Lighted Door Handle

[mercerc44]

My handle is cracking, do we get a replacement from Newmar or do we go through a dealer?

Thanks in advance.

[mercerc44]

My handle is cracking, do we get a replacement from Newmar or do we go through a dealer?

Thanks in advance.

[RVDude]

You can only buy parts from Newmar while physically AT Newmar and in Jan-Mar parts are even cheaper there (uh, I mean less expensive as nothing RV is cheap). Otherwise, it is a dealer - at twice the cost.

Do a search in this forum for some interesting alternatives to replacing and/or fixing that handle.

["007"]

Here is some info on your broken GRAB HANDLE

[h moffitt]

Had a friend get a clear (Plastic/ acrilic ??)shaft from a hobby store that was the proper diameter. he heated, molded AND SHAPED his own replacement handle.

[Dav5942]

We were fortunate to get ours replaced at the Tampa RV show by Newmar. They did have to modify(reshape the ends) the handle to get it to fit(still loose however).

[Norm Payne]

I had my exterior door handle replaced at the Tampa RV Show too. I told the technician I wanted the new and redesigned handle so he ordered a whole new assembly and replaced it two days later.

[Brigadoon]

Norm,
Can you tell me more about the new redesigned handle? It is probably something I will need in the future.

[Norm Payne]

The clear acrylic entrance handles Newmar used for a few years got hair line cracks and would finally break. They changed vendors and now have handles that won't break. The new handle assembly is a little longer and more pointed at on the lower end. When you install the new one the holes won't line up, but the new handle will cover the old screw holes. Just fill the old holes with caulk and install the new one over it.

Go to this link for more information and pictures. The thrid picture from the top shows the new handle assembly.

Door Handle

[Dav5942]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Norm Payne:
The clear acrylic entrance handles Newmar used for a few years got hair line cracks and would finally break. They changed vendors and now have handles that won't break. The new handle assembly is a little longer and more pointed at on the lower end. When you install the new one the holes won't line up, but the new handle will cover the old screw holes. Just fill the old holes with caulk and install the new one over it.

Go to this link for more information and pictures. The thrid picture from the top shows the new handle assembly.

Door Handle </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Hate to tell you but ours was the "new" handle and the "new" handle they repalced it with is already(5 months) showing cracks. We have been very careful not to hang onto it but.....

[jjbsmith]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dav5942:
Hate to tell you but ours was the "new" handle and the "new" handle they repalced it with is already(5 months) showing cracks. We have been very careful not to hang onto it but..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

Our handle cracked under warranty. What are the chances Newmar will continue replacing the handles until they get it right?
Its common knowledge that some plastics just hate sunlight and thermal shock.
Unfortunately for Newmar and Newmar owners the broken handles are the first thing visitors and pospective customers touch on our coaches. Newmar even puts its name on the handle for advertising.
Newmar would be wise to recall things like multiple cracked handles and multiple cracked defrost vents.
Vents

[Norm Payne]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by Dav5942:Hate to tell you but ours was the "new" handle and the "new" handle they repalced it with is already(5 months) showing cracks. We have been very careful not to hang onto it but..... </div></BLOCKQUOTE>
OH NO, don't tell me that. My new handle is four months old and so far no cracks, but the bad part is I'm out of warranty and the next replacement is on my nickel.

[CSX4350]

I understand (not positive) that the non-engraved handles don't get the hairline cracks that ultimately lead to breaking. The cracks are due to stress etc. from the engraving. If you look the cracks always emminate from the engraving.
I did see just plain handles at the RV surplus places in Elkhart so they are available. When I go back in July I will take my handle, which is cracking also, off to match up at a surplus place so I have a plain, non-engraved spare. I'll also ask Newmar to replace it under warranty while I'm there, so I can save the spare for when I'm out of warranty.