A Tiny Project: The Grab Handle

[sirpurrcival]

There are many examples of human innovation that fall just a little bit short of earth shattering. Examples include the likes of the "Inside the Eggshell Egg Scrambler" and the "Cat Translator". Well right up there and near and dear to many an RV'rs heart is the acrylic grab handle. Why some bright minded genius ever thought that a rigid, acrylate polymer that tends to fracture rather than bend given enough torsional stress (you know, the stresses that might be present when say, someone grabs a handle) would ever be suitable for such a task is beyond my admittedly pedestrian intelligence. I have one of these acrylic handles and like many, it is broken. Replacements can be purchased but to replace it with the same, prone to breakage, material seems somewhat pointless unless you plan on selling your rig the next day. So this thread is dedicated to my journey for replacement. I am starting with a couple of pictures of my existing handle (Note the high quality Duct Tape for visual pleasantry). I could just replace the whole style of handle, mounts and all but that might leave some unsightly holes in the sidewall from the old brackets, something I would rather not do. My plan is to bend pipe to replace the original. For sizing, it seemed like a good idea to mount the entire handle on a piece of wood to allow for quick testing rather than running back and forth to the motor home. I don't know if this will of much interest but I though I would share given how many rigs seemed to have these handles. I will post more as it is done.

[jlfbatonrg]

I have actually seen grab handles like or similar to yours on eBay. that might be an option for you.

Jim

[Mr_D]

Our first DSDP didn't have the handle (optional and I didn't order it). Found one complete with the Newmar name on it at a vendor at an FMCA show. Mounted it and wired it up.
Our present 2002 DSDP has the handle and it's just starting to show a few (very few) cracks in the interior. I expect it to last quite a few more years. When (if) it breaks I'll be looking for a stainless steel replacement and pull out the light.

[DALarry]

You can purchase the handle you need at Flemming Sales. Fleming Sales OEM Products

[sirpurrcival]

The next instalment.

Brought the whole thing to M-Tech Automotive, a specialty exhaust shop. Using the original as a guide, they came up with this for me. It is solid stainless steel. Thing weighs about 10 pounds. With a quick release I could have a ready to go club. I had planned on painting it but think it looks pretty nice in its natural state.

[sirpurrcival]

And finally the mounted handle. Had to trim the length down a smidge as it was just a bit too long. However that done and now it looks like it was made at the factory.

So ok, this wasn't a big deal really but it is funny just how bad an impression the old broken handle gave of the total rig because it hit you square in the face whenever you entered. Just another piece in the restoration journey.

[gonzo136]

Great job! Looks better than the plastic ones.

[okmunky]

Ok, fess up... how much did they charge you for 10 pounds of stainless steel and the labor to bend it into such a pleasing shape?

My coach came with 2 metal grab handles, 1 each -- inside and out. But no fancy light-up feature. I do wish they had some texture on them to reduce slipping and were a bit larger in diameter. I have fallen down too many steps in my time and have become fall-phobic with age.

[Mr_D]

Now you need to figure out how to light it internally!!

[sirpurrcival]

Total cost, all in $100.00 Cdn. Not bad when you figure between taxes and shipping I was looking at about $50.00 for the replacement acrylic. As for the lighting. I have it all figured out. See prototype below

[okmunky]

Considering that the new grab bar should outlast the motorhome by about 10,000 years -- you got a bargain. Now about the lighting...

[KIX]

sirpurrcival,
I have the exact same grab handle as in your pic. You mentioned a replacement handle was about $50 cdn. Where did you find a replacement handle as I've been looking for one for quite some time without success. Thanks

[sirpurrcival]

Originally Posted by KIX

sirpurrcival,
I have the exact same grab handle as in your pic. You mentioned a replacement handle was about $50 cdn. Where did you find a replacement handle as I've been looking for one for quite some time without success. Thanks

There is one source further up in the thread.

You can find them here as well

RV Surplus

They have them cheaper than I remember but I still didn't want the acrylic. I couldn't find any RV store that carries them or even knows where you can order them. Given that they seemed so popular for awhile, I figured you would be able to pick up a replacement easy.

Considering that the new grab bar should outlast the motorhome by about 10,000 years

I kinda like the sound of that. Sort of my own little piece of immortality.

[okmunky]

Originally Posted by sirpurrcival

I kinda like the sound of that. Sort of my own little piece of immortality.

Maybe you should engrave something on it. Make it more personal.