Age appropriate bed stairs TA5.0

[Little Richie]

We like our TA 5.0, but the steps inside the camper were not age-appropriate. That is to say, we’re getting older and the likelihood and cost of falling are increasing.

We made three significant improvements: we removed the carpet on the steps; we replaced the bottom step with a full step that lifts out of the way when not needed; we added/reinforced handrails.

In the process, we modified the under stair storage: We made the storage area accessible from the front of the second step; we opened up the top step - adding laundry bags; We added clips to the back wall to hang miscellaneous tools (jack crank handles, etc. ) that we never use, but might some day)

The net result is: the steps are not slippery; we have stronger and better hand rails; we have a full step at night on the bottom; we have a lot more usable storage area; and during the day the entryway is “bigger” both physically and visually.

Most of the carpentry and the design of the button step was done by my friend Mitch, and I did the installation.

For the steps we used Lowe’s/Home Depot fabricated/veneered “oak steps”. To reinforce the corners where we placed the hand rails we glued and screwed half inch thick oak molding. All of the hand rails are Sea Dog boat rails (Go2marine). For the front of the second step we use the existing front, turning it into a door.

The second step is hinged. It is attached to the wall, which serves as the first supporting “leg” and when it comes down the second supporting “leg” extends. It is sufficiently sturdy, but I am still refining tolerances, etc. so that comes down more easily.

For nighttime use we have added motion activated stair lights that have been modified with red automotive tail light repair tape. These lights are indoor outdoor lights and I have placed one in the bathroom.

We use the modifications recently on a 10 day trip and we’re very happy with the results. We will undoubtedly make some modifications but they are likely to be minor.

[Ron in BC]

Good mods. Always nice to be able to do mods that give you an increased sense of comfort and confidence.

Is there something that stops the bottom step from flipping up if weight is put on the end nearest the door?

Ron

[Padre]

Little Ritchie, did you have factory installed reinforcing?
We did not, kind of wish we did now. Trying to understand my handrail options etc. without benefit of reinforcing.
We aren't getting any younger either.

[Centex]

Age / mobility / extra width aside, IMO the idea of the fold-away bottom step is particularly nifty, and as far as I know a new one here (could be wrong about that).

Sure, a tiny bit of under-step storage is lost but methinks it makes the second step a bit friendlier as a seat for changing shoes near the entry and makes the entry area more 'open' when folded-up.

Hmmm, just might have to explore that idea and maybe borrow (OK, steal ) that one, perhaps with some variation.

Kudos for making your Escape yours, nice work!

Originally Posted by Ron in BC

Is there something that stops the bottom step from flipping up if weight is put on the end nearest the door?

It would seem the hinge on the opposite end, fastened to the piece attached to the bath-wall framing and/or floor would preclude that?

[GeorgeB]

Wow, what a great idea. Centrex nailed it by saying it would make a great place to put on shoes. I also love the hand rails.

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

Wow, what a great idea. Centrex nailed it by saying it would make a great place to put on shoes. I also love the hand rails.

Hi: GeorgeB... I too added a well placed 12" hand rail to the corner. It works from both the bed and the floor and keeps a person closer to the closet side of the stairs. It also looks well with our other wrought iron hat rack and towel bar. The only thing I resent is the reference to "Age appropriate", since I'm entering my second childhood. I've long stated that when I can't manage the stairs... the trailer will be gone!!!
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[GeorgeB]

Originally Posted by escape artist

Hi: GeorgeB... I too added a well placed 12" hand rail to the corner. It works from both the bed and the floor and keeps a person closer to the closet side of the stairs. It also looks well with our other wrought iron hat rack and towel bar. The only thing I resent is the reference to "Age appropriate", since I'm entering my second childhood. I've long stated that when I can't manage the stairs... the trailer will be gone!!!
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

Escape Artist, Age Appropriate HA! ha! My wife used that wording when I bought a new skateboard on my 50th birthday.

[UncleTim]

Nice mod!

I took a different approach when leaving the sleeper.

I turn over on my stomach and slide off.

I can place my feet exactly where I want without fear of falling off the steps. The bottom step is easy to find and properly place my foot this way. Otherwise it's a crap shoot.

Crawling out on your stomach instead of scootching on your butt, will give you much greater control, particularly on that bottom step. My wife saw me doing it and does it now too. I like the mod, but turning over takes away most or all the risk for me.

We too have a motion activated light in the bathroom and love it.

[Perry Butler]

At night we place a motion activated puck light on the kitchen countertop that comes on when we get to the edge of the bed. We also have the LP gas detector at the bottom of the step that acts as a nightlight, so we never miss stepping on the bottom step.

A outside motion light comes on when we open the toilet door, but it's placed upside down so it doesn't blind us at night.


We also have a handrail angled on the passenger side so when grabbing the rail it keeps us away from the angled bottom step, so we're fine with the bottom step. We also grab the stripper pole once we're on the bottom step. It's easy to find with the motion nightlight on the kitchen countertop.

We've also hinged the top step for more storage and, for us, wouldn't get rid of the storage provided by the bottom step. Storage is at a premium in all smaller campers.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Fox hunt]

yea i think the hardest part is shimmying down to the bottom of the bed

[sleepy]

Little Richard, I like the vertical hand rails, and Perry's use of a downward facing night light.

