Folding grab handle

[Isabellawind]

I just purchased a 'new to me' 27' trailer that has the folding grab handle installed. It is very handy, but I have a concern. I will be camping and traveling solo, and it occurred to me, that someone with evil on their mind could lock me inside...all it would take is to lift and fold over door.

Has anyone dealt with this issue?
I have spent some time trying to fabricate something, (in my mind), lol.

any help appreciated.

[Dfair622]

Keep in mind, us “campgrounders” are a different breed than those elsewhere. And I never had this concern before you mentioned it. If it’s like ours, if you’re that worried you might be able to screw a small plate to the U side that lets it go in front of the door?

[Dfair622]

Originally Posted by Dfair622

Keep in mind, us “campgrounders” are a different breed than those elsewhere. And I never had this concern before you mentioned it. If it’s like ours, if you’re that worried you might be able to screw a small plate to the U side that lets it go in front of the door?

Blocking it from going into that U slot period

[TinCanTee]

I read a story about what you describe actually happening at a CG that was IIRC in Indiana. Some kids blocked the door during the night and the next morning the couple was unable to get out of the camper for about 2 hours until some other campers woke up and came to the rescue. If it were me, I'd fix the handle so it cannot block the door.

[Isabellawind]

well, I went out and contemplated the 'fix' that was suggested...it sounded like a good one....but....when the handle is folded the 'other' way to travel, the end of the bar goes into that u shaped slot....
still taking ideas...lol

[1bigmess]

I have one. I'm not at all worried about it. I'm not really sure anyone else should really be either. If it were moved in front of the door and I needed to get out in an emergency, the brackets are made of plastic, they'll break, and I'll get out, I doubt it would be much trouble.

[JJ&QM]

If the grab handle is folded in front of the door, it doesn’t take that much pressure with the door from the inside to push the grab handle out of the way. The handle is spring loaded, And will move in the plastic notches with a little pressure.They are made that way as a safety precaution

[2Yung2 Quit]

I'm more concerned about a Raccoon climbing in through the bathroom vent.

[Isabellawind]

Originally Posted by JJ&QM

If the grab handle is folded in front of the door, it doesn’t take that much pressure with the door from the inside to push the grab handle out of the way. The handle is spring loaded, And will move in the plastic notches with a little pressure.They are made that way as a safety precaution

interesting....has anyone tried this? I wish the manufacturer would state this on the website....I am female and somewhat 'elderly'....(hate that word).

[ADK camper]

We have herd the stories also. You never know who your camping with. For the most part the adult campers are fine but throw some bored teenagers into the mix ....? The story we herd was just that, some teenagers had done that to about a dozen trailers for a practical joke.
I know that I DON'T want to have to break out of my own trailer.

We were able to put a bar on ours to stop it from locking that position.
There must be a way to put a stop on yours also.

Could you post a pic of your bracket?

[Spoonsize]

Seems another good reason to have the “holy crap” emergency window at one end of the trailer.

[Dfair622]

Originally Posted by Dfair622

Blocking it from going into that U slot period

Just the one side that faces the door. You should still be able to have it face away from the door and close it to the opposite side of the door. Ours folds all three ways.

[Isabellawind]

I messaged Stromberg Carlson people about my concern. This morning I received a reply.



"I can definitely put your mind at ease. When I first started working here at Stromberg Carlson Inc. part of my training was to be shown how the handle can ‘lock’ from the outside with someone inside their trailer. I was taught how to get out by using my lower body portion ( hips ) to nudge the door open. It worked like a charm. It did take some effort and some ‘slam’ force into the door form the inside but it did pop open. It has to be a quick brunt of force. You probably can use any part of your body or an object as long as it is a quick motion. The locking mechanism actually has a spring in it so it can be popped back open.

You might want to have a friend come over and be outside of the trailer while you practice this. I highly suggest that. Once you understand how the process works you will likely be much more at peace and very capable should some ‘jerk’ of a person decides to play game on you with your rail. "


so, there ya are....now I need someone to 'practice' with. lol

[2Yung2 Quit]

Originally Posted by Isabellawind

I messaged Stromberg Carlson people about my concern. This morning I received a reply.



"I can definitely put your mind at ease. When I first started working here at Stromberg Carlson Inc. part of my training was to be shown how the handle can ‘lock’ from the outside with someone inside their trailer. I was taught how to get out by using my lower body portion ( hips ) to nudge the door open. It worked like a charm. It did take some effort and some ‘slam’ force into the door form the inside but it did pop open. It has to be a quick brunt of force. You probably can use any part of your body or an object as long as it is a quick motion. The locking mechanism actually has a spring in it so it can be popped back open.

You might want to have a friend come over and be outside of the trailer while you practice this. I highly suggest that. Once you understand how the process works you will likely be much more at peace and very capable should some ‘jerk’ of a person decides to play game on you with your rail. "


so, there ya are....now I need someone to 'practice' with. lol

Now, back to the Raccoons.