The single step on our 21BHS seems less than ideal.
Has anyone converted to a two-step model?
I'm thinking something like this might work...
https://www.americanrvcompany.com/assets/images/StrombergCarlson/SM-24-20.pdf
Any thoughts?
I brought this up in another thread. The problem is the distance from the floor to the top step. I searched the internet, but cant't find one that will allow a 7" +/_ drop .
Let me know if you are successful. Happy Trails...!
[p]I just noticed there is a manufacturers sticker on our 16db step , it says Flexco Products , Elkhart Indiana . And when I looked up there site I found our single step also they make a double step in the same size (20" )[/p][p]
[/p][p]Heres the link [a href="http://www.flexcoproducts.com/products/double-20-rv-step"]http://www.flexcoproducts.com/products/double-20-rv-step[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p][span] [/span]Len[/p]
I will give these guys a call on Monday as this seems to be a step made to solve this problem. It is less than $100.00, probably more with freight,but it eliminates the need for the step stool we occasionally use now. The aluminum step is out of site price wise and is also three steps not needed.
That may be the ticket.
Let me know what they say.
Thanks.
VERY interested in this option if it works... so is my 4'11" wife ;)
Posted using my powerful BlackBerry Z30 and probably from my 21BHS
Here's an >> [a href="http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_sb_noss?url=search-alias%3Daps&field-keywords=Double+20%22+RV+Step"]Amazon Link[/a] << to a search for "Double 20" RV Step". It shows several options and if you have Amazon Prime the shipping could be free.
eTrailer sells the Flexco for $89. Spend another $10 and get free shipping ($99)
https://www.etrailer.com/p-SMFP-2120.html
(http://www.flexcoproducts.com/uploads/products/FP-2120.png)
I did notice on their website that the width and bolt pattern dimensions are different between the single and double steps. It will be interesting to see what mounting mods we will have to do to make these steps work. Guess it's up to the first brave soul to order a set and install them. I am up for it but don't even have my camper yet. It will be a great mod for all us old timers with failing extremities if we can figure it out. Plus we have 2 Corgies with stubby legs. Had to help them in and out of our 16DB so the extra step would keep me from having to pick them up and throw them in the camper.
The problem with any step that I have looked at is the mounting. On the 21 RBS the step mounts SOOO far below the floor all double steps will have the same extra large first step down when leaving the trailer. It is a function of how LL mounts the step in the first place. The mount is short, distance from the frame to the out side of the trailer is short, and it sticks down below the outside edge of the trailer.
I would caution anyone to make good measurements prior to making a purchase.
[quote source="/post/11826/thread" timestamp="1433158503" author="@tincan"]The problem with any step that I have looked at is the mounting. On the 21 RBS the step mounts SOOO far below the floor all double steps will have the same extra large first step down when leaving the trailer. It is a function of how LL mounts the step in the first place. The mount is short, distance from the frame to the out side of the trailer is short, and it sticks down below the outside edge of the trailer.
I would caution anyone to make good measurements prior to making a purchase.[/quote][font size="3"]Tincan,
This is one of those rare instances when EEs and MEs can agree. I did tons of research, looking at all manufacturers I could find including all those around Elkhart, and came to the same conclusion. The first step is the problem. You would really need some way for the first step to rise upon deployment. We prefer the simple two step folding aluminum step ladder. It's always stable and doesn't impart any motion (bounce) to the trailer when my 200+ pounds hit that first step going down. Believe it or not that's what my wife complained about most. I'm the first to awake in the morning and the imparted motion of the trailer when I stepped outside woke her up. Who was it that could feel a single pea under a stack of mattresses?
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Wonder why the top step can't be padded up a couple inches?
[quote source="/post/11829/thread" timestamp="1433162550" author="@whoofit"]Wonder why the top step can't be padded up a couple inches?[/quote][font size="3"]It could, but then you'd have to pad the lower step or it gets too big. Another limit is how that padding folds into the stowed position. And at some point you have to apply to Klugetronics for their approval ;) Not a simple problem, but we welcome all ideas.