[HarleyD]

We have a motion light below the closet door so any foot movement turns it on and all 3 stairs are lit, but does not shine on the person still in bed.
I was jealous of the milk crate storage ideas but knew that they would not fit under the second step as the step was too narrow. I found these:

https://www.amazon.com/CleverMade-Co.../dp/B07HKRJ74R

And they work great. I can get them through the step opening and then open them up. We have six under the second step .One for TP, one for PT and 2 for drinking water. The other 2 are usually shoes or other items that may be seasonal.

HarleyD

[Little Richie]

There is a piano hinge on the step and another section of the step that was cut off. Basically there is a piece screwed to the wall that is in hinge to the step. Consequently it stays put. Longer-term I am not sure the piano hinge is the best choice. But it works for now and will see how it goes.

[Little Richie]

No. The lack of reinforcing is an issue. I did reinforce the area where I attach the base of the bottom step. I did this from under the steps. I had to be very careful with screws to make sure I did not tap into the sewer pipe/vent.

[Little Richie]

I did a calculation of the cubic inches lost. Because bottom step was small and I opened up the top step there is an increase in total cubic inches, I don’t remember how much. But there is a huge increase in usable storage because I hung laundry bags from the top step, and opened up the middle from the front. . It really is nice to be able to find things without putting your head to the top of the second step.

The laundry bags are particularly nice for us because were using the second step as a laundry bin. Now all the dirty laundry is neatly stored and easy to retrieve - no missing socks. It utilizes the top of the top step area and the area just under it which was underutilized.

The opening up of the storage area under the steps in the front really relieves tension when it comes to finding things. It is so much easier to find it and get it out. That in and of itself would be worth a loss of storage.

[Little Richie]

Age-appropriate is the best I could do. We wanted to keep our trailer and enjoy it. If we couldn’t improve the safety on the stairs, the trailer was gone. I’m a firm believer that one must be realistic and try to address the issues. The 60s are the gogo years; the 70s or the go slow years; and the 80s are the no go years. My approach is to use engineering and technology as best I can the shift that forward. Good luck.

[Little Richie]

Originally Posted by GeorgeB

Escape Artist, Age Appropriate HA! ha! My wife used that wording when I bought a new skateboard on my 50th birthday.

Skateboards in rollerblades or invented by orthopedic surgeons. They generate business

[Little Richie]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

Nice mod!

I took a different approach when leaving the sleeper.

I turn over on my stomach and slide off.

I can place my feet exactly where I want without fear of falling off the steps. The bottom step is easy to find and properly place my foot this way. Otherwise it's a crap shoot.

Crawling out on your stomach instead of scootching on your butt, will give you much greater control, particularly on that bottom step. My wife saw me doing it and does it now too. I like the mod, but turning over takes away most or all the risk for me.

We too have a motion activated light in the bathroom and love it.

I tried it once twice and it worked; I am 6’-4” My wife didn’t think the recommendation was funny. No sense of humor I guess, we took a vote and she won unanimously

[Little Richie]

Originally Posted by UncleTim

Nice mod!

I took a different approach when leaving the sleeper.

I turn over on my stomach and slide off.

I can place my feet exactly where I want without fear of falling off the steps. The bottom step is easy to find and properly place my foot this way. Otherwise it's a crap shoot.

Crawling out on your stomach instead of scootching on your butt, will give you much greater control, particularly on that bottom step. My wife saw me doing it and does it now too. I like the mod, but turning over takes away most or all the risk for me.

We too have a motion activated light in the bathroom and love it.

Originally Posted by Perryb67

At night we place a motion activated puck light on the kitchen countertop that comes on when we get to the edge of the bed. We also have the LP gas detector at the bottom of the step that acts as a nightlight, so we never miss stepping on the bottom step.

A outside motion light comes on when we open the toilet door, but it's placed upside down so it doesn't blind us at night.


We also have a handrail angled on the passenger side so when grabbing the rail it keeps us away from the angled bottom step, so we're fine with the bottom step. We also grab the stripper pole once we're on the bottom step. It's easy to find with the motion nightlight on the kitchen countertop.

We've also hinged the top step for more storage and, for us, wouldn't get rid of the storage provided by the bottom step. Storage is at a premium in all smaller campers.

Enjoy,

Perry

It sounds like an effective solution to replacing the step. I find the lights very helpful as you seem to. We out aged the little green LEDs. Are use battery operated motion detector lights. I find that red lens tape helps a lot with a light, as it doesn’t seem to wake you up. Lights and grab bars are really good thing. Be well.

[GeorgeB]

Originally Posted by Little Richie

Skateboards in rollerblades or invented by orthopedic surgeons. They generate business

I wear gloves and helmet when skateboarding. I only skate on bike paths and what I call level ground. No more half pipes and jumps for me. ha HA! I think it helps maintain balance as I age. I really love your updates. I think all 5.0 should come with a handrails. Keep posting the great updates! And I don't mean anything negative towards your posting the words, "age appropriate". I wish only for smooth roads in your future...