2 Easy and Cheap Upgrades to Make Your RV Enjoyable

While finishing the last install on a 2007 Nash trailer for a customer and a 2022 Sandpiper 5th, I figured I'd sure a few very easy upgrades worth considering on any towable RV. While they are not necessarily fun and productive, they can literally save your life or at least prevent a miserable camping trip for everyone using the RV. I am first installing a Lend A Hand swing away handle for an entry door and then a Step Above bolt on stair handle for solid fold down entry steps for Morryde. I also give a quick and poor walk thru on the 2022 Sandpiper at the end...forgive me it was very hot!!
This is not a sponsered or sales video, just something I thought I could put together for newer RVers or even seasoned one's like me that didn't even know about the bolt on handle/railing.
These items were purchased by my customers and me for normal work!
Thanks for watching!!
lend a hand: amzn.to/3Q4v2Y8
morryde railing: amzn.to/3Q8IXfQ
Special Thanks to:
Arizona RV Corral
www.rvaz.com/
3350 E. MAIN ST. - MESA, AZ 85213
[phone]

[@NackDSP]

One of the most common causes of injury to people over 65 is a fall when going down stairs. This is great stuff!

[@2hotscottpro]

Maybe the 12 pack in my case lol😂

[@tomwalker3553]

You never what you don’t know until you do

[@cwshumate914]

Having grown up in travel trailers with those old handles I completely agree with that first upgrade.

[@jaybee848]

The only problem with the flip up steps is dirt and/or water is dumped into the RV if you don't sweep or dry them before stowage.

[@ricqbq]

Yea the Hovsco link takes us here, but this should be a Lend-A-Hand sponsored vid 😎

[@hillbillyrv]

I didn't realize that the MORryde steps were designed for this hand rail. MORryde and Lippert are separate companies...for now. I love that

[@debbiejessup3784]

I put the handle on my trailer. What a difference!!

[@neobaggins3718]

Hovsco linked me here, but I’ve already watched all your videos. I’ll definitely say, when I’m able to buy an RV in the coming years, I’ll do whatever it takes to make it convenient for you to do my inspection! As for an e-bike, I’ve mown trails all through my fields and it would be a fun place to ride.

[@tboat4015]

I did both upgrades same day I picked up 5th wheel. Perfect assist for wife.

[@clahmarenterprises1623]

Absolutely love your videos on upgrades and showing us normal people how to do them.

[@DavidHBurkart]

Thanks James!! This was a helpful video and enjoyable tour. Nice layout!!

[@justmakingit7491]

Hopefully you caught it when you installed the handle on the trailer it split the silicone around the door

[@roadtriplover.]

The folding entry door handles are also great, because it holds the screen door closed and pets inside your RV when you want the fresh air inside. From inside, I reach through the slider on the screen door and turn the handle to keep the screen door closed, even if my cat/dog leans on it. I also have the Lippert pet guard screen for my screen door.

[@AZExpert]

Great tip!

[@wornoutwrench8128]

My 2006 Arctic Fox 22GQ came with the Lend A Hand from the factory. We didn't use it that much to start off with but now it is definitely a bonus to have. My wife has some mobility issues, not even sure if she could get down the stairs with out it now. Love what you do James, I have learned so much from you. Thanks.

[@octaviofuentes7781]

I honestly enjoy watching your videos god bless you my man stay hydrated

[@AZExpert]

I appreciate that

[@paulshannon4576]

When I added the handle to my old fifth wheel I wanted to make sure it didn’t pull out with my mom using it so I just through bolted it. I used the nuts you use on furniture and drive to spikes in and cut the screws flush inside and had some matching trim tape to cover on the inside. The handle would break before it pulled off. As a side note it’s easier for me to go in and out facing the fifth wheel. That way I can use the asset handle and the door frame.

[@johnjamieson5691]

Thru-bolting, just like on a boat, makes sense if you trip and put 100+ pounds of loading on the fixture. Except, I would add backing plates, then bolts onto the plates. This is how you distribute loads on boat fittings. Might seem excessive, but something to consider.

[@flexjay87]

This would be a good upgrade for old people like me !

[@ron7447]

Pretty slick install. On my list. Appreciate it.

[@johnwren3976]

Having whacked RV steps once or twice 🙄 I can appreciate the fold up steps. 👍

[@RamblinRoadies]

You've responded to a couple of my email queries, and I appreciate it very much. You were very helpful.

[@jerrybell6786]

Best RV fixer ever!!

[@mileage_master]

Hi James, check the siding seal between the door frame and the top of the flipout handle. It looks like the action of tightening the handle may have broken the seal.

