We tested 5 products, and found that Lippert offered the best screen door protectors for pet proofing.
Although I love traveling with my dogs, it can be a nerve-racking experience. Even the most well-trained and obedient dog can get overstimulated in a new environment—especially when there are so many enticing smells to explore. That’s why I decided to invest in a screen door protector in the first place.
These units serve another important purpose: They prevent your screen door from suffering damage due to pet scratches—or worse. It’s a small investment, but one that can save you expensive repair and replacement costs in the long run.
1. Lippert Components Screen Defender -Best Overall
2. Duo RV Screen Door Protector -Most Versatile
3. Claw Shield Door Scratch Protector -Best Budget Option
4. Camco Adjustable Screen Door Deluxe Grille –Best Decorative Option
5. Saint-Gobain ADFORS Grille -Best For Quick Installation
Our favorite aspect of the Lippert model is its sturdiness, which is excellent for families who travel with active pets. It also has nice eye appeal, blending in especially well with Lippert doors.
Read on to learn more about the Lippert Components Screen Defender and its four closest competitors.
5 Best RV Screen Door Protectors For Pet Proofing: Product Mini-Reviews
1. Lippert Components Screen Defender—Best Overall
With its durable powder-coated aluminum construction, wide selection of sizes, and easy installation, the Lippert Components Screen Defender is an easy product to get behind.
The unit is available in several sizes: 24, 26, 28, or 30 inches. Just measure the inside edges of your RV’s door frame and round up to the next highest number, and you’ll know which one to select. The unit installs directly into Lippert screen door channels, so you won’t need to invest in any other materials or hardware.
Be aware that if you don’t have a Lippert door on your RV, then this model isn’t the one for you.
If you’d like a better idea of what the Lippert model looks like when it’s in place, take a look at this video.
2.Duo RV Screen Door Protector—Most Versatile
This is a more budget-friendly option than the Lippert product, and one that’s designed to fit all RV screen doors. In addition to being fully customizable, this unit is super easy to install.
The plastic material comes with a paw print design, which should appeal to pet lovers. It also allows sufficient air flow while still protecting the screen from scratches and tears.
If you’re not a fan of the paw print pattern, you’re better off looking elsewhere. In our opinion, the plastic construction is less elegant than most of the competition. However, in its defense, the material can be trimmed easily with scissors for a customized fit.
3. Claw Shield Door Scratch Protector—Best Budget Option
This product is designed specifically to prevent damage from scratching and clawing. It won’t help if you’re trying to keep your pets inside the camper. However, if you’re simply looking to run damage control, this is a nice affordable option.
To apply the Claw Shield, just remove the backing and attach the material to the screen. The adhesive will ensure that it remains in place, and there’s no need for tools or other materials. In addition to RV screen doors, it can be used for any area that needs protection, including floor molding and furniture.
4. Camco Adjustable Screen Door Deluxe Grille—Best Decorative Option
This unit offers a nice decorative touch in addition to good protection. Available in either black or white to suit your color scheme, it resembles the type of gate you might find surrounding a country estate.
The Camco Deluxe Grille adjusts from 20 to 32 inches, and all the installation hardware is included with the purchase. Its aluminum construction should prevent young children and pets from pushing their way through the screen.
Depending on the type of RV you have, this unit might not be compatible with the door frame. Be sure to check the clearance of your screen doors before you buy.
5. Saint-Gobain ADFORS Grille—Best For Quick Installation
Lightweight at just under 4 pounds, the Saint-Gobain ADFORS offering is available in silver, brown, or white. In general, it fits screen doors measuring 30, 32, and 34 inches, but it can also be cut to size.
Screws are included in the packaging for a fast and simple installation process. This is an affordable alternative, but be forewarned that the product is prone to rusting, especially if you frequently camp in damp climates or inclement weather of any sort.
Buyer’s Guide
Who Should Buy One?
Anyone who travels with dogs or cats should consider investing in good protection for their RV screen doors.
These protectors do more than just guard your property from damage. Most of them will also keep your pets from breaking out of the camper screen door, which will give you peace of mind. Since your camping adventures are meant to be relaxing, this is a huge plus.
Families traveling with young children might also want to think about using RV screen door protectors. The type that protects the screen from scratching and clawing might not be as useful, but the ones that function as security gates could come in handy if there are toddlers running around.
Important Features
Type
First of all, determine what you’re hoping to get out of your camper screen door guard.
Are you hoping to prevent damage to your RV screen doors due to the clawing of anxious pets? Or are you worried that the animals might break out?
Not every product is designed to offer good protection against escape. Make sure that the one you choose is compatible with your needs. The Claw Shield, for example, will protect screen doors, furniture, or floor moldings from damage, but it doesn’t do much good if you want to make sure your pets stay inside the camper.
Cost
Typically, this type of protection will cost anywhere from $20 to $75. How much you spend depends on the type, as well as the quality, of the product.
Fortunately, even the highest-priced RV screen door protectors aren’t that expensive when you think about it. A complete screen door replacement would be much more costly, so keep that in mind when making your choice.
Material
RV screen door protectors are often made of aluminum or sturdy plastic–anything that will prevent pets from causing damage to the screen with their claws or teeth.
Many of the aluminum models are available in various sizes, and some can be customized to fit RV screen doors of any size (see below). Plastic barriers, like the offering from Duo we’ve listed above, can even be cut with scissors to ensure a secure fit.
An aluminum construction offers longevity and eye appeal, while the plastic offerings are often less expensive. On the other hand, if the aluminum model is on the cheaper side, then it might start to rust within a year or so. You won’t have to worry about that with plastic.
Size
While we’re on the subject of customization: RV doors range in width from 14 to 70 inches. As such, you’ll need to select protectors that will suit your unit’s needs.
As we’ve mentioned, some models can be cut or otherwise modified to fit any size door. If this is a particular concern, you should look for those specifications in the unit’s description.
Design
One of our favorite aspects of the Lippert model is its unobtrusive design. It should fit right in with your existing screen door, to the point where visitors might not even realize that it’s an insert.
Other RV screen door protectors might be more ornate, while others (like the Claw Shield) are completely transparent. Which one you choose depends entirely on your personal taste, as well as your budget.
Do you want your camper screen door protector to add to your decor? Or would you prefer that it blend in with the background? Your answer should help you decide which product is right for you.
Things To Watch Out For
Not all camper screen door protection is created equally. While there are some decent budget-friendly options out there, we prefer to buy on the high end.
Why? First of all, the units aren’t that expensive to begin with. It doesn’t cost that much more to invest in a quality product.
More importantly, the pricier units are built to last. Cheap products will require frequent replacement, and replacement costs are what you’re trying to avoid.
Keep a close eye out for signs of rust or structural damage once your camper screen door protector is in place. If it starts to lose its integrity within the first year, consider buying a different brand next time.
In Conclusion
The Lippert Components Screen Defender is superior to the other screen door protectors we tested in several respects.
First of all, it offers good protection against accidental pet evacuation, which is one of the main reasons to purchase protection for RV screen doors to begin with.
Second, it’s easy to install. Even if you’ve never installed screen protectors before, you should have no problem popping the Screen Defender into place.
In our opinion, the sturdy, reliable construction is the best reason to consider investing in the Lippert product. You won’t have to worry about replacing your screen door protector for a long time when this unit is in place.
Good luck, and happy camping!
Check out our article on: 9 RV Door Latch Options (Including Wireless Options)