entry door folding rail install

[nautracer]

has anybody installed one of these hand rails? the Canadian exchange rate is tempting me to jump on the waiting list. still checking for used 19s and 21s. took a pic. maybe it will show. have a great Labor day!!

http://http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=U...l_9p5qfmqd1l_p

[gbaglo]

That link you have posted doesn't work. Server can't be found, repeatedly.
Anyway, go to http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f3...01-a-1845.html for instructions on posting pix. Scroll down to post #7.

Just noticed. There is an extra http: in the address.

[rbryan4]

Fixed. Yes, the OP's link had duplicate http headers.

http://www.amazon.com/s/?ie=UTF8&key...l_9p5qfmqd1l_p

[Ron in BC]

I've seen them on the larger, bus type, RV's No reason they couldn't be used on an Escape although a smaller one might be usable also.

Ron

[nautracer]

anyone know the thickness of the bulkhead I will be drilling into just aft of the door. there is a hand hold in that area. so there might be a stringer there.

[Ron in BC]

ETI rivets their door handle on. That bulkhead is hollow and serves as the door frame. It contains a vent line and wires.

Ron

[tractors1]

Originally Posted by nautracer

anyone know the thickness of the bulkhead I will be drilling into just aft of the door. there is a hand hold in that area. so there might be a stringer there.

Email ETI with the link, I'm sure they'd be willing to install it instead of the one currently used. There are no "stringers" in fiberglass trailers.

[nautracer]

yeah ETI said they would not install it. so I am looking at using a couple pieces of square tubing. and fabricate something up from the frame.

[Ron in BC]

The only consideration that I can see is, if a larger handle, projecting out more, is used then the base plate for it should be a little larger to spread the load out a little more. You wouldn't want the f.g. to flex if someone really pushed of pulled sideways on the handle.

Ron

[nautracer]

yeah Ron, I am certainly going to try the one I can buy off the shelf..smaller if at all possible.and use bolts and huge washers. just a little help with my balance since I wear a leg brace. it's going to be a long wait but we are selecting our options to place order in 2016. thanks for the support!

[Ron in BC]

Originally Posted by nautracer

.smaller if at all possible.and use bolts and huge washers.

Are we talking about the same position as the ETI one? It would be difficult to use washers and bolts because there's no easy access to the rear. ETI uses rivets for theirs. They'd work but instead of one rivet only over the other I'd want a baseplate with, say, 4 rivets about in a 2" square pattern to resist side-to-side motion.

Ron

[nautracer]

probably a bit lower than the one ETI uses. it's hard working and building something going by just pictures and one 80 mile trip to look at an Escape. I understand ETIs reason for not doing the mod. someone could get hurt if hanging too hard on the rail.
but great idea Ron. will use stainless rivets and yes, at least a 2" base plate and 4 rivets. square pattern. I hate to put holes in a brand new trailer but will seal it all up with some 3m 5200. happy Labor day to all ...!