Fifth wheel grab handle

[Sandi]

Wanting to find grab handles for inside fifth wheel stairs

[Bisjoe]

With only one on the outside, I ordered two for our TT from Amazon, mounted one below the original outside for shorter people, and one on the inside. They are identical to the original, except for the screws, but came with screw covers.

https://www.amazon.com/CampN-Weather-Handle-Entry-Boat-OEM-Replacement/dp/B01MU1M4A3/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?ie=UTF8&qid=1513705648&sr=8-1-spons&keywords=RV+door+handle&psc=1

[Pull Toy]

Try the '"Bathroom accessories" section at Lowes or Home Depot, for grab bars and such.

[Dave W]

There are literally hundreds of choices from DIY to a stainless steel handicapped bath room grab bar that will work, Be aware that the inside stair wall will not hold any sort of railing without significant reinforcing while the outside wall isn't a lot better unless you can locate the studding - and then if that studding is wood, still might not be great. Also, that inside wall is most likely filled with wiring as well if the control panel is there. That's a project on my 'honey do' list that I've been quietly ignoring (claiming CRS) for as long as we have owned our current 5er but have at least done my basic 'research.

[Bingo 57]

While on this topic, what is the best way to mount these grab handles ? I have to mount but have been putting it off due to concerns of drilling into the fiberglass. Any suggestions ??
Bingo

[Tinner12002]

While on this topic, what is the best way to mount these grab handles ? I have to mount but have been putting it off due to concerns of drilling into the fiberglass. Any suggestions ??
Bingo

Kind of a pain but you could look at other RVs of the same model you have and see if they have any and get some measurements to mount yours. Some people have had good luck with stud finders also for attaching things to the wall.

[Dave W]

These grab bars are generally mounted right along side of the door, latch side. You can either peek in the strike plate opening or remove it for a better look. Looking in there, you will see either a wood or aluminum 'stud' for the walls. That 'stud' should be 1-1/2" wide. You can measure the distance to the edge of that 'stud' from the latch opening. Using masking tape, a tape measure and a level or straight edge, you can figure and draw some lines as to where the stud will be then drill and attach that grab bar. Guaranteed way, no, but the way I would do this little project

[Frank G]

Wanting to find grab handles for inside fifth wheel stairs

I think the lack of grab handles in the inside stairs is the number 1 complaint of 5'th wheel owners. Some have none some have a small one but I have never seen a good one. Down here in Florida there are many units for sale that were owned by retirees, you see many attempts at adding hand rails. Went through a Cedar Creek the other day that constructed one out of galvanized pipe and attached to the floor. My Laredo has a small one but it could of been extended and attached to 3 studs instead of two. I think I might sketch one out and go to the woodworking shop and make one.

It is possible to locate the center of existing studs using a good stud finder. Drilling a pilot hole to prevent splitting, and using a #10 wood screw with a 1" to 1 1/4" penetration into the stud will give respectable holding power.

From a engineering standpoint the components used to construct these things are not strong but as a finished assembly they are fairly rugged.