Let’s Talk About Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder
Let’s face it, the small things often make the biggest difference, especially when it comes to RV living. A rattling door swinging freely in the wind can be incredibly annoying. The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder promises a simple and affordable solution, and after years of wrestling with bungee cords and makeshift solutions, I was definitely intrigued. This unassuming little device, manufactured by Lippert, aims to keep RV doors, hatches, and more securely open, preventing unwanted slamming and potential damage.
My need for a reliable door holder stemmed from countless camping trips where the wind relentlessly battled against my RV door. I wanted something more permanent and reliable than the elastic straps I had been relying on. The promise of a simple T-style design that would easily mount and hold my door open was very appealing.
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder arrived in a simple plastic package. My initial thought was that it looked surprisingly basic, but also refreshingly straightforward. The white finish was clean, and the plastic felt reasonably sturdy, but only time would tell if it could withstand the rigors of outdoor use.
I considered a magnetic door holder and a hook-and-eye style latch before settling on the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder. I ultimately chose the Lippert model for its simplicity and ease of installation. Other options seemed overly complicated or lacked the clean aesthetic I was looking for.
Honestly, my first impression was cautiously optimistic. It seemed like a simple, functional solution to a common problem. I was hoping it would be more robust, but the low price point tempered my expectations.
Real-World Testing: Putting Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder on my RV door just before a weekend camping trip to the coast. Installation was easy; it only required a drill and a screwdriver. The coastal environment is known for its strong winds and salty air, making it the perfect testing ground.
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder performed surprisingly well in the windy conditions. The door stayed securely in place, even with gusts of wind trying to slam it shut. I was relieved to finally have a reliable way to keep the door open while loading and unloading gear.
The design of the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is intuitive. I didn’t need any instructions to figure out how it worked. It took a bit of force to initially clip the T-shaped holder into the receiving end, but after a few uses, it became easier.
The only surprise I had was the amount of force it took to initially clip the T-shaped holder into place. I was worried I might break it, but it held up. I also noticed that the plastic seemed to attract dirt and grime easily.
Extended Use & Reliability
After three months of regular camping trips, the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is still functioning as intended. It has weathered several rainstorms and scorching sunny days. It seems fairly durable for its price point.
There are some minor signs of wear and tear. The white plastic has slightly discolored from sun exposure. The clip mechanism has become slightly looser.
Cleaning is simple; I just wipe it down with a damp cloth. I’ve applied a small amount of silicone lubricant to the clip mechanism to keep it operating smoothly. This seems to help.
Compared to my previous bungee cord system, the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is a vast improvement. It’s more convenient, secure, and aesthetically pleasing. It definitely outperforms my expectations for such an inexpensive product.
Breaking Down the Features of Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder
Specifications
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is designed specifically for RV applications. It comes in a white finish to match most RV exteriors. The holder length is 6 inches, providing ample space to keep doors and hatches securely open.
These specifications are important because they ensure the holder is compatible with most RV door sizes and styles. The white finish is aesthetically pleasing and helps to prevent rust. The 6-inch length provides sufficient leverage to hold the door open against moderate wind.
Performance & Functionality
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder performs its primary function well: holding doors and hatches open. It’s simple to use. It provides a relatively secure hold.
The main strength is its simplicity and low cost. A notable weakness is that it may not be strong enough for extremely windy conditions. It is better suited for lighter doors and hatches.
For what it is, a simple and inexpensive door holder, it meets expectations. It’s not a high-end solution, but it gets the job done for most applications.
Design & Ergonomics
The build quality is acceptable, considering the price. The plastic material feels a bit flimsy, but it has held up reasonably well so far. The lightweight design is an advantage for minimizing added weight to the RV door.
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is very user-friendly, and there is no learning curve. It is a straightforward design. Installation is easy and operation is simple.
Durability & Maintenance
With proper care, the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder should last for several years. However, it’s unlikely to withstand extreme abuse or prolonged exposure to harsh elements. The plastic could become brittle over time.
Maintenance is minimal; regular cleaning and occasional lubrication of the clip mechanism are all that’s needed. Repairing the holder would likely be more trouble than it’s worth. It is a low-cost item.
Accessories and Customization Options
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder doesn’t come with any additional accessories. There are no real customization options available for this basic product.
It’s a standalone unit designed for a specific purpose. There isn’t much scope for modification or adding aftermarket parts. It’s a simple, self-contained solution.
Pros and Cons of Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder
Pros
- Affordable price: It is an inexpensive solution to a common RV problem.
- Easy to install: Installation is quick and straightforward, requiring only basic tools.
- Simple to use: The design is intuitive and requires no special skills or knowledge to operate.
- Effective at holding doors open: It does a decent job of preventing doors from slamming shut in moderate wind.
- Lightweight design: It adds minimal weight to the RV door or hatch.
Cons
- Plastic construction: The plastic material feels somewhat flimsy and may not be as durable as metal alternatives.
- Limited strength: It may not be strong enough to hold doors open in very windy conditions.
Who Should Buy Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder?
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is perfect for RV owners looking for an affordable and easy-to-install solution to keep their doors and hatches open. It is also good for casual campers who don’t want to spend a lot of money on a door-holding solution. Also good for anyone who needs a simple solution for hatches or storage compartments.
Those who should skip this product are RV owners who frequently camp in extremely windy areas or those who require a heavy-duty door holder for large, heavy doors. Additionally, anyone looking for a high-end, aesthetically refined solution may find this product too basic.
A must-have accessory would be a small tube of silicone lubricant to keep the clip mechanism working smoothly. No other modifications are necessary.
Conclusion on Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder
The Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder is a simple, affordable, and functional solution for keeping RV doors and hatches open. While the plastic construction may not be the most durable, it offers good value for the price. It is also easy to install and use.
The price of around $12 is definitely justified, given the convenience and functionality it provides. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference in your RV experience.
I would personally recommend it to RV owners looking for a budget-friendly door-holding solution. It’s a great little gadget that gets the job done without breaking the bank. Give the Lippert Kwikee T Style Door Holder a try, and say goodbye to slamming doors!