Towel racks on bathroom walls? 2011 Surveyor 189 Sport

[lindaburnette]

Has anyone attempted to screw towel racks to the walls in the bathroom? I wasn't sure how they will attach since the walls don't seem to be very sturdy. The unit came equipped with two "hooks" at the top of the bathroom door but towel racks would be better.
Let me know!
Thanks so much

[aberg]

I too had reservations about hanging towel racks not only because of the thinness of the walls, but also the weight of the bath size towels pulling it off the wall, and the proximity to the shower to the rack. The ones that came with the trailer (I would have to install) were the circle, not bar types. So I opted to use an over the door hanging rack. It cuts a little into the door clearance, but it's a much easier reach from the shower and I don't worry about a towel bar failure.

BTW... What I wanted also was a long wardrobe mirror, which again I had reservations about hanging, so I got an over the door lightweight mirror at Bed Bath & Beyond and hung it on the other side of the same door (facing into the galley). Best thing! It gives a "more space" illusion to the living area as well.

[Rugged Brown]

Ours came with towel racks installed.

[lindaburnette]

Thanks for the good idea! There is a nice space over the door and I think I would feel better using an over the door rack. While there is ample space for the towel racks, what about if the racks get loose over time and have to be removed and you end up with holes in your thin little walls? Wouldn't look too good.
As for the mirror, you have another good idea. In our unit there are two mirrors on the front of the wardrobe in the living room area that do just what you said, they open up the area and add an illusion of more space.
Did you hang a toothbrush holder? We have, so far, just bought those little pods that hold the brushes.

[lindaburnette]

That's a great feature that we don't think about but one that's quite important. Glad you have them already installed! My brother added them to his unit but it's a little bit older and the walls just seem more sturdier than ours.

[aberg]

I just use the toothbrush pods, but we did mount a square tissue box holder under the medicine cabinet, since we have NO counter at all.

Another trick I use because of no counter space is that I bought a thin acrylic cutting board that I lay across the sink when I need to place makeup, hairdryer, flat iron, etc when in use. When done I just store it away

[Walke]

The enclosed picture is in "My Photos" section on "Modifications". We had our Surveyor for 3 years,(just traded in May) enjoyed it very much with many modifications.
As for the walls, they are thin, that is why the "winged" type butterfly nuts used for hanging an item on gyproc are the best. Although, they require a rather large hole to install, they are there for life and will support a ton. I would not hesitate to use this towel bar as a grab bar if necessary. But, the installation is not for the faint of heart, as you drill a large hole for a small bolt as the "winged nut" spreads in the wall, you also have to adjust the bolt length if necessary.

But, the best advice, measure three times, drill once,

I also find it best to use the type of towel bar that has round brackets to install on the wall and then the bar hangs on these brackets with a set screw under each side, these are often not the least expensive models at the Home store.

Happy modifications.

[lindaburnette]

Walke, thank you so much. Pictures are worth a thousand words, and your modification looks very nice. Towel racks do give a " at home" feel and convenience. We just don't want to do something that don't work or do it the wrong way, that ends up making a total mess! That's why this forum is so great. You can find out from those who are so generous to take their time to help us rookies with our sometimes silly questions. Thanks again. If we decide to add the racks we will definately refer back to your post.

[lindaburnette]

ABERG: That is a wonderful idea. I have makeup and all that mess, yes, even when camping! And we have no counterspace either. Have you came up with an idea of what works best to cover the sink and stovetop when not in use? So much wasted space unless you are cooking or using the water at the sink. When I get time I am going to go to the Forest River site and see if they sell covers but I wondered if a cutting board would work there as well? What do you think?

[aberg]

LINDABURNETTE: I use one of my larger cutting boards on top of the stove if I need more space and it works fine. I have a split sink which has a cover for the smaller side. One gripe for me is that those collapsible dish racks won't work in my sink cause the faucet base is in the way. Sooo....I use another smaller cutting board, place a sheet of that no-skid "waffle" material on top, then a small rack and drain pan on top. Boy.....the stuff we have to get creative with!!