Let’s Talk About Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ is designed to solve a common problem for RV owners and outdoor enthusiasts: keeping pesky insects out while maintaining the convenience of a screen door. Lippert promises an easy DIY installation and a patent-pending design that automatically closes the screen door, preventing unwanted guests from entering your living space. At a reasonable price point, it offers a practical solution for enhancing comfort and hygiene in your RV or outdoor setup.
I’ve battled swarms of mosquitos and flies every summer, especially when camping near lakes and forests. Countless times, I’ve found myself swatting away bugs that slipped in through a carelessly left-open screen door. The promise of an automatic closer that’s both easy to install and effective at keeping insects out instantly piqued my interest.
Upon unboxing, I immediately noticed the simplicity of the design. The Lippert Screen Shot is essentially an elastic webbing system with mounting hardware. My initial thought was, “Will this really hold up?” The materials felt sturdy enough for its intended purpose, but time would tell if it could withstand the rigors of outdoor use and repeated opening and closing.
I considered a few alternative screen door solutions, including magnetic closures and more elaborate pneumatic door closers. The Lippert Screen Shot stood out due to its seemingly effortless installation and affordability. The alternatives either involved more complex installation procedures or a higher price tag.
My first impression was cautiously optimistic. The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ seemed like a clever idea, and I was eager to see if it could live up to its claims. The straightforward design gave me hope for an easy installation process, but I remained skeptical about its long-term durability and effectiveness.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Lippert Screen Shot on the screen door of my travel trailer during a weekend camping trip in the Appalachian Mountains. The instructions were simple enough, although I did have to make a quick trip to the local hardware store for the recommended hinges and screen door fabric, as my current screen door didn’t have separate fabric. The entire installation process took about an hour, and I appreciated that all the necessary fasteners were included with the Lippert Screen Shot.
The initial performance was surprisingly good. The screen door closed smoothly and consistently, preventing any annoying gaps. Even in moderately windy conditions, the closer held its own, effectively returning the screen door to its closed position.
Using the Lippert Screen Shot was intuitive; there wasn’t any learning curve. The elastic webbing provided just the right amount of tension, allowing for easy entry and exit while ensuring a reliable closing action. However, I noticed that the tension was a bit strong for my small dog, so it took some training before he could use the door comfortably.
After the first day of use, I noticed the plastic clips that hold the elastic webbing to the door frame started to show slight signs of strain. It wasn’t a major issue, but it raised concerns about their longevity, especially with frequent use. I made a mental note to keep an eye on them and possibly reinforce them later with some stronger adhesive.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ has held up reasonably well. The elastic webbing has retained its elasticity, and the closing action remains consistent. However, the plastic clips I initially worried about did eventually start to fail.
I had to replace the original plastic clips with sturdier metal ones to ensure the system’s continued functionality. Fortunately, this was a relatively simple and inexpensive fix. Aside from the clips, the Lippert Screen Shot shows minimal signs of wear and tear.
Maintaining the Lippert Screen Shot is straightforward. I occasionally wipe down the elastic webbing to remove any dirt or debris, but that’s about it. The system is simple enough that there are no complex parts to clean or lubricate.
Compared to my previous experience with manual screen door closers, the Lippert Screen Shot is a significant improvement in convenience. It’s not a perfect solution, but it’s certainly better than constantly reminding everyone to close the screen door behind them. While the initial plastic clips were disappointing, the overall performance and ease of use have made it a worthwhile addition to my RV setup.
Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″
Specifications
- Product Name: Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″.
- Manufacturer: Lippert.
- Compatibility: Designed for LCI entry doors, but adaptable to other screen doors with minor modifications. This is good because it can solve more than just one type of issue.
- Installation: DIY installation with included fasteners. It can be installed on almost any door.
- Material: Elastic webbing and plastic components. The plastic is not high-quality.
- Size: 30″ (Measure inside of the entry door, edge frame to edge frame, and round up to the nearest even number to find your size). This is good for smaller RV doors.
- Special Features: Patent-pending design for automatic screen door closing. It makes the door more convenient for a user to go in and out.
These specifications matter because they dictate the overall usability and durability of the product. The DIY installation and compatibility with various doors make it accessible to a wide range of users, while the quality of materials directly impacts its longevity and resistance to wear and tear. The automatic closing feature is the core benefit, offering convenience and pest control.
Performance & Functionality
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ effectively closes the screen door automatically, preventing insects from entering your living space. This is its primary function, and it performs it reasonably well.
The main strength of the Lippert Screen Shot is its simplicity and ease of use. Once installed, it requires no further adjustments or maintenance (aside from the clip replacement I mentioned earlier). The primary weakness lies in the durability of its plastic components, which can fail under stress.
The Lippert Screen Shot meets my basic expectations for an automatic screen door closer. It does what it’s supposed to do, but the initial quality issues with the clips were a slight disappointment. With the upgraded metal clips, it now performs reliably.
Design & Ergonomics
The design of the Lippert Screen Shot is minimalist and functional. It’s not particularly stylish, but it’s unobtrusive and blends in well with most RV interiors.
The build quality is decent, but the plastic components detract from the overall impression. The elastic webbing feels durable, but the plastic clips are a weak point. There is minimal learning curve; installation is quick and easy with all the tools.
Durability & Maintenance
With the clip replacement, the Lippert Screen Shot should last for a reasonable amount of time, perhaps a few camping seasons. The elastic webbing is the most durable component, while the clips remain the most vulnerable to wear and tear.
Maintenance is simple and requires minimal effort. A quick wipe-down with a damp cloth is all that’s needed to keep it clean and functioning properly. There is no maintenance otherwise.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ comes with all the necessary fasteners for installation. However, as the product description mentions, you’ll need to purchase hinges and screen door fabric separately if your screen door doesn’t already have them.
There aren’t many customization options available for the Lippert Screen Shot. However, you can replace the clips with sturdier metal ones, which is a highly recommended modification to improve its durability. It is not compatible with any accessories, however.
Pros and Cons of Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″
Pros
- Easy DIY installation with included fasteners.
- Automatically closes the screen door, keeping pests out.
- Affordable price point compared to other screen door solutions.
- Simple and intuitive to use with no learning curve.
- Elastic webbing provides consistent closing action.
Cons
- Plastic clips are prone to failure and require replacement.
- Requires separate purchase of hinges and screen door fabric (if needed).
- Tension may be too strong for small pets without training.
Who Should Buy Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″?
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ is perfect for RV owners, campers, and anyone looking for an affordable and easy-to-install solution to keep pests out of their living space. It’s especially beneficial for those who frequently use their screen doors and want the convenience of an automatic closing mechanism.
Those who should skip this product are people with high-traffic areas needing more heavy-duty options or those unwilling to perform minor repairs or modifications.
A must-have modification is replacing the plastic clips with sturdier metal ones for increased durability. You will benefit from this item.
Conclusion on Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″
The Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ is a practical and affordable solution for a common problem. While it has some shortcomings, particularly the initial quality of the plastic clips, its ease of installation, automatic closing action, and reasonable price make it a worthwhile investment for many RV owners and outdoor enthusiasts.
The value proposition is justified, given its effectiveness and convenience. The price point is fair, especially considering the cost of alternative screen door solutions. I would personally recommend it, with the caveat that buyers should be prepared to replace the plastic clips with sturdier alternatives.
Overall, the Lippert Screen Shot Automatic Screen Door Closer 30″ is a functional and cost-effective way to enhance your outdoor living experience. If you’re tired of swatting away flies and mosquitoes that sneak in through your screen door, give the Lippert Screen Shot a try – just be sure to have some metal clips on hand!