Help! Screen Door String Issue

Tabaz

Does anyone have experience fixing this?

Bayliss

@Tabaz, take a look at these:

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/comment/145838#Comment_145838

https://tab-rv.vanillacommunity.com/discussion/6399/windows-awnings-shades-and-screens#latest

Tabaz

Thanks Bayliss.  Looks like this repair is over my paygrade.

Tabaz

Anyone know the manufacturer of the T@B screen doors?  A company named Plisse sells a very similar product for $215 with free shipping.  Would be nice to get a direct replacement. 

JeffroNC

@Tabaz I was quoted about $250 plus $50 shipping for the door. I am going to nuCamp in a couple of weeks for some service and they will sell me one and install it for $250 so it was an easy choice.
Meanwhile, I drilled a hole through the frame and put a small wire tie through it. Then my wife attached some strong thread to the original and tied it to the homemade attachment point. We have been using it that way for months. Its ugly but it works. LOL
We camp host in our 400. While we love the TAB, this type of door is not up to constant use and if we ever bought another camper, it would not have this style screen.

ScottG

What exactly happens when this string breaks? Does the pleated screen not collapse properly when the door is slid closed?

Tabaz

Scott - I don't notice any problems with opening and closing the screen with this defect.  I can only assume it will get worse over time.  I believe this string(s) are connected to one another within the frame. Jeff - I agree, this type of screen is not designed for constant use.  However, it is very convenient and fast.  Will look into the Plisse door and report back.

Bayliss

@Tabaz , I believe the manufacturer is Horrex.  Also, my understanding has been that "DuoPliss" is their dual screen for the window.  Below is a link to their site, which has an installation manual for the "Flyscreen Door," but it is in Dutch.  I have an English version (.pdf document), but for some reason I am unable to upload it here.  I found a site that has English instructions, but they are not for the same model screen door.

https://www.horrex.nl/flyscreen-doors

Tabaz

Thank you Bayliss!! Their website has the instruction manual in English.  However, it was written "By Engineers, For Engineers."  So the Dutch version is just as helpful as the English one.  I'll learn more when I pull this thing apart.  Thanks again.

Tabaz

Just found this video (no sound):
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AN2nEqAflnc

Bayliss

Glad you found the English version, @Tabaz   I obviously found it somewhere in the past, but did not make a note of it.  The video is helpful as well, but then again, it always looks easy to someone who knows what they are doing.      I'm guessing the original video may be in Dutch, so probably it is just as well that it is silent.  Best of luck to you if you tackle the re-stringing.  Please let us know how your adventure turns out.

Tabaz

This has been a Fools Errand extraordinaire.  Purchased about $50 in parts to replace the broken string.  Here's what I experienced.  The cord referenced by another poster is too thick to thread in a standard needle.  OK, then buy thinner cord and larger needles.  Well that makes sense.  Not so fast.  The larger needle will not fit through the openings in the screen material.  AND the smaller needles are too small for the even smaller cord.  BTW, there is no way to thread the new cord through the screen without a needle. I am so done with this escapade (first time I get to use "escapade" in a forum post). Will be buying a new screen door post-haste.

Tabaz

Not to beat a dead horse, but these doors are made in "The Netherlands."  Where is that exactly?  Is screen door re-cording taught in the grade schools so that all adults are skilled in this unbelievably frustrating activity?  Asking for a friend.  

Horigan

The Netherlands is a European country on the North Sea, between Belgium and Germany.  Capital is Amsterdam.  Holland is one of the provinces.  Had an amazing time there once cruising the canals and biking with a friends boat.

Tabaz

What a complete waste of time trying to repair the broken cord in my screen door.  Words cannot describe the frustration with the lack of available resources to assist with this most basic of repairs.  If your cord breaks on the screen door, pay anything to have a new one shipped to you COMPLETELY ASSEMBLED.  My God, what a Hot Mess this thing is. 

BrianZ

I can feel your frustration, @Tabaz , so I'll consider myself duly warned.

mjwaldner

NuCamp referred me to http://transatlanticprod.com/ when I had a window shade string  break on my new Tab 400. They were very helpful. Sent me all the parts and info I needed to fix the problem. 

Tabaz

I get an inactive website after clicking on that link.  But not a problem, this is indicative of the Bad Karma I've must have generated during several lifetimes on this planet.  After spending $173 for shipping charges for a "free" screen door - only to find it was eaten by rodents while in storage, AND countless hours attempting to discern the intricate formula for the oh, so cleverly designed string configuration, I capitulated and spent another $271 for a new screen door from a local dealer.  Upon reflection of past sins, discretions and all out crimes committed, I fear the new door will be for a T@B 400 and not my humble and aging 320.

PamandJohnUpNorth2

My screen door strings have separated from the frame but the door still works. When it stops working I plan to replace it with a custom size magnetic screen door:

https://www.magzo.com/collections/customized-product/products/the-custom-magnetic-screen-door?variant=33167991144525

Sharon_is_SAM

@Tabaz - we use the Magzo on a door leading to our deck.  (30 x 80 = $22). The magnets work well and the screening material is heavy duty.  I can wipe down the screen without worry about tearing.  The top and sides have velcro.  The only problem is when the sides fit securely, it limits how far apart you can move the panels apart.  My DH suggested to try this:  get a cheap version that is twice the size of the TaB door.  Cut the top trim and use 1 panel.  It may give you fuller door access.  Add some magnets to the outside panel edge and the sides of the TaB door.  Both panel edges will then move to allow entry/exit.  

Tabaz

Thanks for the suggestions.  Will go with the magnetic version if the new stock door ever fails.  Should be here July 9th.

PamandJohnUpNorth2

For what it's worth the magnetic closure can be offset if desired. I had asked them if I could get a left-side entry to accommodate the right-hinged door on the T@B. Here are the emailed Magzo ordering instructions for a side entry:->

"Dear customer,

Thanks for your contact, yes you can left side open, plz input your actual width and height to order ,then take a note in your order: how many inches would you want to open in the left side ?

hope to can help you "

Tabaz

Thoughtful, considerate and caring responses by wonderful people like you make this forum so helpful and unique.  Thanks again.

ScottG

My turn...

On my last excursion, the screen door suddenly started sticking in the closed position. Shortly thereafter, the top string broke. On the upside, the door again slides without binding, but without the string the screen doesn't always accordion neatly into the channel when being slid open.

Not one to back down from a challenge, I'll pull the door after I winterize next month, and spend some time tinkering with it over the winter. I'm not real optimistic given @Tabaz's experience, I am a patient and tenacious sort so who knows. I'll report any great revelations.

Tabaz

"I am a patient and tenacious sort so who knows."  Napoleon Bonaparte on the eve of the battle of Waterloo

Lisamorrisette

Has anyone repaired a small tear in their door? A bad 🥹gave it a paw touch. I also noted the window screen top has started to become detached from the top—thinking glue?