[@AZExpert]

You'll notice I put a large bead of sealant where the handle bracket meets the frame to fill in the void

[@stevegordon5243]

Thanks for the great video! My wife and I have trouble using the measly little handle like the first rv had on our Class C motorhome. There's one step that is taller than the others and it makes it difficult to get in and out without using the vinyl strap Winnebago installed on the inside of the door frame. I went to amazon and ordered the Lend A Hand handle and can't wait to install it! It should help us immensely!

[@AZExpert]

Glad it was helpful!

[@saltyd2137]

I love my" lend a hand handle". A friend recommended it to me, and I thought they were crazy. But it was the best upgrade ever.

[@1Hollytamaleholly1]

I think the rubber grip, is where it is designed to grab onto, so above the door handle is best. Think about walking out the door and gripping in oone location and you walk down, or reaching up and pulling up ;)

[@major_west]

The folding version is really practical for RVs. We lock our folding bike in the trunk of the towed vehicle where it is safe and easily retrieved.

[@Tom-In-Ga]

Not crazy about the handle but love the steps.

[@Technocrat.]

Great Video. Another Fine Job by AZ Expert. Someone needs to sponsor you with a head band GoPro, so you can free up your other hand

[@clahmarenterprises1623]

Your videos on upgrades are amazing!

[@gebertg]

Love those handles

[@Technocrat.]

Another Fine Job by AZ Expert Great video.

[@aliceleon2000]

added steps to my trailer best thing I've ever done

[@philw7174]

Terrific, glad you have these upgrades to make people happy. Always enjoy your videos James, thank you. Happy trails!

[@thinkford]

You do a video so good like this now we want more tips!

[@LayloNewt]

Great info Thanks James keep them coming.

[@brianbiggs3484]

Thanks James !!! 👍👍🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️👍

[@benoitfontaine899]

Great video as usual!👍

[@1955Peewee]

I love your videos, very informative

[@user-hw2mj1vy4d]

Love your videos

[@lindaherring9034]

We really enjoy your videos!!!

[@WildeGreg]

Another great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@terryphillips8823]

Great Videos!

[@rsg1963]

Good stuff. They also make a flip out hand rail like the first one you installed, that is extended out/down further. That's what we did instead of the added MorRyde rail. Either way, thumbs-up.

[@GCW1955]

Thank You for this video.

[@phillipcustance1618]

Another great one. Thank you for sharing all of the info. 🍻✌

[@vegasprepping1022]

Great video. Thanks

[@seemecook44]

Great video

[@kathyboshart7695]

Great tips and great install video. Thanks, as always for your videos!

[@dukesworld3020]

Great GAW, We have been trying to save up enough to get a couple of Electric bikes!!!

[@MrTubeman123456]

You always have good helpful interesting videos thanks

[@vanbrendle]

Great informative videos on your channel.

[@txpawpaw52travels]

Your so informative on your videos.

[@kellysimmons9108]

Love watching your show

[@patrickmecham9592]

Thanks for the info!

[@Yukonjackman1]

Love the stairs, we added fake grass to ours secure with bungee cords , little windy in Arizona deserts

[@airmailman1971]

Thanks for the video but I must take exception with one thing. My motorhome would be the best motorhome but only if you lived near me. haha Love your videos.

[@markhope4993]

Very informative video

[@Yvonne_and_her_RV_Adventures]

Love this ❤

[@k1rto]

Hello James. Thanks for sharing your knowledge

[@MaryWehmeier]

James interesting addition. But we have them! What else? I’d love the e-bike!

[@orvjudd1383]

Great video!

[@AZExpert]

Glad you enjoyed it

[@Yukonjackman1]

That step came with my T.T back in 2019 from hartland its getting heavier as I get older lol

[@cheneybros]

yeah, I emailed you several weeks ago...but you are a busy body...eventually when I get on the road with my van I may swing by your place to see if you can squeeze me into your schedule to repair my awning. Cheers James!

[@robertmcdowell2030]

Do they make a safety Handle for motor home,like they do for a towable motor home? 45’ motor home safety rail.

[@kenjohnson3412]

Very helpful.

[@CapeCodCNC]

Very cool!

[@badgerpa9]

Nice tips. Stromberg Carlson use to make just about everything. I worked on a variety of there electronic equipment. Marking with a pen can be very hard some days, I have struggled with that also. Hope your summer is going well and you get time at the fortress and in your Beaver. Stay safe and healthy. Nice to see you inching in on 70K subs.

[@clarencewiles963]

Nice, I can use the steps and handle on my trailer thanks.

[@timf6916]

Good job

[@livingmybestlife60]

You go a great job

[@gregjohnson3]

Our RV has the stepabove stairs and the nice foldable handle. Love them. I’ve had the older setups, and I have to say our current setup is much safer.

[@phillipcustance1618]

Happy to see your subscribers growing. Hopefully you hit 100,000 by years end. You really help us with these. Thanks for the great info....🍻✌

[@AZExpert]

Wow, thank you!