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[p] Alright, all ideas, how about this one? With all the knee replacements going around, why not ask the Doc to build-in the padding on one knee. Then it would be a simple matter of approach with the leading foot?
You DID say all ideas... ;)[/p][p]
[/p][p]Seriously though, thanks.[/p]
[quote source="/post/11834/thread" timestamp="1433168137" author="@whoofit"][p] Alright, all ideas, how about this one? With all the knee replacements going around, why not ask the Doc to build-in the padding on one knee. Then it would be a simple matter of approach with the leading foot?
You DID say all ideas... ;)[/p][p]
[/p][p]Seriously though, thanks.[/p][/quote][font size="3"]Yes, you may be on to something. With my new knees I'm getting the GPS option and micromotors. All runs on a pair of Lithium AAs. Maybe with a little programming I could just levitate into the camper. I don't need no stinkin' steps..........[/font]
[quote timestamp="1433169343" author="@charliem" source="/post/11837/thread"][quote source="/post/11834/thread" author="@whoofit" timestamp="1433168137"][p] Alright, all ideas, how about this one? With all the knee replacements going around, why not ask the Doc to build-in the padding on one knee. Then it would be a simple matter of approach with the leading foot?
You DID say all ideas... ;)[/p][p]
[/p][p]Seriously though, thanks.[/p][/quote][font size="3"]Yes, you may be on to something. With my new knees I'm getting the GPS option and micromotors. All runs on a pair of Lithium AAs. Maybe with a little programming I could just levitate into the camper. I don't need no stinkin' steps..........[/font]
[/quote]You forgot Whoofit, I'm from the WV area. One leg is already shorter then the other to aid in that ridge runnun.......
OK I did talk with the Flexco folks (supplier to LL) about steps.
1. The single step they use for LL is not compatible with two step series they make.
2. The single step is simply attached with lag screws into the frame.
3. The double or triple step assemblies they make reguire a different mounting system where the bolt must go all the way through the floor for support. There is much more stress on the frame with additional steps.
I am going with a sturdy aluminum stool for 50-60$; No significant modification to be made!
Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/11837/thread" timestamp="1433169343Quote from: @whoofit" timestamp="1433168137" source="/post/11834/thread[p] Alright, all ideas, how about this one? With all the knee replacements going around, why not ask the Doc to build-in the padding on one knee. Then it would be a simple matter of approach with the leading foot?
You DID say all ideas... ;)[/p][p]
[/p][p]Seriously though, thanks.[/p]
[font size="3"]Yes, you may be on to something. With my new knees I'm getting the GPS option and micromotors. All runs on a pair of Lithium AAs. Maybe with a little programming I could just levitate into the camper. I don't need no stinkin' steps..........[/font]
Lee Majors had better watch out! Charliem is the new, improved Bionic Knee Man!
This is our current solution http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/large-step-stool/69516 only 15 buckos , not fancy but it works . It also looks like they have the standard step mounted low so the framework of the step clears the trailer frame without modifications... looks like if the step sides were notched out at the top back a spacer could be added to the welded brackets to raise the step by as much as 2" .
[quote source="/post/11829/thread" timestamp="1433162550" author="@whoofit"]Wonder why the top step can't be padded up a couple inches?[/quote]That is what I did, I just added a 2X6 board to this step (raises it 1-3/4") seems to make all the difference.
Believe it or not, this is one primary reason we went with a toyhauler. After caring for three aged parents whose final years did not allow them to walk without great personal assistance, walkers, motorized wheelchairs, etc., we figured that with a hauler, we just let the back end down and zoom on up. That's how we plan to roll IF we must. While we're nowhere close to this point in our lives, we have determined they'll have to catch us...we shan't go quietly to the nursing home. ;)
Seriously, now that our parents are a great more than just two steps ahead of us, and free from the painful constraints of this ol' world, we are more intentional about strengthening our bodies focusing on biking and activities that specifically build up our lower limbs. Stair climbing is a good one.....just say'n.
