Austin Hardware Blog

How to Know Which Type of Handle is Right for Your Recreational Vehicle.

Written by Rob Dell'Elmo | Mar 23, 2020 3:30:00 PM

Austin Hardware® has long served the RV market. Our location in Elkhart, IN, well-known as the RV capital of the world because the greater Elkhart region is where more than 80% of global RV production is based, has helped to make us the hardware supplier of choice for many RV manufacturers, dealers, and end-users alike.

We have a large selection of in-stock handles for every area of your recreational vehicles. Whether it’s a Class A motor home, an ice-fishing trailer, or a pop-up camper, the RV you’re driving sports various handles inside and outside the vehicle.

Here are a few of the locations you’ll find handles on most RVs:

  • Primary Entrance Door
  • Storm Door
  • Access/Baggage doors
  • Bathroom Door
  • Bedroom Door
  • Interior Compartments/Glove Boxes
  • Next to entry doors for entry/exit assist

 

 
 
 
 
 

RV door handles for each of these applications come in many styles and sizes. They include folding handles, paddle handles, swing handles, grab handles, ‘L’ handles, and ‘T’ handles, compression style latching handles, simple flush, recessed pull handles, and large grab handles and rails. The type of RV door handle you may need will primarily come down to the application, along with the style and material of your RV door, and your personal preference.

 

The primary entrance, and many access/baggage, door handles are often composed of sturdy zinc die-cast with either a chrome plating or a black powder coat finish.  RV screen doors are a terrific addition, allowing you to keep bugs out while you still enjoy the fresh air from inside the RV. But screen door handles are often easily broken.

Many styles of screen door handles are available based on your preference and the space available. An inside bar/grab handle is not always included with the screen door, but it is an excellent add-on that allows you to easily close the door from the inside and alleviate the wear-and-tear of some other door components.

Grab or assist handles mounted next to the entry door inside and outside the RV to help people climb more easily into and out of the vehicle are very important. These also come in various sizes and styles, including the addition of integrated lighting for easy viewing at night.

Interior compartments usually require flush mount pull handles or other light-duty compartment latch handles.

Many locking handles on your RV may come with a master key. Very often, they are keyed CH751. Unfortunately, this is likely true for many of your neighbors in the campground as well. So, for security purposes, you might want to consider changing out those standard lock cylinders.

Regarding RVs, we know hardware; that's why we stock and supply the equipment you need for your recreational vehicle. We cater to the RV industry and stock thousands of hardware products. We have Trim, Gasket & Weatherstrip, drawer slides, specialty lighting, sealants and adhesives, and more for your recreational vehicle. Safety is also key when you are on the road, and we carry safety-related products to keep you and your passengers safe.

If you are looking for the right hardware, you have come to the right place. We even have product experts ready to work with you and an engineering department that can design specialty products. Whatever your hardware needs are, we can source what you need.  

Time to hit the road! 

Now that you know more about what to pack and where to get your hardware, you can hit the road with peace of mind! Contact us here if you are ready to speak with a hardware expert. We are ready to help you find the right RV solutions.