Stairway Handle or Railing in 5.0TA

poodlespal · 08-13-2018, 02:06 PM

We just finalized our build sheet for the 5.0TA for delivery November 1.
There is one outstanding item...a handle or rail to assist in going down the stairs
to the main level. When we saw another 5.0TA, I did not feel totally secure heading down, even though going up seemed ok. ETI has offered to install an exterior handle on the wall outside the wet bath at orientation so the proper height can be determined. I can't figure out if that would be helpful. Alternatively they would reinforce the wall for a handle. I can't be the only person who has this issue.
What have you done in your fifth wheel? I need to decide fairly quickly.
Thanks.

Patandlinda · 08-13-2018, 03:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodlespal

We just finalized our build sheet for the 5.0TA for delivery November 1.
There is one outstanding item...a handle or rail to assist in going down the stairs
to the main level. When we saw another 5.0TA, I did not feel totally secure heading down, even though going up seemed ok. ETI has offered to install an exterior handle on the wall outside the wet bath at orientation so the proper height can be determined. I can't figure out if that would be helpful. Alternatively they would reinforce the wall for a handle. I can't be the only person who has this issue.
What have you done in your fifth wheel? I need to decide fairly quickly.
Thanks.

Hi The first thing I would do is have Escape reenforce the bath wall . That gives you many options for a substantial handle . Marine West , even a good looking handicap handle for baths . Those come in many lengths etc. I wouldn't just go with the outside grab handle not long enough and you would want the handle to be nice looking in your new trailer . We have them in our baths but in a minute will take a picture of one to get up and down our stairs to our pool . Pat

Patandlinda · 08-13-2018, 03:31 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Hi The first thing I would do is have Escape reenforce the bath wall . That gives you many options for a substantial handle . Marine West , even a good looking handicap handle for baths . Those come in many lengths etc. I wouldn't just go with the outside grab handle not long enough and you would want the handle to be nice looking in your new trailer . We have them in our baths but in a minute will take a picture of one to get up and down our stairs to our pool . Pat

This will give you the idea . Home Depot , Lowes etc have them in shorter lengths in Stainless . West Marine has them in teak . We installed one of those to help us descending from our camper we had before at the door frame . Most important, you want backing to hold your handle when you screw it in . Hope this helps . Pat

emers382 · 08-13-2018, 03:32 PM

We have a handle which the previous owners had installed I believe by Escape. Beth finds it very handy for coming down off the bed.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...V1QzZMX2FrQjZn

Patandlinda · 08-13-2018, 03:55 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

This will give you the idea . Home Depot , Lowes etc have them in shorter lengths in Stainless . West Marine has them in teak . We installed one of those to help us descending from our camper we had before at the door frame . Most important, you want backing to hold your handle when you screw it in . Hope this helps . Pat

A few more pictures in our baths at home . The one outside is a ecomony model . The baths a little more fancy . 1 1/4 -1 1/2 in thick , stainless knurled around handle for grabbing . Pat

Patandlinda · 08-13-2018, 03:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emers382

We have a handle which the previous owners had installed I believe by Escape. Beth finds it very handy for coming down off the bed.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...V1QzZMX2FrQjZn

That is also a bath grab handle . Just showing the fellow other options you can even install as long as he gets the backing reenforement . Pat

poodlespal · 08-13-2018, 04:27 PM

Thanks very much for answering so quickly and including several nice photos.

poodlespal · 08-13-2018, 04:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emers382

We have a handle which the previous owners had installed I believe by Escape. Beth finds it very handy for coming down off the bed.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...V1QzZMX2FrQjZn

Thanks so much for the response and photo of the handle that Linda uses. I think that placement looks very helpful for me.

