Installing handle to pull yourself into bunk

Question

I just bought a Denali 311BH TT. It has a small ladder for the rear bunk but it really doesn't work for adults due to it being too vertical against the wall. If you have any kind of belly (not me of course, ahem) it's basically impossible to get up into this bed, then even harder to get out!
I need to install a couple of pull handles mounted on the walls at the foot of the bed and on the side. These are both outside walls and I'm worried about drilling into them. The bolts will need to be significant in size to prevent someone from just pulling them out.
How to I go about finding where to drill and how long of a bolt can I safely install?

memgrove · Answer

We use one of these, it also doubles as a seat for the table. We have the same trailer.

jasonthebeaver · Answer

I think your idea is better than mine of drilling holes in the walls.Is that one of those library chair/ladders?  Where did you get it?

artum_snowbird · Answer

The trick with any kind of an anchor is to install another good thick hardwood board with multiple screws into the wall or framework first, then either screw your grab handles into your hardwood board, or bolt right through your hardwood board into countersunk holes for the nuts on the back before you mount your hardwood board onto the wall.  This will help spread the load over more of the wall.

memgrove · Answer

Here at amazon.We have seen them at target also.  The short wife loves it to reach into the pantry beside the fridge.  It stores for travel under the dining table very nice. I am # 270 and I use it if I need to.

westend · Answer

Artum Snowbird wrote:The trick with any kind of an anchor is to install another good thick hardwood board with multiple screws into the wall or framework first, then either screw your grab handles into your hardwood board, or bolt right through your hardwood board into countersunk holes for the nuts on the back before you mount your hardwood board onto the wall.  This will help spread the load over more of the wall.This!You can locate the wall studs with a purpose-built studfinder or, if you use the above mounting procedure, wrap your knuckles on the wall until the sound changes, lightly hammer a small finishing nail into the location to see if the stud is there.FWIW, I used the above method to install a TV mount. I used 5/8" plywood for the mounting board and applied construction adhesive to the plywood -&gt; wall joint. You couldn't pull it off the wall with a prybar.

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Installing handle to pull yourself into bunk

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