Chinook RV

Both the wife and I would really benefit from some"grab handles" on our 98 concourse E-350 to get in/out driver/passenger doors. Has anyone come across a good aftermarket and how would they mount? Has anyone added them to their rig?? Can't believe Ford didn't have them factory installed in the first place.

Ah, thanks for the reminder! My wife wanted one for the passenger side, so a while back I bought a nice grey overhead handle off eBay, which I had planned to mount above the door.

When I started to peel Chinook/Ford stuff back to drill holes and install it, I realized that there was little purchase area and lots of holes.

So now I think that a spring loaded single pivot leather strap type will make more sense above the door on the inside.

Alternatively, I bet you could put one on the A pillar.

Which type and location were you leaning towards?

Kev

I'm not sure when they came in (at least by 2003 as my buddy's E-450 had them), but later Ford van/bodies had a grab handle on the A-pillar. I wouldn't be surprised if you could fit them to a 1997+ cab as well. I'll see if I can find a photo and post back.

Not to send you away, but this Ford truck forum thread has some info on it. Apparently the A-pillar handles did start in 2003, and they are not just plug and play in the 1997-2002s. But it sounds like they can and have been fitted with a bit of "where there's a will there's a way." Mainly it sounds like adding the riv nuts or whatever the fasteners go into in the A-pillar.

https://www.ford-trucks.com/forums/1406 ... ndles.html

Kev, I was thinkin at least on the passenger side on the A pillar. After reading blues reference on the Ford truck forum, I really don't think I want to tear into the interior of my Concourse that bad!! Maybe just the leather strap? Not sure how well the wife would like that but I would think it would be better than nothing. Thanks

I bought a pair from Camping World on my little detour through Portland while heading down to California last month.
They were around 6 bucks each and seem easy to install on the A pillar. I haven't done so yet, but will take photos when I do.

Hi...did you ever install the straps? Photos? thanks

Yep, I sure did, on both sides. I will get photos tomorrow and show you how they look. They seem very sturdy, but I wouldn't want a body builder pulling on those since they're not OEM.

Any photos of the strap handle project yet??