Stromberg Carlson Locking Lend-A-Hand Rail Dimensions & Parts Guide

Stromberg Carlson's locking Lend-A-Hand rails provide a fold-away, lockable handhold beside an RV or trailer entrance. The four stainless-steel AC-series models have different shapes and reach, even though they use the same locking mounting-block system. Compare their manufacturer dimensions with the position of your steps and the available wall structure before choosing a rail.

Compare reach and overall height

Horizontal reach is measured outward from the mounting wall, and overall height follows the outline shown in Stromberg's drawings. The four models share approximately 23½ inches between upper and lower wall-mount positions, but the extended rails reach farther down and outward. The factory sketches illustrate typical stair rises and runs; they do not establish a universal fit for every RV entrance.

Matching locking rail photographs and products

AC-300L — Compact locking rail

Compact locking rail with a 15½-inch reach from the RV wall and 23½-inch top-to-bottom span. Manufacturer supplies a foam grip on this model.

View AC-300L handrail

AC-530L — Extended locking rail

Extended rail reaching 25½ inches outward with 39 inches of overall height. Same mounting-block spacing family as the compact AC-300L.

View AC-530L handrail

AC-544L — Tall angled locking rail

Tall angled profile reaching 36½ inches from the wall, with 45 inches of overall height. Compare the pictured angle and lower return with your stairs.

View AC-544L handrail

AC-500L — Long-reach locking rail

Long horizontal reach of 45½ inches and 36-inch overall height, shown by the manufacturer beside a 7-inch-rise, 11-inch-run stair example.

View AC-500L handrail

Locking blocks, keys and backing plates

Each rail uses cast-aluminum locking mounting blocks and a one-inch round stainless-steel tube. Once installed, the rail swings in either direction and locks in the open or stored position. Stromberg specifies Bauer key number 357 for the original lock assembly. Compare the number on the installed lock before seeking a replacement key.

Stromberg identifies AM-030L as the optional backing-plate kit for the AC locking-rail range. If a suitable wall stud is not present at the mounting holes, through-bolting with approved backing plates may be required. A backing plate is not a replacement for a structurally sound RV wall.

Manufacturer mounting hardware

The factory carton includes one assembled rail, two keys, six #14 × 3-inch mounting screws and two #8-32 × ⅜-inch mounting-cover screws. The brackets have an additional hole for stability; the manufacturer specifies structural backing where required. The installation instructions also call for leaving ⅛-inch clearance around the mounting-block cover and drilling ⅛-inch pilot holes at approved stud locations.

Before fitting the handrail

Stromberg rates this rail family to support up to 200 lb only when properly attached to structural backing. Identify framing or suitable reinforced mounting material before drilling, and confirm that the open rail will clear the door, steps and any adjacent storage doors. Inspect the locking action and fasteners after installation. Do not rely on the rail if the wall is damaged or the locks do not engage.

For a matching replacement stair assembly, see the Stromberg Carlson SMFP step dimension guide. Browse RV entry steps and accessories for other entrance components.