Community Forums

decoy · 12-09-2019, 04:46 PM

What has anyone done to fix the burden of climbing up the steps to the bathrm/bedrm. As newly retired because of health issues and also bad joints it has really been a issue for the wife and I to go up the steps even after we shortened the height of each step. Pretty much have tried everything. Love the Sandpiper but it's a real pain and energy issue that will just not go away.

Old-Biscuit · 12-09-2019, 04:52 PM

5th wheels.........2 story trailer.
Entry Steps plus steps to the upstairs portion

Travel Trailer.........1 floor
Entry steps only

Other then trading in and getting Travel Trailer do NOT know of any mod to eliminate the steps UP

Add grab handle/hand rail to wall to assist in going up/down??

decoy · 12-09-2019, 05:01 PM

Have grab handles all over the home.

Itchytoe · 12-09-2019, 05:09 PM

I agree with Old-Biscuit. The only ideas I can come up with would just create other more significant problems. A ramp over the stairs would get rid of the stairs, but if you can't handle going up stairs, losing your balance on a ramp is probably worse. Making one big step the height of your bum so that you can just turn around and sit on it would also get rid of the stairs. But it would then have you sitting on the floor trying to get up just to get to the bedroom, which is undoubtedly not helpful.

A hand rail is the only thing I can think of that will help, but it doesn't get rid of the steps. It might be worth going with a travel trailer. Fewer steps to get in, and a flat floor from nose to tail. A lot of people consider a 5th wheel a huge upgrade over a travel trailer, but I'm not one of them. TTs can be great, especially for people who have a hard time with stairs. A rushed bathroom break in the middle of the night can turn into a hospital trip if you get a little wobbly on the stairs.

jimcumminsw · 12-10-2019, 08:44 AM

A class A motor home that lowers to the ground when parked. This way the height is lower and you only need to navigate the steps upon EGRESS/INGRESS. The floor plan is all on one level!

The nature of the fifth wheel precludes a floor plan that is all on one level. Although you could look for a floor plan with a half bath on the same level as the living area! This way you needed to only negotiate the second level when you use the bedroom and master bath.

allenb12 · 12-10-2019, 03:50 PM

Why we went with a travel trailer.

decoy · 12-10-2019, 11:02 PM

Never heard of the 1/2 bath, thanks

cavie · 12-10-2019, 11:36 PM

3 ergonomically incorrect bedroom steps is exactly why I sold our 5th wheel. Now we have a raise deck next to our trailer so we have the trailer and the deck to roam in and only need the ergonomically correct steps to access the deck from the ground.

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Arch Hoagland · 12-11-2019, 12:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by decoy

What has anyone done to fix the burden of climbing up the steps to the bathrm/bedrm. As newly retired because of health issues and also bad joints it has really been a issue for the wife and I to go up the steps even after we shortened the height of each step. Pretty much have tried everything. Love the Sandpiper but it's a real pain and energy issue that will just not go away.

One way to look at it is.....you get good exercise everyday.