Let’s Dive into Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings
The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings offer a simple, yet potentially life-changing, upgrade for RVs, campers, and even homes. Manufactured by Stromberg Carlson, these railings promise enhanced safety and convenience, especially for individuals with mobility issues or those simply seeking a more secure grip when entering or exiting a vehicle or building. What immediately grabbed my attention was the “Soft Touch” design, a welcome departure from the often cold and slippery metal alternatives.
My aging father, a keen RV enthusiast, was starting to struggle with the steep steps of his beloved camper. He values his independence, but I was concerned about his safety and the risk of falls. After watching him nearly slip one too many times, I knew I needed to find a solution that wouldn’t make him feel like he was losing his autonomy. I wanted something sturdy, reliable, and, importantly, comfortable to grip.
Upon unboxing the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings, I was pleasantly surprised by the feel of the material. The injection-molded construction felt solid, and the “Soft Touch” surface had a slight give that was immediately reassuring. While lightweight, they didn’t feel cheap; the promise of rust-proof and color-stable materials seemed legitimate. These came with all the stainless-steel fasteners required, recessed for secure mounting.
Compared to a standard acrylic or metal assist rail, the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings stood out due to its tactile surface. Other options, while potentially cheaper, seemed less forgiving in wet or cold conditions. A similar product from Camco offered a slightly lower price point, but lacked the contoured grip and “Soft Touch” feature that I was specifically seeking. Ultimately, the promise of a more comfortable and secure grip outweighed the marginal cost savings of alternative products.
My first impression was overwhelmingly positive. I was excited to install them on my father’s RV and alleviate my safety concerns, and most importantly, to help him enjoy his home on wheels with increased security.
Real-World Testing: Putting Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings to the Test
First Use Experience
I installed the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings on the exterior steps of my father’s RV right before a planned camping trip to the Oregon Coast. This location would put them through a diverse range of conditions, including damp mornings, salty air, and potentially heavy rain. The steps of his RV were a challenge, especially in slippery conditions.
The difference was immediately noticeable. My father commented on the improved grip right away, appreciating the “Soft Touch” surface, especially when wet. He felt significantly more confident entering and exiting the RV, and I observed a marked improvement in his stability. There were no installation surprises – easy to follow steps were included.
Extended Use & Reliability
After several months of use, the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings have proven to be remarkably durable. Despite exposure to sun, rain, and the occasional accidental bump, they show no signs of fading, cracking, or rusting. I wash them down with a mild soap and water during regular RV maintenance, which seems to be all they need.
These railings have significantly outperformed the smooth, metal grab handles that came standard on the RV. Previously, I was always nervous watching my dad use those handles. The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings provide a far superior grip and have instilled confidence in both of us.
Breaking Down the Features of Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings
Specifications
- Dimensions: 18-5/8 in. tall x 1-1/4 in. diameter x 3-3/4 in. off the coach. The height provides ample gripping surface, while the diameter allows for a comfortable and secure hold.
- Material: Injection molded plastic with a “Soft Touch” surface. This promises durability, weather resistance, and a comfortable grip, even in extreme temperatures.
- Fasteners: Stainless steel, recessed. The stainless steel construction ensures rust resistance, critical for outdoor applications.
- Color: White, paintable rail ends. A neutral color that blends with most RVs, while the paintable ends offer customization options.
These specifications are important because they directly impact the safety, durability, and ease of use of the product. The dimensions provide a substantial gripping surface, the materials ensure longevity, and the fasteners guarantee secure installation.
Performance & Functionality
The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings excel at their primary function: providing a safe and secure grip for entering and exiting a vehicle or building. The “Soft Touch” surface offers a significant improvement over slippery metal or acrylic alternatives, especially in wet or cold conditions. It is easy to grab and provides a comfortable grip, even for users with limited hand strength.
The only minor improvement I could suggest would be to offer a longer version for installations where a greater reach is needed. However, for most standard RV steps, the current length is ideal. It has more than met my expectations, it’s a simple and effective safety solution.
Design & Ergonomics
The simple, contoured design of the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings is both functional and aesthetically pleasing. The injection-molded construction feels solid, and the “Soft Touch” surface provides a comfortable and secure grip. The white color is unobtrusive and blends well with most RV exteriors.
There’s no learning curve whatsoever. Anyone can immediately benefit from the added security and comfort provided by these railings.
Durability & Maintenance
The materials used in the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings are designed to withstand the rigors of outdoor use. The injection-molded plastic is UV-resistant, and the stainless-steel fasteners prevent rust and corrosion. With basic care, such as occasional washing with soap and water, these railings should last for many years.
Repair should only involve tightening bolts if needed, or patching holes if removal requires it. These are built to last, which will ensure more RV’ing years for my father!
Accessories and Customization Options
The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings are primarily a standalone product, and therefore don’t have associated accessories. However, the paintable rail ends offer a degree of customization, allowing users to match the railings to their RV’s color scheme. The stainless steel fasteners are universally sized.
The focus remains on delivering a reliable and easy-to-install safety solution, rather than extensive customization.
Pros and Cons of Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings
Pros
- Enhanced Grip: The “Soft Touch” surface provides a superior grip compared to metal or acrylic railings, especially in wet or cold conditions.
- Increased Safety: Offers a secure and stable handhold, reducing the risk of slips and falls.
- Durable Construction: Injection-molded plastic and stainless-steel fasteners ensure long-lasting performance.
- Easy Installation: Simple and straightforward installation process with included hardware.
- Aesthetically Pleasing: Clean and unobtrusive design that blends well with most RVs.
Cons
- The 18-5/8″ height might not be suitable for every application.
- Limited customization options beyond painting the rail ends.
Who Should Buy Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings?
The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings are perfect for:
- RV owners, especially those with older models that lack adequate grab handles.
- Individuals with mobility issues, such as seniors or those with disabilities.
- Anyone seeking to improve the safety and convenience of entering and exiting their RV or camper.
Those who should skip this product:
- Those who don’t need an assist rail, if existing railings are already great.
- Those looking for a complex or highly customizable railing system.
A must-have modification would include using rust-resistant sealant to the mounting holes to avoid water damage, this is especially true for those living in damp locations.
Conclusion on Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings
The Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings offer a simple yet highly effective solution for improving safety and convenience. The Manufacturer has focused on quality and safety, and has created a great assist rail. The “Soft Touch” surface provides a superior grip, while the durable construction ensures long-lasting performance.
At $27.99, the price is more than justified, given the enhanced safety and peace of mind it provides. It is well worth the price.
I wholeheartedly recommend the Stromberg Carlson Soft Touch Assist Railings to anyone looking to improve the safety and accessibility of their RV or camper. It’s a small investment that can make a big difference. Don’t wait until an accident happens – invest in your safety today!