Forum Discussion

Crambo's avatar
Crambo
Explorer
May 21, 2016

Bought a Lend A hand handle and have a couple of questions.

I don't like the little handle that came on my TT so I picked up a Lend a Hand folding handle. I figure it will make it easier for my young son to get up and down the steps. I was reading the instructions and it looks super easy to install with only 4 screws. The instructions said to drill into the stud next to the door after verifying there is a stud. I guess some trailers don't have one. I have a new Coachmen Catalina so hopefully someone can chime in on this. I've got a stud finder somewhere in my shop if not. Next, will the fact that my trailer has aluminum siding present me any mounting problems compared to a smooth sided trailer? Thanks.
  • Crambo's avatar
    Crambo
    Explorer
    May 22, 2016
    Thanks for the replies. I'm going to tackle this next week. We decided to just go camping instead. Should take me longer to get my tools out than to attach it.
  • Vulcanmars's avatar
    Vulcanmars
    Explorer
    May 22, 2016
    Look at the screw holes in your stock handle and line up the new handle screw holes as inline as possible. (handle base is right against the door trim) Mark the new screw locations and pre-drill with a small drill bit. Don't go too deep, you will know if you hit a stud/wood right away.
  • Huntindog's avatar
    Huntindog
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    beemerphile1 wrote:
    Look on the interior walls for rows of staples. The staples will be into studs.
    Hopefully.:)
  • fairfaxjim's avatar
    fairfaxjim
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    I added one, and didn't have a stud in the right location for the lower bolts. I purchased phillips head machine screws, drilled through the wall, trimmed them to the correct length to fit fender & lock washers and acorn nuts to cap the threads.

    They are visible but don't intrude too much. you can paint them to match the interior wall if you want less visibility.
  • beemerphile1's avatar
    beemerphile1
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    Look on the interior walls for rows of staples. The staples will be into studs.
  • Boband4's avatar
    Boband4
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    You should be able to look through the hole where the lockset striker engages with the was and see a stud, if one is there.
  • tvman44's avatar
    tvman44
    Explorer
    May 21, 2016
    If you cannot find your stud finder, beg, borrow or buy another one.
  • profdant139's avatar
    profdant139
    Explorer II
    May 21, 2016
    Aluminum siding is easier to drill into than fiberglass -- less risk of cracking. Maybe the manufacturer can tell you where the studs are?

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