Zardoz · 08-13-2018, 07:20 PM

I installed this grab handle in our 5.0 and screwed it into the vertical framing member supporting the corner of the bathroom. We find the carpeting slippery and this has saved our dorsal posteriors quite a few times.

poodlespal · 08-13-2018, 08:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardoz

I installed this grab handle in our 5.0 and screwed it into the vertical framing member supporting the corner of the bathroom. We find the carpeting slippery and this has saved our dorsal posteriors quite a few times.

Zardoz
Its a bit hard for me to figure out where it is from the photo,partly because its sideways and partly because I don't conceptualize well. Any chance you have a photo looking up the stairway? Or would it not show up unless you were looking from the bed. I assume that you did not have to pay for reinforcing the wall. Thanks for the reply and sorry to be a dufus.

SpokanEscape · 08-13-2018, 09:09 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by emers382

We have a handle which the previous owners had installed I believe by Escape. Beth finds it very handy for coming down off the bed.

https://photos.google.com/share/AF1Q...V1QzZMX2FrQjZn

Yes we bought it at West Marine and installed at orientation! A lifesaver when heading downstairs at night!

Zardoz · 08-13-2018, 09:33 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by poodlespal

Zardoz
Its a bit hard for me to figure out where it is from the photo,partly because its sideways and partly because I don't conceptualize well. Any chance you have a photo looking up the stairway? Or would it not show up unless you were looking from the bed. I assume that you did not have to pay for reinforcing the wall. Thanks for the reply and sorry to be a dufus.

The photo is indeed “laying on its side.” Sorry, but I dont know how to turn it 90 degrees to the right to make it upright. And no, I did not have to reinforce the wall.

**rbryan4** · 08-13-2018, 10:13 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardoz

The photo is indeed “laying on its side.” Sorry, but I dont know how to turn it 90 degrees to the right to make it upright. And no, I did not have to reinforce the wall.

Fixed it Rich.

HappyCampers · 08-13-2018, 10:16 PM

We installed a similar handle in the same place, we use it occasionally, but find turning around and going down backwards is the easiest. I have towels on the stairs like little rugs for carpet preservation and easier cleaning, I put a brighter color on the middle step for better differentiation. We do not have the bathroom wall that faces the outside door reinforced, but if we had a do-over we would definitely do that.

Zardoz · 08-13-2018, 10:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rbryan4

Fixed it Rich.

Really glad you’re watching over me, Robert. Can I get you to migrate over to Airforums next week? 😉. Thank you, my friend.

Chris R · 08-13-2018, 10:31 PM

Agree, get that bath wall reinforced. I had the corner reinforced so I was able to add a custom oak railing. What is also very useful to to add a rail on either side at the top of the stairs.

**rbryan4** · 08-13-2018, 10:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Really glad you’re watching over me, Robert. Can I get you to migrate over to Airforums next week? 😉. Thank you, my friend.

I'd be happy to Rich. All I need is for you to buy me a new Airstream. Under 25 feet mind you - it has to fit in my RV garage!

**rbryan4** · 08-13-2018, 10:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris R

Agree, get that bath wall reinforced. I had the corner reinforced so I was able to add a custom oak railing. What is also very useful to to add a rail on either side at the top of the stairs.

So nice. I'm still in awe at your 5'er Chris.

poodlespal · 08-13-2018, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Zardoz

The photo is indeed “laying on its side.” Sorry, but I dont know how to turn it 90 degrees to the right to make it upright. And no, I did not have to reinforce the wall.

Thanks. I can turn my phone sideways. My talents are boundless.LOL. I appreciate knowing
that you didn't have to reinforce the wall.

Patandlinda · 08-14-2018, 12:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Chris R

Agree, get that bath wall reinforced. I had the corner reinforced so I was able to add a custom oak railing. What is also very useful to to add a rail on either side at the top of the stairs.

Chris that is way ! I was always taught to overdo so I only have to do it once . When we got home from picking up I had to redo the TV extention because it was pulling away from the wall . My way hasn't moved in over 4 years now .
Your work is the Rolls Royce of fine cabinet workers . I really admire your craftsmanship ! Pat

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