[@jeffsteele1295]

Thanks so much James ! Seems as I get older the extra help is needed.

[@AZExpert]

Happy to help

[@dieterlange7581]

Learned a lot from you thank you👍

[@AZExpert]

Glad to hear it!

[@TinyHouseHomestead]

Come up with a hundred ideas, ... one of them can make you a MILLIONAIRE! 😱😁😝🤪🤣👍👍🇺🇲

[@kentkurt9065]

Just did the moryde steps the best upgrade I made . Can't wait till the rear steps show up.

[@donaldhoudek2889]

Thank you

[@chrisk164]

Love the Rv Review..quick but nailed all the essentials..love to see Again from time to time..nice unit but I rather have the bathroom past the bedroom..they are always bigger

[@YallAintRight]

Thank you!

[@AZExpert]

You're welcome!

[@paullatourelle6238]

Thanks

[@L3Dhelpguide]

You may have done it off camera, but the new handle broke the sealant between the door and siding.....creating a leak path....

[@mikem1959]

Good info

[@shanec.7105]

As always- educational. Thanks. What would you do if you can't find a replacement entry door latch lock set for a Class A RV?

[@toddincabo]

👍 Thanks

[@Tony_in_AZ]

Yeah , we have the 4 step Morryde ver 1.0 steps.. My wife has an artificial knee and steps 1 step at a time to enter - exit at her age.. Better Handles are very useful. thanks

[@dragonbird01]

Why did they put the vent in the middle of the floor? A lot of people don't wear shoes indoors and stepping on that wouldn't be nice. Keep up the good work, I know it takes a lot of extra work making the videos while you work.

[@leighannedearingsilva6112]

Hey James! Love your videos!! Question, though. I noticed you sealing screws with 100% silicone. On so many RV pages, You Tube sites, etc… most people talk about silicone like it’s the devil! Are there places you shouldn’t use silicone, and like the screw holes, are there other places where you could/should use silicone? Thank you!!!!

[@tubbybrandon]

Amen

[@AZExpert]

silicone is incredibly common on RVs sidewall moldings, windows, and exterior lighting etc. It's not good on membrane roofs or roofs in general.

[@leighannedearingsilva6112]

@@AZExpert That’s great to know! Thank you!!!

[@garygoudeau8346]

BUD! Your videos are the best. I really don't like the butyl putty tape. It seems like there should be a better option for sealing roof vents and skylights. The famous Georgia rv roof guy says what he does to seal roof vents but he doesn't give away his secrets as to what product he uses. I'm guessing maybe a liquid butyl in a cartridge tube. I appreciate that you show us everything you do and give us information on the products you use. Your videos have helped me immensely on rebuilding my rv roof. Many Thanks.

[@2hotscottpro]

Looks good .How would I know if I have room for a 4th step? My last camper only had 2 steps.I miss her.

[@ChiodoDragon2]

HovSco HovSco HovSco I Love Lamp

[@ernieb3626]

great recomendations . Do you have any for one that has the electric steps? they are so small and flimsy on our motorhome. I would love to install larger steps even if I got rid of the electric. or maybe go over? Thanks as always great video

[@TimothyMichaels]

Nice upgrades. Is it worth mounting window air conditioner since ones from manufacturer aren't very efficient? Mine are 13,500 btu penguin, by dometic.

[@solvend]

Saw someone online worried someone could lock them in their rig from the outside with that lend a hand

[@AZExpert]

nah, they can still be pushed open with some pressure

[@ajautoanddiesel8576]

Like to have something like that for my motorhome’s Have a two step electric and it seems very flimsy not safe. I will be on the hunt.

[@cherylcase252]

Awesome suggestions. Quick question, I had a vent cover installed over my bathroom fan at an RV dealer, but when I got home, I got on the roof to check it out and I notice the screws heads were not sealed. Should they be? And if so, should I use self leveling material or eternabond tape? Thanks so much

[@saskgirl44]

My 2011 coachman Catalina came with the lend a hand handle, but it’s really loose now, how would one go about fixing that? Great videos you put out sir! I enjoy all of them ☺️

[@glennhurley3026]

My Jayco was loose after a year, it only had 3 screws in it LOL

[@saskgirl44]

@@glennhurley3026 yikes!

[@MrPenguinLife]

I am not sure what I am doing here, but I am commenting to enter the e-bike give away contest, I also commented on the video in the link from the give away, but that seems to be a different video than the contest entry page. Congrats ok 70K subs

[@23Diesel]

How does the MORryde handrail effect the gas strut on the steps? Should I upgrade the strut?

[@mphyle]

How about a complete 180 from AZ camping.... Best Minnesota winter camping camper?

[@mphyle]

Or how to make one capable of?

[@waseylyons4433]

in your opinion, what manufacture has the least amount of problems? specifically : water leaks, a/c problems, trim falling off, water heaters, electrical problems.