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Old 01-14-2007, 12:03 PM   #1
Wrenchtraveller
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Stairway safety

I just was checking out the Big Sky Pics. What a beautiful rig but I was again reminded that the RV industry completely ignores something as basic as stairway safety. Young people hurt themselves on stairs.
Old people cripple themselves on stairs. This handrail cost me about 20 bucks for material and about 45 minutes labour and I did it before we ever used my unit. My 80 year old Dad can now walk up the stairs to my upper level.
Keystone, here is a chance to outshine the competition again.


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Old 01-14-2007, 12:49 PM   #2
Imp
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Interesting that I saw a new Mountaineer and it had a hand rail in it. I must admit it sure was easier getting up the stairs with a little stability.
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Old 01-14-2007, 12:53 PM   #3
judyuk
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I agree......not that I'm clumsy or anything but I've already fallen on the stairs at the RV lot. I also told the salesperson how critical that could be.....especially if I had gotten hurt on their property. Common sense doesn't seem to prevail anymore...just bottom lines!
We were all set to buy the Montana 3400 in a couple of months but are now waiting to see the Big Sky. Hope it shows up at the Seattle RV Show next month so we can place our order. Maybe I'll just tumble down the steps and get it for free
Although this is off the subject , I really appreciate all the info the people on this site have contributed. There's no doubt in my mind, I'm better informed than most of the salespeople...which just helps to arm me for negotiating better prices and more goodies.
Judy
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Old 01-14-2007, 01:02 PM   #4
Montana Rog
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You can buy new wood handles at any RV dealer for about 17 bucks. I did, and installed it in about 10 seconds..Mama is now happy. I also put carpet on the outside steps..they are slippery when wet. Also purchased at RV dealer. They just love seeing me. I always find some doo dad to buy.
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Old 01-14-2007, 01:13 PM   #5
Parrothead
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We put a handrail at the steps leading to the bedroom just like the wood one on the inside at the outside door. On the 3400 we placed it on the side of the pantry. It can be used both going up and down and does not get in the way. We did it for me as I have a leg that does not always lift up, but I've caught Ed using it also! Even if you don't always use it, it is nice to have it there to grab onto in case you stumble.
Happy trails......................
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Old 01-14-2007, 04:27 PM   #6
campbud
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That one thing we like better on the 3585SA is the steps, they are deeper and lower steps. Just so much better going up and down..easier on the knees and dh doesnt worry about falling down them now.
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Old 01-15-2007, 12:34 AM   #7
Ozz
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I would guess all of you will not be surprised when I vote for a small light on each step to make them safer. They are very dark and the treads all blend together at night. The hand rail is a good idea, I would want the end to 45 back to the wall to keep from catching clothing or whatever, but that is best case. I think I may follow Wrenchtraveller's lead. I may also work on the lights.
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Old 01-15-2007, 12:48 AM   #8
VanMan
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Ozz, I just put some 12V deck lights on our deck at the stick house. What I used would be waaay too big, but as I recall, there were several smaller recessed ones out there. I can tell you now there are a lot more of them offered online than in the stores. I had no luck at Lowes or Home Depot (but I knew just what I wanted and they didn't have that particular style).
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Old 01-15-2007, 01:19 AM   #9
kdeiss
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We added the hand rail as well works great!
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Old 01-15-2007, 01:53 AM   #10
Ozz
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Van man, I will check on line. I may go to Radio Shack to see what they have, it wouldn't take much.
I have a license plate light on my first instep at the door, it is just right, but would be too much for the inside bedroom steps.
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Old 01-15-2007, 02:35 AM   #11
Wrenchtraveller
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Lights are a great idea but they do not help you if you trip or lose your balance.

A company I work for bought into a safety program that actually diciplines employees if they are seen not using a handrail and I wish I had a dollar for every time a Travel Trailer owner has told me they would never own a Fiver because of the stairs.
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Old 01-15-2007, 03:53 AM   #12
campbud
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Ozz yes good suggestion! I have seen other units with little night lights on each step. We had them in our very first TT and they were a great help at walking through the TT at night.
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Old 01-15-2007, 07:02 AM   #13
refocused
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One more item for the wish list!
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Old 01-15-2007, 07:16 AM   #14
Jim and Marcia
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We also installed a handrail on the steps leading to the upper level. Makes it much easier to navigate the stairs.
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Old 01-15-2007, 09:53 AM   #15
kdeiss
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I installed a 110 outlet by the bedroom steps pluged in night light also works great for the vacuum you can use this outlet and do front to back
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Old 01-15-2007, 10:22 AM   #16
Ozz
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Ken and Ginny, great idea, I have the outlet, and a flashlight there, with a very dim light when plugged in, I'll just get a brighter nightlight for that outlet. Thanks.
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Old 01-27-2007, 04:46 AM   #17
rono
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Ozz, I saw another 5th wheel here that has a light under the steps and thought it was a GREAT idea. Where did you tie the step light into for power?
Thanks, Ron
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Old 01-27-2007, 05:15 AM   #18
Ozz
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Ron, I got the power from the control panel at the steps.
I like the light(s) (I put in two clearance lights under the outside steps), because you can leave it on while out, and not bother the neighbor next to you. It bothers me when the guy next to me has his light on all night because he didn't know it was on, or didn't care....
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Old 01-27-2007, 05:30 AM   #19
rickety
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I will be installing a handrail and the step lights (inside and out) when we get our new 3400. great ideas and simple to do. Thanks for the great ideas guysand gals!
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