Are the upper doors connected

[Ultconsumer]

We just started using our 17’ Towlite. The upper doors, the screen door and the outer door, are not connected together so they do not open and close as a unit. Is this typical? If not, how can we attach them together? It’s too chilly out to leave the outer door open and just the screen door closed and it’s awkward trying to close them separately everytime we go back in (which is frequently). I had it rigged with a rubber band, but it only lasted a few dozen openings and closings.

 

[piperjim]

Our's has a plastic latch that connects/disconnects the 2 upper doors. The latch secures the screen door in the closed position, and will also latch to the outer door so they move together. The latch is part of the screen door. Do you see any holes that might indicate missing screws or rivets?

Most RV parts are generic, but this might be an exception. You can try JR Trailers or Midget Trailers, both in Ohio. Here's contact info:

MIDGET RV AND TRAILER SERVICE
16 Ogle St
Belleville, Ohio 44813
Phone: 1-419-886-0008

Jim Seals and Rob Laher
J and R Trailer Repair
419-883-3001
Email: jrrepair@centurylink.net
Website: For Hi-Lo Parts - J & R Trailer Repair

Good luck!

 

[RichR]

Try looking here:https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/maintenance-hardware/rv-locks-handles-storage-hardware/screen-door-accessories

There are a number of different screen door latches, so which one is the exact replacement for your Hi-Lo will be a guess without the original parts.

Amazon probably has them as well.

 

[Ultconsumer]

I did find a couple mystery holes. I’ll check out the link, too.

I’m not sure what I’m looking for since I’ve never seen the original hardware.

 

[RichR]

Maybe someone will post a photo of their screen door latch.

 

[amountaincreeker]

New Latch

Hey there, yeah as with all campers there is a plastic lever latch that holds the doors together and would in the area behind where the plastic slider door sits. My Hi Lo was missing it also I just bought a generic one off Amazon for like $7. Self tappers into the door and good to go!

 

[amountaincreeker]

New Latch

Here is a picture of a replacement from Amazon. They come in LEFT or RIGHT handed so order accordingly!

 

[Treeclimber]

Ult, let's try these photos. Sorry they are rotated. 1st shows the doors are connected. 2nd shows they are separated but still together (velcro) notice the position of the lever between the 1st and 2nd, and the 3rd shows the screen away from the door. in the 1st pic the lever is held by the door bracket. Moving the lever down allows the doors to separate, this "unlocks" it from the trailer frame.
Hope this helps you understand.
Tree

 

[Ultconsumer]

Excellent. That clears things up for sure! Thank you.

 

[Ultconsumer]

How do I decide if we need the right hand or left hand version?

 

[Treeclimber]

Ult, The one "amountaincreeker" is the same one I purchased on amazon, is actually reversible. Right or left. Don't remember the cost, but cheap.
Tree

 

[Ultconsumer]

Ok. Thanks.

 

[amountaincreeker]

Consumer, what side of the door is the latch on? More than likely the RIGHT, as is mine. You would want to get a RH door latch. It was $12 off Amazon. Camp'N RV I believe was the brand.

 

[Ultconsumer]

When you are inside the unit, looking at the closed door, the latch is on the right and the hinges are on the left.

I’m curious what the original hardware was. It was already missing when we bought it a few months ago. There are two holes that are pretty close to each other on the main outer door and it looks like whatever was mounted there possibly clicked into the little wheel latch that keeps the screen door closed in the door frame. We didn’t see any other holes in either door that might indicate another mechanism.

 

[amountaincreeker]

The original hardware is basically the same exact thing as the pic I posted. They are pretty generic. The 2 holes on the outer door are for the screen door latch, a small piece to snap into. The actual lever attaches to the screen door. When you push the screen door and the outer door together they snap together. The spring wheel is for the screen door lever, which keeps the screen door closed when not locked to the outer door. Hope that makes sense! I'll try to get a couple pictures to clarify