door with a special catch--for security !!!-----Pamala was worried we might get locked in by a smart a$$--------I just said I would go out through the fire exit in the roof.-------we never ever considered it with the handle on the 5er
Nigel & Pamala
Let me know how much it costs to get the dints pounded out of the door. Ooops, I forgot--you are still inside, because you really can't get out by pushing. DAMHIK
If you are truly concerned, fill in the u-shaped part so the "handle" will not "lock" into place blocking the door shut.
bpounds wrote: The Woodalls newsletter covered this potential a month or two ago. They had a couple of readers solutions. Maybe you can search and find the articles.
I looked at mine, and I am positive that I could simply push hard on the door, and the handle would lift up and out of the notch. So I have no worry about this and will not be doing any mod. Anyway, there are plenty of windows to get out of if necessary, not to mention the basement.
Regards, Don
Full Time in a 28 foot Class C, 256 watts solar, 556 amp hours of AGM in two battery banks 12 volt batteries, 3000 watt Magnum hybrid inverter, Sola Basic Autoformer, Microair Easy Start.
Here's the solution...if/when this happens....
get on this forum....type, HELP!!! SOMEONE LOCKED ME IN OUR RV BY SETTING THE GRAB HANDLE AGAINST THE DOOR! I AM AT (give location)...I'm sure someone would rescue you!!! :-)
Glenn and Toni
2016 Crossroads Z1 252BH
2016 Ram 1500 5.7 3.21 gears
Reese round bar w/d with sway control
Luckily I had just brought my trailer home to pack it for the weekend. I just went out and tried it and the door opens easily from the inside. Almost no more effort than without the handle colsed over it.
You might have too much tension on yours.
John
The Rutters
2004 Ford F350 Crewcab Lariat FX4 (4x4) DRW
6.0 PSD, Torque Shift, Jack Rabbit roll top cover, Rosen widescreen DVD system
You COULD just round off the part of the hand rail holder so the rail could be pushed back easier. A simple fix if you are really worried.
Moved from 5th wheels to Gen'l RVing Issues.
Frank
2011 Palomino Maverick 1000SLLB on a 2004 Dodge Quadcab CTD Ram3500 SRW long bed equipped with Timbren springs, Stable Load bump stops, Rickson 19.5" wheels/"G" range tires and a Helwig "Big Wig" rear anti sway bar.