Reviewing the Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″: Beyond Marketing
The RV lifestyle, as much as it offers freedom and adventure, often comes with its own unique set of minor annoyances. One of the most persistent, for me, has always been the perpetually ajar screen door. It’s a common chorus for RVers: “Close the screen door!” This persistent call to action, a constant reminder of open invitations to bugs and lost climate control, finally prompted my search for a better solution. My quest led me to the Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″. This particular unit promises to be the end of that common refrain, designed to automatically pull a screen door shut, keeping the inside of your RV a sanctuary from the outside world.
The need for this device became acutely apparent during a recent trip where persistent gnats seemed to materialize out of thin air every time the screen door was left ajar for even a moment. Coupled with the constant in-and-out of kids exploring the campground, the screen door was a revolving door for both family and flying insects. I’d seen simple bungee cords and other makeshift solutions, but they often looked unsightly or were ineffective. I briefly considered some generic spring-loaded closers I saw online, but their often-clunky appearance and mixed reviews made me pause. My initial impression of the Lippert closer, even before installation, was one of practical utility; it looked sturdy and thoughtfully designed, hinting at a more refined approach to a common problem.
First Use Experience
I installed the Screen Shot on my own RV during a sunny afternoon in my driveway, a familiar testing ground for any new gadget. The installation process was straightforward, aligning with the DIY-friendly claims. I specifically tested its performance after repeated opening and closing, simulating the busy traffic of a family coming and going. The initial pull was surprisingly consistent, and it closed the door firmly without slamming.
Over the course of a week of camping, I put this automatic screen door closer through its paces. It endured being opened by my kids, who are not always the most gentle with RV doors, and also by myself when carrying in groceries. The unit performed admirably in varying conditions, including some light evening dew, without any noticeable degradation in function. The ease of use was exceptional; it required no conscious effort beyond just opening the door as usual.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several weeks and multiple trips, the Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″ has become an almost unnoticed but highly appreciated part of our RV setup. Its reliability in consistently pulling the screen door shut has significantly reduced the number of times we hear the dreaded “Close the screen door!” This model has held up exceptionally well, showing no signs of wear such as fraying of the elastic webbing or looseness in the anchor points.
Maintenance has been practically non-existent, which is a major plus for anyone in an RV where time and resources are often at a premium. A quick wipe-down is all that’s ever been needed. Compared to some older, less robust door closers I’ve encountered on other RVs, this unit feels far more durable and effective. It’s certainly outperformed my expectations for a product addressing such a common, yet often ignored, RV issue.
Specifications
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″ is designed for RV screen doors, specifically aimed at those that do not come with an integrated retracting hinge. Its core component is a patent-pending elastic webbing system, engineered to provide a reliable closing force. The system includes custom anchors designed to fit snugly into the inner channels of most common RV screen doors, secured with screws.
The 22″ designation refers to the length of the closer assembly, which is crucial for ensuring it covers the appropriate range of motion for your specific door. This measurement is generally recommended to be taken from the inside edge of the entry door frame to the edge of the screen door frame, rounding up to the nearest even number to ensure proper fit. This thoughtful specification helps users select the correct size for optimal performance.
Performance & Functionality
In its primary function, this automatic screen door closer excels. It reliably pulls the screen door shut after it’s been opened, preventing it from hanging ajar. The force applied is well-balanced; it’s firm enough to ensure the door closes completely, yet gentle enough to avoid slamming, which is a common issue with less refined mechanisms.
The main strength of this unit lies in its consistent and automatic operation. It truly does close the screen door every time, which significantly reduces the ingress of pests and helps maintain cabin temperature. Its main weakness, if one can even call it that, is its reliance on proper installation and the user still needing to physically close the main entry door.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Screen Shot is functional and unobtrusive. The custom anchors are designed to integrate with the screen door’s frame, and the elastic webbing is discreetly mounted on the door jamb. Lippert’s stated expertise in manufacturing over 575,000 entry doors annually is evident in the thoughtful integration of this product with common RV door designs.
While there’s no complex ergonomics to speak of for this particular product, the installation process itself is designed to be user-friendly. The anchors are intended to be a snug fit, requiring minimal force to seat properly. The overall feel of the components suggests a durable plastic and a robust elastic material built to withstand regular use and varying environmental conditions.
Durability & Maintenance
This automatic closer is engineered for the demands of RV living, suggesting a good level of durability. The elastic webbing is made from materials designed for resilience and repeated stretching without immediate degradation. The anchor components are similarly constructed to withstand the rigors of being mounted on a door frame.
Maintenance is virtually nonexistent, which is a huge advantage. Beyond an occasional wipe-down to remove dust or dirt, there are no specific cleaning procedures or lubrication requirements. Potential failure points would likely stem from extreme misuse, such as a very forceful impact, or over time with extreme UV exposure, but for normal operation, it should last a considerable duration.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″ comes as a complete kit, including all required fasteners for installation. There are no additional accessories or customization options typically offered with this particular product, as its design is singular in purpose and application. The kit is designed to be a self-contained solution for the automatic screen door closing problem.
The product is specifically designed to work with LCI entry doors, though its general design principles aim to accommodate commonly manufactured RV entry doors. It doesn’t integrate with or require other accessories for its core function; it’s a standalone component.
Pros and Cons of Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″
Pros
- Automatically closes the screen door every time, effectively preventing pests and saving on heating/cooling.
- Easy DIY installation with all necessary fasteners included.
- Patent-pending design that balances closing force to avoid slamming.
- Specifically designed with RV screen doors in mind, leveraging manufacturer expertise.
- Low maintenance and unobtrusive design.
Cons
- Requires accurate measurement for proper fit; incorrect size may lead to suboptimal performance.
- Effectiveness relies on the primary RV door also being closed to secure the jamb mount.
- Primarily designed for Lippert/LCI doors, though adaptable to some others.
Who Should Buy Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″?
This automatic screen door closer is ideal for any RV owner who frequently deals with an open screen door and the subsequent influx of insects or climate control issues. It’s a perfect fit for families with young children who tend to leave doors open, or for anyone who values a more sealed and bug-free living space while traveling. If you’re looking for a simple, effective solution that doesn’t require constant attention or complicated setup, this unit is a strong contender.
Anyone who is not comfortable with basic DIY installation or who might have an exceptionally unique RV door frame might want to proceed with caution or seek additional guidance. For those needing a heavy-duty industrial-grade door closer or a solution for a non-RV application, this product would not be suitable. A must-have accessory would be a good measuring tape to ensure you select the correct size for your screen door.
Conclusion on Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 22″ successfully addresses a common RV nuisance with a well-engineered and user-friendly solution. Its ability to consistently close the screen door without slamming makes it a valuable addition to any RV, improving comfort and reducing pest problems. The ease of installation and minimal maintenance further enhance its appeal.
Considering its effectiveness and the peace of mind it brings, the price of $43.99 is justified, offering excellent value for the problem it solves. I would personally recommend this automatic screen door closer to any RV owner looking to put an end to the constant battle with an errant screen door. If you’re tired of the buzzing and the drafts, this unit is definitely worth considering.