Every RV owner will eventually google “Best RV accessories” to see if there is anything new to add to their RV that they haven’t already considered. Unfortunately, the results will be overwhelming with wat too many options. However, fear not. I’m about to share one of the least expensive and most satisfying upgrades you can make to your RV in about 10 minutes: The Camco Screen Door Cross Bar Handle.
One thing that you use several times throughout the day is the entrance door. If you’ve been using your RV long enough, you know the ensuing struggle well: pulling the screen door closed by the thin edge of plastic around the handle or plastic slide. It really is a first-world problem, but that doesn’t mean it’s not annoying.
This scenario can all be a headache of the past with the installation of a simple add-on accessory made by Camco, the Screen Door Cross Bar Handle. I don’t understand why manufacturers don’t include this as a standard accessory on all new RVs. I’m convinced that Camco must be in cahoots with the RV industry to drive up their sales in accessories.
Luckily, adding this to your door is simple and very affordable. For under $11, as currently priced on Amazon, you can have this shipped to your front door in less than two days. Once secured, the handle eliminates the need to pull on the flexing screen door plastic to close it. The bar provides a rigid structure to pull on, ensuring an easy latch every time. When keeping your screen door attached to the main door, you also eliminate the need for opening the slider panel as you can pull both the screen and front door closed at the same time without them separating.
Installing the Screen Door Cross Bar Handle is easy. Each end bracket attaches to the screen door frame with two sheet metal screws. When installing, a tip is to use painter’s tape to mark the areas to predrill the holes on the screen door. Measure with a tape measure to ensure the handle is parallel to the door frame. Don’t use a bubble level as your RV (and screen door) probably isn’t 100% level. Make sure to use a drill bit with a diameter smaller than the included sheet metal screws.
The kit also includes two additional sheet metal screws to secure the handle in the brackets. It is best to have a helper hold the bar on the door to be mounted while you center the bar in the brackets. Use a Sharpie marker to mark on the bar where to predrill the holes as the bar isn’t pre-attached to the brackets- this allows the handle to slide in the brackets fit various door widths.
That’s all there is to it. This simple addition to your RV is something you’ll use multiple times per day. It’s one of those accessories that makes you wonder how you lived without it before installing it. For me, I think it’s one of the best inexpensive upgrades you can make to your RV.
