Caution! Inside grab bar for decoration only!

[Greg-Gabe]

We are taking our first major trip with our new FR3 to spend a couple of weeks with our grandkids who live on Anderson Island in Washington. During a stop at Costco to load up before getting on the ferry, were loading our purchases into the motorhome when the cart started to roll away. I reached back to grab the cart while holding on to the inside grab bar. Well imagine my surprise when when the entire assembly, decorative door trim and all came apart and sent me tumbling off the steps towards the ground, grab bar and trim in hand! By some miracle I was able to twist, release the grab bar and latch onto the cart without hitting the ground. Which I am thankful for as I had knee replacement surgery a little over two months ago! No major injuries but I did rip quite a bit of skin off my arm on the door jam and knee hurts, not sure it was ready for the gymnastics.
To sum this up, BE CAREFUL and don't expect the grab bar to actually be functional! It is held on by the TIPS of 4 little screws, and in our case 3...

[leisurelarry]

Found mine loose and not safe to use also when I got my 30DS 15 months ago. Had the dealer secure it in a manner that it can't be pulled off now. One of the many things fixed under warranty.

[Pixelbum1]

Originally Posted by Greg-Gabe

We are taking our first major trip with our new FR3 to spend a couple of weeks with our grandkids who live on Anderson Island in Washington. During a stop at Costco to load up before getting on the ferry, were loading our purchases into the motorhome when the cart started to roll away. I reached back to grab the cart while holding on to the inside grab bar. Well imagine my surprise when when the entire assembly, decorative door trim and all came apart and sent me tumbling off the steps towards the ground, grab bar and trim in hand! By some miracle I was able to twist, release the grab bar and latch onto the cart without hitting the ground. Which I am thankful for as I had knee replacement surgery a little over two months ago! No major injuries but I did rip quite a bit of skin off my arm on the door jam and knee hurts, not sure it was ready for the gymnastics.
To sum this up, BE CAREFUL and don't expect the grab bar to actually be functional! It is held on by the TIPS of 4 little screws, and in our case 3...
Attachment 87511Attachment 87511

Re-attach with pop rivets-they will hold! Make sure you get the right length
rivets tho... ;]

[aceinspp]

Not meant to be a fully functional grab bar to support ones body. Later RJD

[Sloopie1]

In my opinion, if it's NOT intended to be a "fully functional grab bar" then it shouldn't be there - at all - PERIOD! You really think the manufacturer installed a grab bar for decorative purposes? Seriously?

[ependydad]

I don't know what it was originally- but isn't that there to simply help you close the door without having to grab the edge of the screendoor?

I agree- I don't think it is meant to be a weight carrying grab bar.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by ependydad

I don't know what it was originally- but isn't that there to simply help you close the door without having to grab the edge of the screendoor?

I agree- I don't think it is meant to be a weight carrying grab bar.

Agreed. If it was meant to support one's entire weight, you'd end up bending the entire door.

[widogmom]

Only for decoration? Not entirely true...I find ours is excellent for whacking your head on as you try to get in & out, too. Thanks for giving everybody this info...I'll make sure I don't rely on it too much. Hope your knee/arm feel better soon.

[Ron Chamber]

I have a 2013 30DS. The inside grab bar is from floor waist height to to floor.
It is solidly Installed with long bolts to floor and sides.
The outside is also solid, as far as I can tell.


Ron C
2013 FR3 30DS
From Iowa on US tour!