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Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Yahoo Message Number: 101683
Hello Group:

I have searched sites for an RV screen door that attaches to one side of the door and rolls across when in port then rolls back and disappears when in travel.

Does such a convenience exist?  Or, is it my imagination?

Shirley OBrien
06 Intrigue

(P.S. Kevin has never heard of it so it probably is my imagination)

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101685
Have not seen that configuration before, please let us know what you find out!

I have seen that some doors were made, where the top screen section slides down out of the way while driving, to enhance the passenger side view. Then you slide it back up into place to do normal screen door bug protection. It's on our 'to do' list:)!

I have not researched too much, but believe I read or heard that MCI shades has something that might accomplish this. (I think theirs is a roller screen shade that moves out of the way for driving, then rolls out for bug duty. About 1/3-1/2 the door.

I also mentioned the desire to do this at my RV shop, and the owner said he thought the existing door could be unmounted, and that a screen door company could modify it to be a removable screen. We'd remove it for travel and place it behind the passenger seat, then put it back in when parked. (Prefer the idea of the roller, or slider screen - as I think it would be more flexible in usage.)

I also read or heard somewhere the I think it was Monaco that had this as an option on some of their models over a few years(?).

I'll follow this thread to see what others may share!

Best,

Smitty

04 Allure 31017
04 Allure Sold to a nice new owner! Now enjoying a 07 Magna Rembrandt 45' ISX600 #6775
"We're ONDROAD for THEJRNY!" (Toad and Coach license plates, say Hi if you see us!)

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101687
Hi Shirley,

Short question. long answer.

Yes and no. Sorry! Yes, there are at least a half dozen manufacturers who have been making retractable screen doors for many years. They are primarily designed for household in-swing doors so, they are designed to mount on the outdoors side of the frame. They are available on special order at big box home improvement stores @ $200-$300. They would not be practical on a motor home out-swing door. The casing for these screens to retract into is generally about 3" to 4" in diameter and they all have a top and bottom track for the bare screen mesh to travel in while operating. The smallest casing is one that is designed to be mounted into window frames. Take a close look at the display samples and try to imagine the installation.

Years ago I was an independent manufacturers sales agent. One of the manufacturers that I represented was a retractable screen builder. The product originated in Europe and is extremely popular there. I sold sold these to installers across the country who served the housing aftermarket.
I always felt that this would be a boon to the motor home industry. So, I tried several adaptations to market the product for a universal application to OEM motor home mfrs. I met with no success mostly due to practical space and clearance considerations. I also tried the aftermarket suppliers. No luck there eithe One other problem is that the bottom track must be kept free of debris so that the screen fabric may travel easily. There are a few other maintenance headaches that helped to cause the design project to be scuttled.
That said, I have seen a few that have been adapted for installations on travel trailers.

However, the door is open for a clever new design. Pun intended.
Daron Hairabedian, 98 Allure 30226

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101688
Hi Shirley,

Actually CC did install just such a screen in some models. I doesn't slide from one side to the other, but from the bottom to the top. My understanding is the manufacturer no longer makes them. Here are a few pictures of my entry door.

Entry Door Rollup Screen

Can't even tell there is a screen when it's open.

Barney

07 Inspire 52059

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101700
SDL,

Thanks for digging this up!

I recall seeing a demonstration of this screen at a National Glass Assn. trade show in Las Vegas about 10-15 years ago. It met with poor dealer response and did not appear in any subsequent shows and I had not heard of it since then. This unit operates in a fashion similar to Day-Night shades. I recall that a few dealer objections were that the screen is proprietary, it obscures the view and the horizontal strings that are threaded through the screen were thought to be a little distracting. It is permanently pleated and pierced so any replacement would have to be purchased from the original supplier. I am not sure but, I believe the product is manufactured overseas; perhaps in Japan.
The Plisse company appears to be the only source for this product in the USA. I do not know how long they have been in business. Availability of replacement parts would be an important factor to consider.

Nonetheless, now I am very curious. Has anyone ever seen this product installed in a Country Coach or any other motor home? Comments!?? Daron Hairabedian 98 Allure 30226

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101702
In case it helps: An often seen screen type on RVs in Europe. Especially on luxury models.
It is a sliding mechanism, not rolling as suggested in the thread title. And yes, I don't believe you could easily repair them on your own if torn or broken.

Dick Bogaard

ex CC 2003 Allure 30905

Re: Roll Across Screen Door -- Possible?

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 101703
I believe I've read that the company called Phantom Screen also installs their disappearing screen doors on RVs.  We owned a condo and had it put on the condo door which was w/o a screen and we wouldn't have been allowed to install a normal screen door but  were the condo rules said this Phantom screen could be installed.  It was great.  For us, however, in our CC because we have 2 small dogs, we couldn't use it as they could push themselves right out the door.  The website for Phantom Screen is http://www.phantomscreens.us

I need to do some reading back of the posts people have put on in order to best ditch the present screen which doesn't allow me to see out much but have a replacement for when we are stopped and need the screen put back on easily.  I'm only talking  the top screen.  We're thinking of a velcro deal holding a screen in place, but velcro sometimes isn't so easy.  Maybe there are other ideas.  Thank you.

Mary Frederick
06 Inspire 51784