Bottom String Broke in Sliding Screen Door

Me_and_My_Dog

I love the sliding screen door I bought from Elsie at nuCamp about a year ago. I didn't realize how much I loved it until it malfunctioned last night. I went to open it and all of a sudden it was hard to open. Up until then, it opened like a breeze. Nothing special happened last night. I finally got it open and noticed a string on the bottom that was broken and flapping in the breeze. I honestly do not know how this thing works. But I guess I will be learning soon. Does this sound like something that can be fixed? Or will it have to be replaced? Everything else about the screen door is in perfect shape and it was a painto install. But I need it. I rely on it. Can't live without it. Suggestions? Thank you in advance.

ScottG

Yes, if it's just a broken string it sounds like something that can be fixed. Unfortunately, beyond that I'm not much help as I haven't done the repair myself and I've never closely inspected the mechanism inside the casing. Nor can Iguarantee you won't have to remove the door to do it.

Hopefully somebody else will have additional insight.

Me_and_My_Dog

Thank you Scott. The door was a bear to install and the person helping me made it so that removal would be quite difficult. But I suspect you are correct. Taking it out would certainly allow a closer look and proper space to do the repair.

cstur

Following, my bottom string on the screen door also broke.

Me_and_My_Dog

Aha! Carol, I've contacted nuCamp and Elsie said she will have some info for me today. I'll let her know another T@Bber had it happen.

Me_and_My_Dog

Here is what Elsie wrote: I found out what the cause of that is. There is a string that goes across the bottom and probably what happened is when you installed it you hit the string and cut it a little and with over the last year using it the string frayed and broke."

elbereth

@Me_and_My_Dog or @cstur, did you ever figure out how to fix?  Finally have a “spring” weekend here in Minnesota and my bottom string is loose too.

Verna

I had to replace my screen door due to the bottom string breaking. Shipping was almost as much as the door, because it is shipped complete, in one cardboard box. 

Yukon

This happened to us too. I called Elsie and we were told we would need to get a new screen.
As we live in the Yukon, Canada - the cost plus shipping plus the exchange rate was very high. My partner removed the screen and restrung it. You need patience and fine string. We did notice the screws that hold the bottom of the frame in place can catch the screen. We have left the screen off for our winter activities and will replace it with something to cover the screwheads.

elbereth

Thank you, @Verna and @Yukon!  I may try the “patience” method first!

Michigan_Mike

I have removed the screen doors in both the 320 and 400 T@B’s for various reasons and it’s not too bad.  I had to tighten down the wall portion of the door catch and this made it necessary to remove the screen door last week while camping in Texas.  The plastic door latch cover on the sink side door wall had to be removed and all 6 screws on the aluminum piece attached to the screen door frame need to come out before the screen door can be slid out.  The screen door can easily be removed from the left side as the sink cabinet juts out on the right side.  The door latch piece on the wall can than be accessed easier or at least you can get a screw driver head into the area.

The 320 screen door is similar but doesn’t have the wide aluminum strip along the sides as the 400 has.  You have screws along the sides and there are screws inside the track which cannot be easily seen. The Norcold 3 way frig is the issue there, but with some diligence you can get the screen door out.  

Good luck and post up some repair photos if you have the time!  

jkjenn

The top strong on mine has been partially undone for a while. This makes me think I should probably mend it while still can before it becomes too much work.