Stairway Handle or Railing in 5.0TA

[Fox hunt]

i find the steps slippery too and i worry about them. i might install treads i would prefer to get rid of the carpet and put down something less slippery. Not sure about a hand rail i will think about it. i have missed the bottom step and almost fallen.

[Fox hunt]

I'm sorry about your accident!!!

[Jim Bennett]

Mark, so sorry to hear of Elaine's woes. Hopefully she heals well.

Originally Posted by Hilola

Personally, I think installed carpeting in a RV is a silly idea.

Myself, I would much prefer carpet on stairs over just about anything. Carpet is not that slippery, especially compared to most solid surfaces. It is used on stairs only in home for the sake of traction, even when there is hardwood used. Carpet is also nice and warm underfoot. You can put a mat on the floor at the bottom for comfort, but not on the stairs with a solid surface.

Like when I used to do technical climbing, you keep your body weight centered directly over your feet. If you lean forward at all climbing into the loft of the 5.0TA, keep your butt sticking back to keep your weight over your feet. If you are leaning forward into the loft with your feet on the stairs, a bunch of your weight is pushing rearward and can cause your footing to slip. A hand rail is a good idea, but should not be used for pulling yourself up, but only to keep your balance while climbing up.

Until hearing here the issue of slippery stairs, like Alf the idea is news to us. We have never had an issue or even worried that we might. Even Jasper manoeuvres them fine, though he is a young 10 year old pup.

[gbaglo]

Originally Posted by Patandlinda

Would be nice for Escape to just include these items in their builds . Pat

And raise the price?

[Dave Walter]

They could offer a "mobility" option for seniors or others that require it, and provide a wider step, more handholds at doorways, bathrooms, and loft areas, and maybe even a cup beside the bed to keep your teeth in at night.

[Kent]

Originally Posted by Kent

Zardoz just curious did you use wood screws or drill through into closet and use machine screw?

Correction, after I wrote I realized, the handle is on back exterior shower wall.

[Hilola]

Originally Posted by Dave Walter

. . . and maybe even a cup beside the bed to keep your teeth in at night.

That's funny, Dave!

[padlin]

Of late when I've shown my 5.0TA to folks I make sure to mention that ascending and descending the stairs is something that needs to be considered when thinking about the trailer. Guess they could come out with the 5.0TA Silver Edition.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by gbaglo

And raise the price?

And safety really doesn't cost as much as broken bones ? To me it is common sense .Pat

[cpaharley2008]

gives a whole meaning to the song "Stairway to Heaven"......

[Fox hunt]

My greatest concern is when I've had a couple of glasses of wine but wait a minute that's most evenings when I'm camping. I'm just extra careful because i can be a bit of a klutz

[escape artist]

Originally Posted by Fox hunt

My greatest concern is when I've had a couple of glasses of wine but wait a minute that's most evenings when I'm camping. I'm just extra careful because i can be a bit of a klutz

Hi: Fox hunt... Back to operator error!!! Alf
escape artist N.S. of Lake Erie

[Steve Clark]

Originally Posted by Hilola

That's funny, Dave!

[StillCampin]

I'm still in the idea phase but the pic shows what I'm currently considering for the door-side of the stairs. Perhaps even with a section of the chrome tubing blocking access at the top to the door side of the stairs.

[Greg A]

It would be so easy in the 5.0 TA Silver Edition to put in an escalator. Just hang on and hit a button.
After taking care of both my parents, wrapping up their house and going through care facilities I learned a lot about fall risks and how easy it can happen. Elaine’s unfortunate accident ended with broken bones and that’s never good. Prayers for her to have a speedy and full recovery.
Everyone should give this some thought that have a 5.0, and with the creative group here I’m sure some good solutions will arise.
Other areas that are high risk are the entry steps in all the trailers, and there have been some good solutions with adding grab handles and dual steps. The raised floors in some of the newer trailers can also be trip hazards that could use some solutions.
We all want to stay out trailering as long as we can and if the stairs could be a potential issue for anyone, then something simple like removing carpet on stairs and replacing with some type of rubber grip material may prevent another accident like Elaine’s.
I know I’ve had some close calls on recent trips with the entry steps and I’m currently looking at how to make that safer.

[Patandlinda]

Originally Posted by Greg A

It would be so easy in the 5.0 TA Silver Edition to put in an escalator. Just hang on and hit a button.
After taking care of both my parents, wrapping up their house and going through care facilities I learned a lot about fall risks and how easy it can happen. Elaine’s unfortunate accident ended with broken bones and that’s never good. Prayers for her to have a speedy and full recovery.
Everyone should give this some thought that have a 5.0, and with the creative group here I’m sure some good solutions will arise.
Other areas that are high risk are the entry steps in all the trailers, and there have been some good solutions with adding grab handles and dual steps. The raised floors in some of the newer trailers can also be trip hazards that could use some solutions.
We all want to stay out trailering as long as we can and if the stairs could be a potential issue for anyone, then something simple like removing carpet on stairs and replacing with some type of rubber grip material may prevent another accident like Elaine’s.
I know I’ve had some close calls on recent trips with the entry steps and I’m currently looking at how to make that safer.

Once again Greg said very eloquently! I just says things very bluntly . Maybe your way will be listened to and taken to heart . No fun to get hurt . Pat

[ThomasG]

We bought an aluminum handrail from West Marine (https://goo.gl/xVjp71) and installed it as shown in the photos below (not the best photos, but that is what I had). You definitely want to reinforce the wall, or only the two screws closest to the corner will be in solid wood.

I agree that some type of handhold or handrail should be a standard feature. It is a safety problem.

[Huntington]

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
This handrail seems to be an excellent idea that I would like to install on our 5.0. What are the dimensions of the wall handrail on the bathroom side of the stair case? Did you use a round rail with a flat bottom? What was used for the wall/rail attachment?
Also, all of your modifications are well done.
Thanks
Jim

[Chris R]

Originally Posted by Huntington

Chris
This handrail seems to be an excellent idea that I would like to install on our 5.0. What are the dimensions of the wall handrail on the bathroom side of the stair case? Did you use a round rail with a flat bottom? What was used for the wall/rail attachment?
Also, all of your modifications are well done.
Thanks
Jim

The handrail works really well especially for those night trips.
Red oak stained to match, 1 1/4 inch round dowel. Vertical is 12 inches, the angle part is 24 inches.
Held on with 3 #8 or 10 screws with 1 1/8 inch aluminum pipe spacers. The joint has a double ended screw in it.
The trick will be to find appropriate framing in the wall.

[Huntington]

Originally Posted by Chris R

The handrail works really well especially for those night trips.
Red oak stained to match, 1 1/4 inch round dowel. Vertical is 12 inches, the angle part is 24 inches.
Held on with 3 #8 or 10 screws with 1 1/8 inch aluminum pipe spacers. The joint has a double ended screw in it.
The trick will be to find appropriate framing in the wall.

Thanks for the reply.
Did you have a reenforced wall to anchor the handrail? Also, what was the degree on the cut angle of the handrail connection?