Shower safety grab bar

[JR Gibson]

We recently purchased a 2021 Transcend Xplor 200MK. We would like to install a safety grab bar in the shower. What is the best way to locate mounting points on the rear shower wall for securing the bar?
Thanks.

[TucsonJim]

Hi JR Gibson. Welcome to the tech forum.

Normally, I'd be able to pull up the drawing and advise where the studs are located. However, the 200MK is a new floorplan, and GDRV has not released the drawings to the forum, moderators yet. My suggestion is that you contact GDRV customer service at 574-825-9679 and request the rear wall and DS sidewall drawings in order to determine the location of the studs.

Jim

[Cate&Rob]

JR Gibson
Welcome to our owners technical forum.

The Transcend structure is wood framing with batt insulation in the exterior walls. As such, a residential " stud finder" should be able to locate the wall studs. (They will not be on standard 16" centers as in residential construction.) If you contact Grand Design Customer Service with your VIN, they will be able to send you a drawing of the shower area . . . although, production does not always come out exactly as shown on the drawing, so verify with the stud finder if you can.

Rob

[SBARLAG]

Not always, but most of the time, you'll also be able to see where the brad nails were puttied. When in doubt, knock on the wall to find a solid backing just like at home.

[TucsonJim]

I'm not so sure you can use a stud finder or the "tap" method because the shower stall. And I'm not familiar with trying to use a stud finder or the condensation method on the metal exterior of a Transcend.

Jim

[Yoda]

@JR Gibson @Cate&Rob @TucsonJim
Stud finder should work if you press on the plastic shower wall to be sure it is in contact with a stud. However there is another issue. Most ADA grab bar - or ones that can handle you weight in a fall needs at least a flat 3.5 "by 3/4" deep surface to bolt too (2x4 turned sideways and secured to a vertical stud). The studs at most are 1.5 inches wide if that.

Did you talk to the dealer about this before purchase? If not talk to them as I am going to say the best way to install a real grab bar to support you weight in a fall is to pull the shower assembly (fairly easy to do if you know how they are put together) and put in the proper blocking and reinstall. You dealer might be able to do it or talk to a mobile RV repair person. I would hate for the bar to become an added hazard when it pulls loose on you.

Hope this helps
Keith