Rant at Coleman

[slowpez]

We had to replace the door handle after one of our trips.  Not sure what the problem was but we couldn't get the door to open and had to pull the velcro away and reach inside to push in the plastic thingy that latches the door.  To make this a short rant, we had to get a new one ($14) and installed it after setting up last trip.  Worked OK.  This weekend however, the dang thing broke again and we ended up having to tape the door shut.  The dealer said he has to keep lots of them on hand because they break so often.  Now why does Coleman/Fleetwood put such poorly made pieces into their units?  Do they think I'll buy anything else from them in the future?
If anyone has any idea as to an alternative door handle we would appreciate it.

Susan

[farmer]

Susan
I know how you feel.  We have broken two of the latches and think the design could be improved.  Someone on this board(I can't think who) suggested lessening the pressure on the latch before trying to use it.  Either push the door in or out slightly before using the button or lever.  Since we have done this we have had no problems.  Someone also said that they placed a string on the handle to help release tension before using.
Farmer

[CAPEd CODger]

I'm not familiar with the model of camper that you have, so fogive me if my suggestion is way off.
When the stock door handle on our CAPE COD broke, I replaced it with a generic storm door handle & latch avaiable at the local hardware store. The only thing you need to remember is the clearance when the door is stored for travel.

That's my suggestion.
Good day.

[jstaddwtr]

We had the same problem!  The dealer finally gave us a handle and asked that I install it.  But as long as I have it off the door I am going to take it to a hardware store and compare it in size and shape to see if there is somthing else we can use.

This little stuff does drive us nuts!

[tlhdoc]

You would think that they would spend the few extra bucks and put good plumbing and hardware into the trailers.  For some people the little problems never seem to end.

[Gone-Camping]

Aside from Roof issue's, Coleman campers are usually pretty good quality, curious about the door handle thing?!?! Hhhmmm

[kathybrj]

I hate to jinx our camper, but we haven't had the little problems. We had the big problem of the ABS end panels with cracks and those were replace, at no charge, several months after the one year date.

We recently took our AAR to our dealer. It has two zippers that don't zip right. They said they would send it to Fleetwood for repair. No mention- YET- of freight charges.

My sister, that has a 2003.5 Cheyanne has had the door latch issue also, plus some other small items that broke. It does make me wonder why it's some and not others.  :confused:

[slowpez]

At least we have been lucky about the big things not breaking but in addition to the door latch, the metal piece on the front of the sink cabinet that is supposed to lower when you pull the sink down snapped off, the plastic grommet holding the table leg broke making the whole table unusable (I did managed to find a fix for that however), the clip for the clothes bag broke out of the ceiling, and the end of the shepard's pole broke off.  I am waiting for the straw that breaks the camel's back.

[Larry Mack]

I have installed a "normal" screen door latch and LOCK on my Coleman...I can lock the door if going to be gone awhile.  I know this won't keep anyone that wants in out.  I just feel better about locking it.  May keep kids and others out.

[Venatic]

I wish a broken handle on my door was the least of my problems.

[2manytoyz]

I wonder if they changed the type of door handle used on the later models.  Mine is 9 years old and still works fine.  Certainly strong enough in my experience and has seen a lot of use.

I've had other things break...  The tips on the ends of my awning poles, the galley switch that turns off the converter fell apart, the plastic stops on the bottom of the dining cushions all cracked and fell off the screws, the rubber cap on the fresh water inlet rotted off, and the side door corroded from the inside as the unpainted aluminum reacted with the adhesive used to construct the door.  

Really minor things.  Honesty, I've spent maybe $20 to fix things.  Ever own a boat?!!!  Don't sweat the minor stuff.  Fix it, camp again.  

[wynot]

Susan
I know how you feel. We have broken two of the latches and think the design could be improved. Someone on this board(I can't think who) suggested lessening the pressure on the latch before trying to use it. Either push the door in or out slightly before using the button or lever. Since we have done this we have had no problems. Someone also said that they placed a string on the handle to help release tension before using.
Farmer

Try teaching that to a 10 year old who keeps opening the door...  
 
It seems to need a combination of a push in/pull out to release easily, which is probably from a little bit of spring in the door.
 
What I am thinking is to install a pin that keeps the latch from engaging when going in and out constantly (picture this - same position the latch is in when opened (flush to the door edge).

[2manytoyz]

The best door I've had on a popup was on my old 84 Rockwood.  The door was two pieces that fastened together.  The lower half of the door was the actual access door to the camper.  The door was beefy, and the handle was well designed.  The only downside is you had to reach down to operate the handle.

It'll be interesting to see what the new line of Coleman campers will look like now that Fleetwood is out of the picture.

[whitestar505]

All,
 
 
Looks like I got one of the last one's made by Fleetwood for Coleman. So far so good, but I beleive that one of the reasons Coleman moved on to another company was because of all these small problems on the camper made Coleman look and maybe feel bad about there rep. ?