Hand grip for tub safety

[Road Dawg]

Our 24RBS came with a tub/shower combo rather than a shower with doors and low threshold to step over. Being in the insurance business all my career, all I could see was a high risk of slip and fall / Bodily Injury due to Jayco not providing a hand grip.

To remedy, I found a Moen 9 inch Hand Grip at Lowes for under $20, made of brushed nickel to match the factory hardwire. I bought 6 stainless steel screws one inch long to replace the Moen screws that I knew would be too long. There was solid framing in the wall close to the tub surround where you can see I installed.

The install was easy, looks good, the bar is solid, and the safety value is well worth it.

[norty1]

Good idea! Never can be to careful.

[Homersimpson]

We are not as agile as we once were. The bathroom in our 145rb SLX is very cramped, and the stepover when getting out of the shower became an issue for DW. She was reaching across to lean on the opposite wall for support when stepping over the side of the tub. I even offered to replace the tub with a low-sided shower pan, but she didn't want me to tear up a 1 year old trailer. Then I added a simple plastic grab handle that helped her confidence when exiting the tub. It is not brushed metal, but like yours, it matches our cheap plastic fittings. It is lightweight, inexpensive, and easy to install as you drive 2 screws into an existing stud. Most important, DW finds it adds to her balance and self-confidence. It worked, now she wants me to install a second handle at the other end of the tub.

[SmokerBill]

I plan to add the same sort of grab bar in my shower, but will also add a finished plywood backer on the wall opposite the bar to add more support. I'm not sure that the support provided by the shorter screws in the flimsy shower wall framing would be adequate in all circumstances.

[Homersimpson]

Depending on the wall, that may be necessary. A few 1inch or longer screws into a stud should be adequate in most cases. Remember that the rest of the TT is held together with staples!