How To Upgrade Your Camper Entryway | Coleman Lantern LT 17B
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- Опубликовано: 18 сен 2024
- In this week's project we tackle the entryway of our Coleman Lantern 17B. We added a new double step, a window to the door, and a keyless entry lock. These three projects only took an afternoon and were well worth the effort.
As I have in past videos, I always make a cardboard template to cut holes and mock things up with and this was no exception. Cutting a hole in anything, let alone a very expensive door, can be intimidating, but hopefully this video will help with the anxiety of doing that. I used the box that the window came in to make the template, as the picture on the box was the exact size of the window. I just had to subtract the overhang of the window flange from the picture so it fit perfectly. I placed the opening of the cut 3 inches below the trim around the door and centered it from side to side. I used a multi-tool cutter with a 2" wide straight blade to cut through then fiberglass skin on the outside of the door and also through the plastic skin on the inside of the door. The door is foam filled so it was no problem to cut through either.
As far as the steps are concerned, they were a direct replacement for the factory single step. There wasn't any new hardware with this step so you will have to keep the original hardware to install it. I made the mistake of using the exact holes where the original was located but I should have used the next set lower on the existing factory bracket. I also had to loosen the front bolts on the bracket to take up some of the gap between that bracket and the new step. It uses the same size socket so no need to search for another one. This step is so much nicer and safer than the old step. We would typically set out a small, foldable step stool that was kind of sketchy depending on the ground conditions.
The digital key pad was even easier than the steps. It was literally 4 screws and a new mounting strike plate on the door. It only took a few minutes to install and also only a few minutes to program the key pad and I didn't even have to change the strike plate on the jamb.
These projects were just another step towards getting the camper a little more functional for our needs and are in no way necessary for the functionality of the camper, just personal preference.
We are set to leave very soon on our first camping trip of 2021 and can't wait to be done getting this camper ready for some more adventures. Don't forget to follow us along as we take you around the US and explore this great country of ours.
REMEMBER TO DREAM BIG AND DREAM OFTEN
GOD BLESS AND SAFE TRAVELS
Tools:
Multi-tool cutter with a 2" blade for wood and plastic, to cut through the door
Some cardboard for a template, some tape, a tape measure, and a pencil for the window install
9/16 socket and ratchet for the steps (I used my impact driver and a socket adaptor to speed things up)
Impact driver with a phillips bit for the install of the new latch
Products:
Window Kit:
www.amazon.com...
Double Entry Step:
www.amazon.com...
Keyless RV Entry Door Latch:
www.amazon.com...
Camera Gear:
GoPro Hero 7:
www.amazon.com...
Camera Stand and Microphone:
www.amazon.com...
Adding the window to the entry door is how it should have been from the factory. Looks so much better.
I totally agree.
Having used campers for many years. I can say The window in the door is a mistake. Why?
Because it is just another place to leak water and has much less insolating value.
Thanks for the video. We just purchased the exact Camper and appreciate your time. Oh, and thanks for not editing out the almost window drop, it's a good lesson for us newbies on precautions.
Cynthia
You're welcome and most people don't keep in the bloopers but I think they help
Great decision on adding the window. Nice catch too!
It was definitely a nice upgrade. Not necessarily a 'gotta do it' but it was worth it.
@@SmallFamilyBigDreams I think most people would say it is a "gotta do it"!
@@patleonard2884 it definitely helps it feel not so closed in for sure.
Keep up the great mods. Great seeing ways to improve the camper. Just purchased a 177BH a few months ago and getting great ideas from your videos. Nice to see someone not afraid to cut into a new camper to make it better.
Well I was a little standoffish at first but once you start, the damage is already done so may as well make it like you want it.
Thank you so much for showing step by step, it's so helpful!
Thanks for sharing, that window was frustrating to install just by me watching;-/, and you my friend is a one man army 👍🏽
You're welcome. Thanks for the compliment.
Nice, unfortunately not a handyman Girl. I would need help. Great job!!! ❤
Great upgrades and video
LOL good catch! Seriously though, thanks for all your videos.
Yeah no kidding lol
I was wondering what it would take to add a window to one of these doors. A very big upgrade! I bet it really brightened up the inside of the trailer.
I would probably skip the steps because I am dubious about the additional leverage a heavy wide beam person (me) would put on the lower step and cause damage to the step frame on the trailer and the lower step deforming under the strain of the extra weight.
I like the keyless door latch upgrade. Do they have a power remote door lock kit for those doors? I mean, power door locks are almost universal on cars. Why not trailers?
New subscriber. Loved your content and tutorial. I have the same camper.
Thank you
So was therel no mastic on the door window frame? ...like there was for the kitchen window install? Thanks. Great mods!
No there was a seal already attached to the outside frame
Have to ask we bought the same camper.... where you get the window from.... I'm totally going to look into this.....oh yea I love your shirt..... stay safe out there brother
We got it from Amazon and I believe there is a link for it in the description. I appreciate the compliment. Safe travels and God Bless.
I know you have moved on to a bigger trailer but a question. The window you put in the door, did you order it from Amazon? and do you recall if it was a 2 inch thickness and did it fit properly, tight.
@Cheri Bowen yes we did got it from Amazon, I believe it was an inch and half thick and yes it did fit tight.
@@SmallFamilyBigDreams Thx
I bought the same steps but ended up returning them because of that gap in between. Noticed you bent the top screws. Is it as stable as the original steps?
Yes it's fine. I loosened both side so it would squeeze together. So far so good anyways.
@@SmallFamilyBigDreams have the same issues i am considering getting some washers to fill the gap