23 replies to this topic

[camper rich]

We have a front dinnette, so I find myshelf using the silverware drawer handle to pull my self up.  It's probably more of a balance thing rather than putting a lot of weight on it.

[Zirdu]

My wife didn't like the metal grab handle supplied with my 2016 Grandby.  She found a much bigger, padded plastic grab handle, which I installed.  You can see the screws where the old handle was installed.  I just screwed these back in with a little silicon to plug the holes. I attached the new handle with a hard rubber gasket and silicon, and two screws for each end.  It seems to be very solid, and has held for a year so far.  It does make for an easier and more secure grab bar.  We both usually go out the door backwards. At first I was not in favor of this change, but after I did it, I really like it better than the original handle.

 

She also found a lightweight grab bar for the inside of the screen door.  This helps for balance in entering and exiting.  It is also very helpful in closing the screen when the main door is open.  

 

 

 

 

[craig333]

Never even considered going out backwards. I did through bolt my grab handle. Use it all the time.

[Stalking Light]

I have always gone out backwards and rarely use the handle.

[skinnyd]

My wife didn't like the metal grab handle supplied with my 2016 Grandby.  She found a much bigger, padded plastic grab handle, which I installed.  You can see the screws where the old handle was installed.  I just screwed these back in with a little silicon to plug the holes. I attached the new handle with a hard rubber gasket and silicon, and two screws for each end.  It seems to be very solid, and has held for a year so far.  It does make for an easier and more secure grab bar.  We both usually go out the door backwards. At first I was not in favor of this change, but after I did it, I really like it better than the original handle.

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She also found a lightweight grab bar for the inside of the screen door.  This helps for balance in entering and exiting.  It is also very helpful in closing the screen when the main door is open.  

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I added the same interior handle and love it for closing the door. Seems like they should add it as an option.

[NorCalSteve]

I also have the handle like Zridu has on the screen door.  It does help getting out and closing the door.  The small drawback, in my Hawk, is that the refrigerator does not open quite as far as before with the door closed. I am not complaining. Just an observation. I try to not put too much weight on it.

 

Steve

[MattC]

I have started grabbing the gutter above the door on my way out.

[MountainSufi]

I find it easiest to know where the exterior wall handle is at by feel, then backing out while grabbing it.

[Andy Douglass]

I use the stock grab bar when entering more than exiting. We got the 3-step Easy Hitch Step, so half the time when I exit I just walk down the steps forward like any normal steps. If I am carrying anything out, I tend to walk out backwards for some reason. I can't recommend the steps enough: solid, easy to deploy/fold up, and the steps are always in the same place regardless of the terrain since they are mounted to the hitch receiver and don't even touch the ground. No need to stow a rickety step ladder that may or may not have mud all over it, and the steps are a huge increase in safely entering/exiting. If weight/money are not a consideration, I think they are the best upgrade to the entry that can be made.

[kestrel69]

I use the stock grab bar when entering more than exiting. We got the 3-step Easy Hitch Step, so half the time when I exit I just walk down the steps forward like any normal steps. If I am carrying anything out, I tend to walk out backwards for some reason. I can't recommend the steps enough: solid, easy to deploy/fold up, and the steps are always in the same place regardless of the terrain since they are mounted to the hitch receiver and don't even touch the ground. No need to stow a rickety step ladder that may or may not have mud all over it, and the steps are a huge increase in safely entering/exiting. If weight/money are not a consideration, I think they are the best upgrade to the entry that can be made.

 

I've been looking at the 3-step Easy Hitch Step and curious about one thing.   I have a Swift on a short bed frontier and the camper extends out 12  inches from the back of the truck...….how far out from the rear of the bed does the top step on the easy hitch extend out?  Those things are not cheap and I don't want to spend the money only to find it doesn't work.