You may already keep removable suction-cup grab bars in your RV shower for safety.
Did you know that these handy bars can be used in other helpful ways as you RV? Take a look and see for yourself.
Why they work
Suction grab bars are so practical for RVers. They’re portable and no-drill, so you can move them to where you actually need help. They don’t leave holes in RV walls or fiberglass surrounds, and they are easily stored in a cupboard when not in use. Their repositionability lets you experiment with placement, which is a big win in tight RV layouts.
But first…
Before we get to the unusual uses for portable grab bars, here’s a quick safety note: Removable suction grab bars should be treated as stabilizers, not guaranteed full-weight anchors—no matter what the manufacturer claims. Keep this in mind as you consider using grab bars for any reason.
Skylight hanger
Attach the bar to your RV’s shower skylight. Then put a clothes hanger on the bar, and hang swimsuits, delicates, or wet socks to dry. This keeps damp gear out of living areas and lets the shower stall handle the drying.
Shave footrest
The portable grab bar makes a great leg-shaving prop in your shower. Just mount the bar low on the shower surround so it sits at a comfortable height for resting a foot. That gives you a steady prop for shaving lower legs. Because suction bars can lose adhesion on wet or textured surfaces, always press and test the bar before shifting your full weight, and re-seat or re-stick it if you sense any movement.
Bed boost
If your RV bed is high or has tight side access, a suction grab bar placed on the nearby wall becomes a discreet assistance for pulling yourself into bed. Treat it as an aid for balance and leverage rather than a primary support. Test the placement and suction every time you use it.
Under-hitch drying rack
If the underside of your fifth wheel’s hitch plate has a smooth surface, you can temporarily stick a suction bar there. Tie wet hiking shoes or boots to the bar to dry. That way, dirt and mud stay out of the RV. (Don’t forget to remove the bar before traveling.)
Knee helper
When you’re working on your RV, especially underneath or in lower areas, a grab bar can help! Attach a grab bar to a nearby smooth panel and use it as a handhold for lowering yourself and getting back up. For people with creaky knees, that extra “handhold” can prevent awkward falls or the need to plant your hands in the dirt. Always check adhesion and remember not to rely on it for full-body bearing maneuvers.
Do you use removable grab bars while RVing? Tell me how you use them in the comments below. Thanks!
Here are the grab bars we have used and recommend.
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RVDT2865
I use grab bars to lift off the section of floor in the back of our Tiffin Phaeton to access the engine compartment.
Thanks Gail – the idea of using these to aid is getting up and down – especially outside, i.e., checking tire pressure and anything requiring close to or on the ground is a problem as we get older. I will buy a couple of these for that if no other use!
Just be careful. Make sure the surface is clean and give them a yank before you put a lot of weight on them.