Hand Rail in our Fifth Wheel

I only installed handholds on the interior walls.
4 long screws at each end really hold them solid.

I am in need of this also and I was thinking of anchoring to the steps with posts and then tie into the wall for support. My grandchildren will hang on these rails so I think that I will want the weight transferred to the floor. The only thing worse then no handrail is a handrail that pulls out right when it is needed.

Thanks for the suggestions...

The numbers listed in my earlier post were the lengths of railing I am going to intall. Just thought a rail on each side would make the climb easier.

Thanks again

I had to install handholds for my wife in our fifth wheel.
She has difficulty climbing the steps, after her hip replacement, to the bedroom from the dining/living area, using the toilet and getting in and out of bed.
I carefully pulled the Luan paneling away from the "studs" in the wall.
These "studs" are 1 x 3 pine cut down to about 2-3/8" width.
I added 2 additional pieces at each of the three locations and glued to the existing framing, and replaced the paneling.
Plenty of strength for the handholds. I purchased mine from Home Depot.
This took care of the interior.
For the steps I purchased a product called "Glow-Guide Handrail", http://www.torklift.com/products/glowguide.php#a7610.
Simple in install and remove for traveling.
Hope this will help.

Okay, that is a little different then... :)

Then you mean a residential type handrail I assume? You don't need to use standard handrail mounting brackets - there is an alternative method. Do you need a handrail on both sides?

You should secure it into a stud. Do you have any idea where studs are behind the wall finish? The wall finish would most likely be luan which is a thin form of plywood. Yes, no drywall. Not very strong and it will only be secured in place by thin gauge staples. I would avoid the exterior wall if possible unless you know 100% certain there are studs in the wall cavity and exactly where they are. If a fiberglass exterior, there may not be studs anywhere near where you want.

If you have an intersecting partition wall behind the stairway wall or a bathroom door at the top of the stairs, you should find a studs there. You may need to get creative to get something to work and be secure enough. What do the numbers mean? Height above the stair or floor?

Have you go a link to a floorplan and photos? That might help in giving suggestions. There should be some things you can do to strengthen the wall depending on what is in your FW.

BTW, there is NO sheetrock in your trailer.

Sorry for the confusion...in the interior hallway going upstairs! We have the large grab bar outside the main entrance, but need the help getting to the bathroom or bedroom.

Thanks for you help!

Do you mean a handrail on the exterior? Do you mean some sort of handrail inside as well or just a handle?

What handrail do you want? An extended handrail style or larger grab bar? Do you have a handrail in mind already?

There will be a stud immediately on either side of the door frame. But, when a handrail is installed, the mounting "flange" may have to be notched a little to move it closer to the door frame. Also, the screws may have to be angled slightly to get into the stud. The studs aren't all that wide, but they are there and are strong enough. You cannot mount just into the siding material. You will need to anchor a handrail or grab bar into a stud.

If you google "rv handrail" or "fifth wheel handrail" you can find some google images for ideas.

Stromberg Carlson lend-a-hand:


Personally, I don't like these from an ergonomic perspective. As you enter, you are forced to swing your arm around as you climb up. I find them awkward and uncomfortable. Very popular though.



Stromberg Carlson grab handle:
I like this brand because it has really nice soft rubber which the other brand doesn't. I like this handle and is what we have on our TT. IMO, this style is easier to reach up to and pull yourself inside.



Torklift Glowguide handrail:


I don't know anything about this. My biggest question would be how stable they are. I *think* there may something else out there that is similar.



etrailer has this stair & handrail assembly but looks heavy and awkward to set up.



When it comes to actual "handrails", there really isn't much out there for exterior use. Some have fabricated their own from scratch.

On the interior, you can install an exterior type handle or taller grab handle like the above one. Again, you may need to notch the flange and angle the screws.