Helper Bar Install in the Bathroom - Montana Owners Club

homendn · 11-19-2006, 09:17 AM

Good Afternoon all from Sunny and Hot SOCAL. My wife has asked that I put a helper bar in the bathroom of our 3295RK. When I went to install a 16" bar ran into several issues. The stud that the toilet tissue holde is mounted to seems to only run about half way across the facing wall and the only other place I can see to put it is on the exterior wall near the commode. Her knees are getting bad and standing is gettting to be a pain - no pun intended.

I have looked for shorter ones - no help on that one. I can move the toilet tissue holder to accomodate the new bar.

Any suggestions??

Dave

H. John Kohl · 11-19-2006, 10:03 AM

Not here, I was thinking the same thing as well as a railing for the three steps. Now the sliding door is an issue. Do I notch the door? Notch the railing? OK you master fixers any suggestions?
Cheers,

Parrothead · 11-19-2006, 11:07 AM

John
We put an assist handle for the inside stairs like the one on the inside as you are going out the door. On our 3400 it is on the wall where the pantry is. I can hold onto it going up or coming down. And it doesn't seem to be in the way of anything.
Dave,
How about on the door? You could use molly bolts that are designed for hollow doors. The other suggestion is instead of a bar is to use a strap. Supposedly the strap is better for your shoulders and arms than a bar. This was from a PT when I was recovering from one of my leg surgeries. I use the door knob when I'm having problems and has worked so far. I know, the knob is probably going to break!
Happy trails.....................

firetrucker · 11-19-2006, 11:38 AM

Sharon has asked me to install a handle by the stairs and, after reading all the comments about the lack of studs in the walls, I decided I'd put some wainscoting on the wall that I could attach the handle to. I plan to use panel adhesive to distribute the stress over a larger area.

I like the idea of using a strap (or handles on the wall AND door) to help pull yourself up. That's a more balanced approach than a handle on just the wall.

Bob

nailbender · 11-19-2006, 02:24 PM

You can use a piece of stained 1x4 oak or other finish wood to attach a grab bar to. Find studs at the corners of a wall or in any area of the wall, attach the oak board to studs, then attach the grab to the oak. The important part is to attach the oak to least 2 studs. Attaching a grab to a hollow core door is not a good idea, any type of anchor will eventually pull out.

Wrenchtraveller · 11-20-2006, 02:26 AM

http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f7...ctures9009.jpg

I installed this handrail before we ever used the unit. A stairway needs a handrail and why the RV industry has neglected this huge safety issue is a mystery to me.

On my 06 Montana, I was able to hit studs on both ends of this rail and it is very solid. My plan B would have been to bolt right through the walls and use an oak trim on either side for strength. This may work for your helper bar in the bathroom. Good luck and be safe.

John, my sliding door can slide by the lower end of my rail, and is still very user friendly.

homendn · 11-24-2006, 01:02 AM

Thank you all for your help with this. Been offline for a bit, in-laws in town for Thanksgiving. Now that the dust has settled around here I can take a good look and see what I can do to get an assist bar or strap in there. What I Really liked was the one for the stairs going into and out of the bedroom. Very Very nice!!!

Hope everyone had a Great T-Day gathering.

Dave

VanMan · 11-24-2006, 03:38 AM

I installed the vinyl door pulls from an auto supply both in the RV and at my daughter's house by the shower stall. I also added a metal pull (similar to the strap) inside the RV door for her. One thing about the Montana - once you put something in an outside stud it's there to stay (aluminum studs).

linda and chas · 03-10-2007, 06:00 PM

[quote]Originally posted by homendn

Good Afternoon all from Sunny and Hot SOCAL. My wife has asked that I put a helper bar in the bathroom of our 3295RK. When I went to install a 16" bar ran into several issues. The stud that the toilet tissue holde is mounted to seems to only run about half way across the facing wall and the only other place I can see to put it is on the exterior wall near the commode. Her knees are getting bad and standing is gettting to be a pain - no pun intended.

I have looked for shorter ones - no help on that one. I can move the toilet tissue holder to accomodate the new bar.

Any suggestions??

Dave
another help would be a higher commode -- i think camping world sells a block type thing to set under the coomde to raise it

Okie Guy · 03-11-2007, 01:43 PM

I don't know if this would help but here goes. If you have a small water closet like my unit could you put the helper bar on the wall in front of the toilet? There are lots of support studs for the entertainment center on this wall. I also have a unit with the entertainment center on the other side of the water closet. The 3400 units may have some support though in the pantry wall.
Just a thought

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