BF BFT Plexi door handle light

kretskin · Post by **kretskin** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 4:03 pm

Hi...when we viewed our '99 BF the rear door handle-plexiglass-lit up and was really sweet. It has not lit up since:) but we have an appointment 10/31 for a few things and that is on the list...anyone have history with this issue and can you offer a repair thought?

Also, this summer we felt as if our monitor readings were off...has anyone ever changed this panel out and how was it? Expensive?

Loving our BF BFT-saw another older model at Burning Man and then passed one on the way home in upstate Nevada!

whemme · Post by **whemme** » Sun Oct 28, 2012 8:44 pm

Shady Lady,

Kinda confused as to what you are saying exactly. Far as I know, no enter door handles on Born Free coaches are lighted. Are you instead referring to the entry assist handle located on the fiberglass body to the left side of the door? And if you are, are you saying that just by viewing (looking at) the handle it would illuminate? On the Born Free coaches I am familiar with, there is a switch inside the doorway that turns on the internal illumination for the entry assist handle.

If that describes your particular entry assist handle, then inside the clear and hollow plastic handle is a string of small incandescent lamps. The original handle on your coach is no longer made so parts are no longer available. The only way to fix that problem is to replace that lighted handle with one that is currently available. Kim at the factory may be able to recommend a replacement brand and model of replacement lighted handle.

bcope01 · Post by **bcope01** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:29 am

It could also be a burned out bulb. Search lighted rv entry handle on the web and there are forum discussions on how to replace the bulb.

If you need a completely new handle, here are a couple of sources:

http://www.rvandvansurplus.com/assistha ... cletype=RV

http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/product ... uct_id=452

Although I am not sure, the 5500 model appears similar to the one on my BFT. You can even buy only the curved replacement acrylic handle for the unit:

http://www.factoryrvsurplus.com/product ... uct_id=453

Bill

ewagman · Post by **ewagman** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 10:56 am

I changed mine to a LED bulb a few years ago, there is only one bulb in my 2003 handle. Perhaps yours is burnt out. It's one of the small push in bulbs like in side marker lights, maybe a 168? I also changed the inside step light that is on the same circuit to the same LED bulb, I can leave them on all night for a low power consumption night light. Next time I would use an amber one outside, maybe draw less bugs with a less blue bulb, and one that aims the led to the side, more light would then hit the handle.[/img]

Dude · Post by **Dude** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 2:52 pm

These pictures are great!!! One of the things I noticed when I had my BF out for the first time was when I put the "Porch" light on the Plexiglass assist handle got real hot on top. I just shut the "Porch" light off and put it on the "to do" list. I figured there might be a loose wire behind it that was causing it to warm up. It did not look like it was lit but thought it could be possible. Now I know there is something electrical in the handle. I don't know if it being warm is normal or not but I'm not going to use the porch light until I check out the handle. It is still on my to do list but at least I know what is back there now. I have to deal with Frankenstorm first.

ewagman · Post by **ewagman** » Mon Oct 29, 2012 3:49 pm

Your BF is a great asset with a storm like Sandy. With a good supply of fuel, propane, and water in the BF you can weather days of no shore power at the house. You can run an extension cord into the house, keeping the home refrigerator cold and some lights on. Driveway camping!! Or head somewhere safer if needed. It's also an opportunity to check for water leaks with your BF. Look everywhere, if it's still dry tomorrow, you are probably sealed up nicely.

Good luck tonight.