Easier access through the sliding door

[Martinw]

My wife and I are both retired and not getting any younger. We have a little step stool that helps with climbing into our van through the sliding door, but have had the occasional slip when getting in and out. Before one of us does a bit of serious damage to ourselves we feel we need to fit some kind of grab handle in the side door area to make access safer. Been looking on here but haven't seen any options mentioned that might suit our needs. Has anyone here succeeded in attaching a secure and usable handle? Any useful details would be appreciated, thanks.

 

[Kind of Blue]

A suspended strap might be another method of controlling exit and acces.

 

[T6Ollie]

Something like this perhaps? VOLKSWAGEN TRANSPORTER T5 + T6 - B PILLAR GRAB HANDLE + BRACKET KIT - | Online Motor Store

 

[Kind of Blue]

When I alight off road in confined spaces on narrow tracks I often grab the seat belt, give it a tug to lock it and then drop-down to a slippery narrow space. Saves ending up face down or an awkward slip.

 

[JumpShip]

I looked at the handle Ollie suggested but would need to fit caravelle B post trims first

 

[Paynewright]

We occasionally take my wifes parents out who are in their 80s so needed to do the same.

I looked at the shuttle / caravelle handles but with the van style trim left exposed metalwork right next to SWMBOs head which I was concerned about should we have an accident. I know some have carpet covered them to make look neat / take off the raw edges.

I ended up using some webbing and fuel hose and attaching to the two captive M6 fixings for the OEM metal bracket.

I folded over the end of the webbing, punched holes through both layers and heat sealed to stop fraying. I’d recommend bolts and big washers to trap the webbing.

Its been in use several years and been fine. It will take my 14st pulling on it!!

 

[Skyliner33]

What about buying a strap (the same as the one on the tailgate) and fastening that to the B pillar?

 

[Paynewright]

Just to add, the fuel hose makes the handle stick out so easier to grab.

Function 10/10
Aesthetics 5/10
Safety 11/10

 

[roadtripper]

We have the B pillar handles from factory in the Caravelle and I wouldn't be without them as we often do trips with both our respective parents.

I'm sure there was a thread where someone had fitted them with some DIY trim (though possibly I'm thinking of the A pillar ones) they're in the right place and rock solid

 

[Martinw]

Thank you everyone, plenty of food for thought here.

 

[Martinw]

Wife found a pair of flexible handles designed to fit on the headrest prongs, fitted one and it works ok.


Still had one left so I investigated the tin of stuff in the garage that will come in useful one day, and found two plastic inserts that are a perfect fit in the handles eyelets. Screwed this handle over the top of the doorway.


All works great.

 

[roadtripper]

Those look pretty neat...

 

[Rob The Daddy]

I’ve just ordered a pair of these to put on either side of the head rest for my elderly in-laws to climb in. Gym handles.

 

[JumpShip]

I’ve just ordered a pair of these to put on either side of the head rest for my elderly in-laws to climb in. Gym handles.

View attachment 307239

I like them Rob how much ?
Wonder if I could set up a cable cross over in the van ?

 

[Rob The Daddy]

I like them Rob how much ?
Wonder if I could set up a cable cross over in the van ?

Literally searched "gym handle replacements" on amazon, and there are a wide selection.

 

[Paynewright]

SWMBO could do with a couple of handles like that :-0

 

[Rob The Daddy]

Something like this!

 

[Rob The Daddy]

On a road trip this weekend with the In-Laws; let you know of their feedback.