Ok so in reading this thread it appears that using the existing aluminium L bracket that's welded to the floor would cause a 2 step system to hang too far down making that first step a dousey. What are the thoughts on cutting the bottom part of the L bracket allowing a set of steps to slide either inside or outside of the remaining part of the bracket. Then the steps could be secured to the trailer on the side instead of on the top of the step /bottom of the L bracket.
Would this not give us the ability to adjust the right step up and down, front and back for that just right fit? I haven't taken any measurements so this is all hypothetical, but in theory this makes sense in my "limited capacity" head ;)
So I've done some measurements and the width between the aluminium L brackets is 23 15/16 if the lower part of the aluminium is cut off and the steps(replacement) width is 22 1/8 leaving a gap of 1 13/16. That in itself it workable and I could make fit. The problem as I see it is the edge of the trailer to the frame. The frame is 9 13/16 in from the edge of the trailer. The replacement step I'm looking at is 12"deep making the steps extend out past the trailer while folded in by 3 3/16". It might be possible to cut out part of the back of the step to make it fit, but you'd have to be prepared to spend the money on a step you might be throwing away and then pay someone to fix the aluminium you just cut off to test fit it.
The other option is to just bolt the steps to the lower part of the L bracket. that will give you a first step of 4 13/16 + 2 15/16 + 4.5" = 11 19/20" drop for a first step which is pretty big.
In short, I think the only way to make a 2 step system fit would be to A) but off the lower part of the L bracket, B) cut a 3.5" notch out of the back of the step to allow the step to slide in past the frame removing the overhang.
this was measured on my 21 BHS, I guess the question is who's game to try ? ;)
Too much ME for me. I'm a disk array jockey (SAN Architect)
[font size="3"]In case you missed it, here's a link to a previous thread discussing step replacement.
[a href="http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/786/step-replacement"]http://livinlite-owners.com/thread/786/step-replacement[/a]
My conclusion, and my wife's, is a small two step ladder or small stool is an easier solution than replacing the attached step. Easily stowed just inside the camper door or carried in the TV. Another benefit is that the stool is firmly on the ground and does not impart motion to the camper when someone enters or leaves.[/font][font size="3"] It would wake her up in the[/font][font size="3"] mornings when my 200+ pounds hit that first 11" drop on the way out.[/font][font size="3"] The problem only gets worse when steps are added further from the camper body (2 or 3 step unit).
[attachment id="933" thumbnail="1"]
And the step ladder is handy around the campsite when you forget and roll the awning pull strap all the way up into the awning wrap. :'(
[/font]
Quote from: @charliem" source="/post/11953/thread" timestamp="1433449391[font size="3"]In case you missed it, here's a link to a previous thread discussing step replacement.
[a href="http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/786/step-replacement"]http://livinlite.proboards.com/thread/786/step-replacement[/a]
My conclusion, and my wife's, is a small two step ladder or small stool is an easier solution than replacing the attached step. Easily stowed just inside the camper door or carried in the TV. Another benefit is that the stool is firmly on the ground and does not impart motion to the camper when someone enters or leaves.[/font][font size="3"] It would wake her up in the[/font][font size="3"] mornings when my 200+ pounds hit that first 11" drop on the way out.[/font][font size="3"] The problem only gets worse when steps are added further from the camper body (2 or 3 step unit).
[url href="http://s284.photobucket.com/user/flcharliem/media/Camplite%20Uploads/Step8_zpsjrtff5xl.jpg.html"]
[img src="http://i284.photobucket.com/albums/ll4/flcharliem/Camplite%20Uploads/Step8_zpsjrtff5xl.jpg"][/url]
And the step ladder is handy around the campsite when you forget and roll the awning pull strap all the way up into the awning wrap. :'(
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Ya we're using a foot stool ATM as well. It may be due to the cheap foot stool or the uneven ground, but we're not fans of it. With that said however, we might need to get used to it since a replacement is seeming to be a little work.
