Screendoor slider replacement

[V. H.]

We have 2013 Thor ACE 30.1 motorhome. Our screendoor slider requires replacing. We received the slider today, but it did not come with installation instructions. The slider is made of hard plastic and can not be bent or manipulated to fit in the track.
If anyone has replaced their's, we'd sure welcome any advice on how to do this.

[Budman]

Did it look like this? If so, I left mine in the windshield of the truck in the sun to let it get good and hot. Put dry lube on both top and bottom, ever so gently bent it, and it still went tight. If there is a better way I'd like to see what someone comes up with!!! Thx Dennis.

4701-00 -- Dexter RH Screen Door Slider, Clear for Series 5050 Radius Corner Upgraded Screen Door Includes 4700-00 Slider Stopper

[Bob Denman]

Are there any YouTube videos out there?

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Are there any YouTube videos out there?

LMGTFY

[V. H.]

Yes, it looks exactly like this one. The plastic is hard and risks cracking or breaking if it is manipulated. It was $41:00 (this included shipping costs) and we'd rather not break it when attempting to install it.
There are no YouTube videos to reference installation.

[V. H.]

Unfortunately, there are no Youtube videos that are specific to this slider ... that was the first thing I looked for.

[TurnerFam]

I found several, and one that actually fit mine, with a little modification, up at a RV Parts store, coming into WHITEHORSE, Yukon... check them out the next time you're by there!

[V. H.]

Hi ... we have the correct slider for the screendoor .... but, it seems it will be a challenge to install.

[V. H.]

Got it done!
We phoned the Dexter Door Company for advice on installing the plastic slider. We were informed that they install the slider after the door is assembled.
His advice was to insert the slider into the top track near the door latch and bend the bottom of the slider enough to insert it into the track. However, we decided to first immersed the slider into boiling water for a short time, and instead of trying to bend the bottom portion of the slider, which was wider than the top, we found that it was more prudent to bend the top until it was able to slip into the track.

[Crossleyt]

Found mine on eBay for $18. Put the bottom side in first, in the center of the door, then pulled down and bent the top in. Popped right in!

[CjFish32a]

Originally Posted by V. H.

Hi ... we have the correct slider for the screendoor .... but, it seems it will be a challenge to install.

The suggestion was made by someone on this forum to hear the slider in the windshield to heat it up.

I did so for about 45 minutes and carefully using a knife I was able to trim the top just a very small amount putting it in first ang gently but firmly pushed it up into place.

It now works perfectly!