Getting Closure

Like the entry door, there’s nothing exotic about an RV’s screen door that’s integrated into the frame hinges. The design has been around forever and, frankly, it works. That said, it doesn’t close without some help — a common annoyance is having to reach out the doorway to grab the screen and swing it to latch into the frame. Aftermarket handles are helpful, but many times the reach is awkward. This can be a problem when parking in areas where bugs are on full attack. Lippert’s Screen Shot fixes this dilemma by allowing the screen door to automatically close behind you.

The design of the Screen Shot is one of those “why didn’t I think of that” products. It simply uses a length of webbing attached to a spring that is secured to the screen frame and door jam. There are a few small parts in the kit and it only takes a few minutes to install (once you figure out how it’s assembled). After threading the webbing and spring through a tube, the latch and hinge side-support brackets are attached to the ends before securing (using provided screws) to both sides of the screen door frame. Lastly, the open end of the webbing is stretched across the door jam and a metal screw is installed through the brass eyelet 1⁄2-inch from the edge. A rivet can be used in lieu of the sheet metal screw; we found no issue with using the screw.

A sheet-metal screw is driven into the channel closest to the screen material, holding the latch-side support in place. The same process is repeated for the hinge-side support.

Before ordering, you’ll have to measure the door from the frame edges and match the size with the proper part number. The Screen Shot ($29.95 at store.lci1.com, Lippert’s online marketplace) is designed to work on Lippert doors with hinges on the right side, but don’t worry — you’d be hard-pressed to find a contemporary RV using something other than a Lippert door today.

By the way: if you’re feeling really industrious, Lippert is offering the Screen Shot as part of a package deal that also includes Screen Assist (a handy screen door crossbar for opening the door) and Screen Defender (a powder-coated aluminum screen that protects the bottom portion of the door from Fido) with all requisite hardware. The RV Screen Door Accessories Bundle is available at the company online store for about $105-$131, depending upon door width.