Installing shower grab rails

[sprayman]

i did a search and didn't find anything on installation.
I have a 2015 Keystone Outback. Dealer will install it???? But talks
about removing plywood, but the enclosure must be removed.
I really don't like his idea. Called Keystone, they don't recommend
making changes.

I'm thinking of using butterfly bolts,sealing the flange with silicone
put on the cover plate and calling it done.

i do not know how things are put together, is my idea workable
will it hold up.

Jim

[Texmac1011]

As long as you get through the shower to something solid and seal it well, it sounds fine to me. I am going to do the same thing. As small as the bathrooms are, if my wife falls getting in or out, the last thing she will hit is the floor.

[BFlinn181]

For safety, shower bars should be anchored into solid framework. If the dealer is wanting to remove enclosure to install plywood braces, it sounds like a good way to go. I don't understand removing plywood, unless it's just 1/4" plywood enclosure to be replaced by sturdier anchoring wood. Just fastening grab bars to the plastic walls of the shower or too thin plywood backing is a recipe for further damage, to the shower and the person grabbing it expecting a secure bar.

Why did Keystone not recommend changes? Do they claim there is sufficient anchor points for the grab bar? Of course any modifications would not be their liability for future leaks or damage, but I don't understand their reason for no help.

Silicon caulk is good for many things, but permanent sealing of holes through flexible plastic shower walls isn't a long time solution. I'd use a gasket or butyl rubber to seal the bar to the shower.

[IdahoBob]

Originally Posted by sprayman

i did a search and didn't find anything on installation.
I have a 2015 Keystone Outback. Dealer will install it???? But talks
about removing plywood, but the enclosure must be removed.
I really don't like his idea. Called Keystone, they don't recommend
making changes.

I'm thinking of using butterfly bolts,sealing the flange with silicone
put on the cover plate and calling it done.

i do not know how things are put together, is my idea workable
will it hold up.

Jim

We've installed grab handles in two different rigs. Found studs to attach to with an ordinary stud finder.

Bob

[sprayman]

Originally Posted by BFlinn181

For safety, shower bars should be anchored into solid framework. If the dealer is wanting to remove enclosure to install plywood braces, it sounds like a good way to go. I don't understand removing plywood, unless it's just 1/4" plywood enclosure to be replaced by sturdier anchoring wood. Just fastening grab bars to the plastic walls of the shower or too thin plywood backing is a recipe for further damage, to the shower and the person grabbing it expecting a secure bar.

Why did Keystone not recommend changes? Do they claim there is sufficient anchor points for the grab bar? Of course any modifications would not be their liability for future leaks or damage, but I don't understand their reason for no help.

Silicon caulk is good for many things, but permanent sealing of holes through flexible plastic shower walls isn't a long time solution. I'd use a gasket or butyl rubber to seal the bar to the shower.

The dealer wash't gonna remove or replace anything just wanted to get
down to the plywood.
Keystone does not want anyone to modify the unit, no explanation given.

[450Donn]

Go to the store and buy a couple of the suction mount handles. Work great and easily moved if you happen to change your mind on location.

[sprayman]

from what i understand wood studs are not being used in newer units,
they are aluminum. I just read their construction section of their brochure.
From the outside in, Gel coated fiberglass,1/8"luan wall backing,foam insulation,
1 ½" box welded aluminum frame walls.interior decorative wall board.

Doesn't sound like much to work with. my thoughts are to mount it on an
outside wall, but no substantial frame is available, the shower enclosure
is not fiberglass, from what i could see its thin plastic, once taken
down i think it would be trash.

Jim

[ralphie]

Not knowing how the walls are constructed, and if the supports were needed for a disabled person, I'd be very leery about using them.

[sprayman]

Originally Posted by ralphie

Not knowing how the walls are constructed, and if the supports were needed for a disabled person, I'd be very leery about using them.

see post # 7

Jim