Community Forums

Jimary · 09-05-2009, 06:03 PM

The one on my 1999 appeares to original. It has some crazing/cracking but sofar has held up for the almost 3 years I have had the coach. The info about replacements has been helpful if mine does give out. Thanks all.

edgray · 09-06-2009, 07:07 AM

My lighted, "Newmar" engraved, plastic handle broke. When I called my dealer, they sold me the "new style" replacement unit for ~$80 bucks, and warned me it is different enough that you cannot reuse the OE mounting brackets. After sealing the original holes I mounted the new bar with it's new brackets.

Therefore, I have the OE brackets (top & bottom) plus the light bulb holder available to anyone who may need them. FREE. send me a PM if interested. ED

bsinmich · 09-06-2009, 11:02 AM

I have gotten a few comments on how people like the lighted handle. I guess that is over when a steel bar is there. I may have to go to Elkhart and look around at RV surplus since mine is getting some lilttle cracks in it. I installed a railing inside the Mh to help getting up since both of us need a little assist. My next MH will have an escalator.

edgray · 09-06-2009, 11:54 AM

BILL: we liked the lighted handle, too. That's why I spent the bucks and went thru the hassel of changing the mounts. I think you will be able to find just the plastic piece to fit your existing mounts, if you shop around the surplus places around Elkhart. Good luck. ED

mercerc44 · 09-06-2009, 04:00 PM

We have an 04 DSDP and recently I replaced the lighted handle with the 5500L Brite Bar from RV Surplus. All that was needed was a little filing on each end. (Two flat spots to keep it from twisting) Fit perfectly. I didn't want to replace the entire set up because the holes don't match on the replacemt mounts.

Spikester · 09-06-2009, 05:42 PM

After 2 years our acrylic, lighted, handle looks like new.

Spike

DandS · 09-07-2009, 03:00 PM

Came up with a practical solution today. Surfed the net and found 1" cast clear acrylic rod 36" long for $10.91 with $6 shipping. Ordered and should have in a few days. Figure that is enough to cut at least 3 bars should any check or break over the years. Granted, it won't have lettering, but I'm not interested in advertising anyway, I just like the acrylic look. If this doesn't work out - I'm not out much money. Looked at the replacement bars from RV Surplus @ $18 but they wanted another $12 for shipping and $5 handling charge - total $35 for 1 bar. From what I read, the cast bars are stronger and less prone to checking than extruded bars which is what most are made from.

tmitchell · 09-07-2009, 04:12 PM

Dave,
You will have to bend the bar into the configuration of the original bar.
How do you intend on doing that?
Tom

DandS · 09-07-2009, 04:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmitchell

Dave,
You will have to bend the bar into the configuration of the original bar.
How do you intend on doing that?
Tom

With the set-up I have, a straight bar will work fine. I would have ordered the straight version from RV Surplus anyway.

tmitchell · 09-07-2009, 04:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandS

With the set-up I have, a straight bar will work fine. I would have ordered the straight version from RV Surplus anyway.

That's convenient. I thought you might know of an easy method to bend one.
Tom

"007" · 09-07-2009, 05:27 PM

Here is a handle with a bend may work for you.

Dennis M · 09-07-2009, 07:40 PM

I really liked the lighted handle on our Mtn Aire until it broke in my hand. My dealer told me they were no longer available and I replaced it with the chrome one. Having a secure handle is more important than one that looks good - I still miss it though!

DandS · 09-12-2009, 07:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DandS

Came up with a practical solution today. Surfed the net and found 1" cast clear acrylic rod 36"

UPDATE: Received ordered rod yesterday. Cut 12" length on chop saw and filed flats on each end to fit mounting brackets. Result is shown in picture attached. Best part of story - can get three handles out of $18 expenditure = $6/each plus I have stock for two more should this one check or break.