Community Forums

dennis45 · 01-13-2014, 12:59 PM

I noticed the Original Lighted Entry Handle on my Dutch Star was beginning to show signs of cracking. It looked to me like a serious accident waiting to happen. Imagine grabbing the handle going into the coach and having it break off? Not a pretty thought.

I called Newmar today to see about getting a new handle and was informed they have a new Chrome replacement available at No Charge. The new Chrome part is no longer lighted of course but won't break either.

Before you call Newmar for a replacement, have your coach number handy and remove the old handle. There are notches in each end of the handle and the Parts Department will ask if those notches face you or toward the coach when it is installed.

The people at Newmar continually impress me with their aftermarket service.

"007" · 01-13-2014, 07:12 PM

Thanks for the information Dennis, anyone can find more info for the plastic light handles or assists in this link.

Usa1chris · 01-13-2014, 09:40 PM

My door handle broke last year as my son was climbing in my 07 Dutchstar..It to had broken down from sun and weather changes...I contacted Newmar and they sent me a new crome one with no light I was told to terminate the light wires and push back into the base. What I did was purchased a nice blue lighted flexable bar with sticky to adhere to outside of a auto. i installed that and it looks great...Be glad to send pictures.. Take care...

JFXG · 01-13-2014, 11:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dennis45

I noticed the Original Lighted Entry Handle on my Dutch Star was beginning to show signs of cracking...

I called Newmar today to see about getting a new handle and was informed they have a new Chrome replacement available at No Charge....

The people at Newmar continually impress me with their aftermarket service.

Great piece of info. Thanks, Dennis!

Mr_D · 01-13-2014, 11:33 PM

Ours was cracking inside so I ordered a couple from a place in Nappanee as I remember. Had to file one of them some so the flats were correct. Still lights up but no Newmar on it.
When we had out 2000 DSDP I found a place that had them and would emboss the Newmar on them, at that time (before 2002) they were about $45 each.

harleychief · 01-19-2014, 03:17 AM

If you still want a lighted handle, I've heard good things about this place: Fleming Sales - Brite*Bar Grab Handles

dennis45 · 01-27-2014, 08:41 PM

Got the new Chrome Handle at No Charge from Newmar to replace the cracked Acrylic handle. The new one does not have Newmar engraved on it but will last as long as the MH. After a little grinding to make it fit, got it installed and then I decided to make another mod to allow the light to shine down on the handle.
Took the top bracket off and drilled and routed an oblong hole on the underside of the bracket to allow the light to shine down on the bracket.
Not the same appearance as the Acrylic but close.

"007" · 01-29-2014, 07:21 AM

Thanks for the update Dennis, shiny new handle and a light mode to boot.

spinn · 01-29-2014, 07:59 AM

Nice work Dennis
Steve

harleyman134 · 11-17-2014, 08:09 AM

I just got the replacement handle from Newmar and replaced it in about 10 seconds, I just had to slide the top portion into the bracket far enough to get the bottom bracket lined up and it dropped into the bottom bracket. I am concerned that the fit is not snug enough and since the bottom portion is not very deep into the bracket I may be hit a bump and cause the handle to jump up out of the bottom bracket and fall out onto the road. Is this a valid concern and if so can I do anything to remedy this?