Retractable Screen Door 21, Navion 24V

Sparky19053 · 06-12-2023, 08:26 AM

I searched before starting a new post. We have a retractable screen door. Unknown manufacturer. One of the cords that runs thru the screen that extend and retract as you slide the door open or closed has broken. Apparently all the cords work as one cause with one broken cord the rest are limp. The screen door doesn't operate. Has anyone had experience how to restring this or replace the screen door to a swing out style door? Any repairs will need to wait until we get home later this month.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

GJM · 06-12-2023, 07:29 PM

Oh God no not yet, but the dogs are eye balling it! We did get a piece of Plexiglas to keep them off of it. We also have a cinch to keep the door from closing when the screen is being used, another issue with the door design. As much as Winnebago wants to tell you how great the door is, they missed the mark.

TravatoJohn · 06-13-2023, 06:46 AM

I replaced the cord on my 21 foot Winnebago Travato. It was a process for sure. Best with two people. Take the door off while retracted and then put a rubber band around it while folded to place on a sheet or something to lay it on while on the ground and you open it up. The cords go from the inside center. I measured the length of the old ones and cut it a couple feet longer. I bought the cord on Amazon. It was a coated 2mm black cord. Basically you start from the middle left and string it through the openings. Tricky part is the bottom bracket that slides along the fixed rail. After you get it installed after stretching out the top and bottom lubricate the string with silicone spray. Mine doesn’t work as a well as I would hoped and I’m thinking of redoing it with a strong 1 mm cord to see if that helps. The screens were a poor design I feel. I’ve had to replace 3 of the bottom brackets in 3 years so basically quit using it. My van came with a custom screen for the back door area so have converted it to cover the side opening by using Velcro on the top and sides with the door open. Hope this helps.
Travato John

Sparky19053 · 06-13-2023, 05:36 PM

Travatojohn, thanks for your reply. It sounds like a lot of fun to re-string this screen. Can't wait until we get home to play with it.

Sparky19053 · 06-18-2023, 07:05 AM

Update, I spoke to Winnebago parts who identified the manufacturer as Lippert. when asked for the part number he would only to contact your dealer. From the manufactures point of view there is no service or repair parts offered. Not a great solution. The more I look at the installation the more I kick myself for not having bring it up during the purchasing process.
https://support.lci1.com/entry-doors

Oneilkeys · 06-18-2023, 04:40 PM

It is fun. Here are the first four of 26 step by step instructions that I used to fix the screen on my 2020 Travato. A little larger cord than original will fit.

Oneilkeys · 06-18-2023, 04:45 PM

Here’s 9-16

Oneilkeys · 06-18-2023, 04:53 PM

16-

Sparky19053 · 06-18-2023, 06:29 PM

Oneilkeys thank you for this information, I can see you spent some time preparing this information. I want you to know it is greatly appreciated. We'll be back home in six days so I'm looking forward to the challenge. This information along with what was posted by Travatojohn will be my guide.

And for the record, its the members that make this board such a great resource. Thanks guys.

Oneilkeys · 06-18-2023, 06:38 PM

I’d like to take credit for it, but in reality I pulled it off the internet several years ago and I did not get the name of the individual who put it together. I did follow all the instructions and it does work. Good luck.

MattPraz · 06-19-2023, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sparky19053

I searched before starting a new post. We have a retractable screen door. Unknown manufacturer. One of the cords that runs thru the screen that extend and retract as you slide the door open or closed has broken. Apparently all the cords work as one cause with one broken cord the rest are limp. The screen door doesn't operate. Has anyone had experience how to restring this or replace the screen door to a swing out style door? Any repairs will need to wait until we get home later this month.

Thanks in advance for any suggestions.

I have the same screen door and have replaced it. A friend replaced his when the string broke and with shipping it was over $600! However it is an easy fix with some multi filament fish line. But you have to remove the door. I have not made this repair yet as the I have two salvage screen doors and was investigating how to do it. Based upon the drawings shown for the Travato, it is different. The screen will slide out of the the moving rail and the fix side rail at the top or bottom, and with a large sewing needle it is easy to thread the screen with new line. I like fishing line as it can be stronger and should wear better than what the factory uses. BTW there are no service parts. At some point I will make a video of this repair as it going to be an ongoing issue. Now to find a source for the screen.

Sparky19053 · 06-21-2023, 06:40 AM

Matt, thanks for your input. I'm looking forward to the video. I'll post how the repairs go when I get her done.

BTW, Lippert encourages you to go thru the dealer for a new screen. I'll either fix this door or replace it with something more reliable.

Lippert Customer Care Center Representative
w: 1-432-LIPPERT | f: 1-537-534-7161
e: [email protected]

Morich · 06-21-2023, 09:07 AM

Fits the normal profilefor RV!
The only thing on an RV that works full time is the owner!!

Sparky19053 · 06-22-2023, 07:06 PM

Morich, like someone once said to me if you are not are able or willing to make repairs then don't own an RV. And always carry tools and a roll of duct tape with you!

I got a call back today from my dealer, turns out a replacement door will only cost $414.00. The door is off the RV on the work bench. Restringing this looks pretty simple beings I can follow the existing path ways. I have some 65 lb test braided fishing line on the way that should work nicely.

Sparky19053 · 06-28-2023, 02:00 PM

The door is repaired and back in service. None of the photos posted above represent the door in our RV, a 2021 Navion 24V. Only one string was broken. I took the short road and found a fixed point in the cable path to make a splice. The splice is in the spline or gutter where it can not be seen. After reinstalling the door in the RV I use the springs in the two adjusting points to take up the slack. Slides smoothly back and forth, very happy.

Thank you for those that posted suggestions.