Ah well, maybe one day we'll grow a pair and I'll try something and share with everyone :).
Posted using my powerful BlackBerry Z30 and probably from my 21BHS
OK my preliminary drawing is done. I have 2 pieces of 1/4" aluminum diamond to work with 1 for trial and error and 1 for finished product.
[a href="http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zpsxpmtzya1.jpg.html"]
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/th_image.jpg1_zpsxpmtzya1.jpg)
[font size="3"]Ammobob,
No nit picking here. As they say about 10,000 lawyers at the bottom of the sea, "It's a damn good start."
What happens when you set up on ground that does not exactly match the height of the two steps? Would a piano hinge at the rear of the lower step give you some adaptability? At some point you will have to jack up the lower step with Lego blocks.
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Not sure but hoping that the gussets welded in gives the support that you don't need anything. If you are that high the ground would act as first step.
[font size="3"]Roger that. I was really thinking of when the ground was too close to let you fully deploy the steps. Obviously you always not use the add on steps, but you'd lose the top step advantage you get with your solution.
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Ok finally got the main part bent and fitted up to the step. Still need to weld on the gussets to support the bottom step.
ran into 1 problem with my design. The channel I planned to install at the mid to back point of the top step (to keep the back edge of the attached top step from folding back down, interferes with installation. I need to figure out another attachment method but not sure where I will go from here.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zpsnckg137i.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zpsv5ousli0.jpg)Will post some additional photos once I make sure my 235 lbs will work on it.
[font size="3"]Looks really nice, Bob. I hope you're making level III production drawings with 0.001" dimensions and bending radii for the rest of us. O_o
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Quote from: @charliem" timestamp="1438135956" source="/post/13774/thread[font size="3"]Looks really nice, Bob. I hope you're making level III production drawings with 0.001" dimensions and bending radii for the rest of us. O_o
[/font]
Don't hold you breath. You saw the best of my drawing earlier. I did work out the bend radius for 1/4 plate aluminum but my guys came back and told me that we only had 10 gauge aluminum diamond plate. Told them to hold my hard dimensions and let the bottom leg be whatever it came out to be. Let's see if the thing even works ???
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zps3xpdjwrp.jpg)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zps5mjgn0j1.jpg)
Parts are welded on now so I'll do the 235 lbs test this evening when I get home and let you know how it went.
Still need to work out how I am going to keep the back edge supported so the top step doesn't tip towards the camper. Have another channel so will try sliding it in and see if it stays in place if not wing nuts and bolts.
Looking good! Above my pay grade to complete.
OK finished this past weekend and it works fine even under my 235 lbs. I do wish I had built it out of slightly thicker aluminum like 3/16" or 1/4" diamond plate as it flexes slightly for me. You will see that I put our step stool flat under the front side just because I could. It helps with me. works great for wife who had a TKR on one side and plate and screws in other knee. Granddaughter thinks it's great for her to get in and out and our Corgies can now get in and out without me having to lift them.
resolved the back bracing issue with a couple of holes and wing nuts. A little extra work to set-up (a couple of minutes) but secure. Our next camping trip is to an unlevel site (been there before) so will have a chance to test it in the field.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zps14hqtr0o.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zps14hqtr0o.jpg.html)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg3_zpsybqhvehk.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg3_zpsybqhvehk.jpg.html)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zps8eyw7ljv.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zps8eyw7ljv.jpg.html)
That really looks great!
Has anyone modified or replaced the steps on 21 BHS so that the first step out of the camper is around 7-8 inch drop? I was looking at Torklift aluminum 3 step as it might fit? http://www.torklift.com/index.php/products/steps-handrails/glowstep
My other thought is to cut off the Bottom short leg of L bracket, then bolt in new bracket to move a set of steps closer to the floor, reducing the first step drop. Then install a 3 step fold away step.
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg3_zpsdy0y0opq.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg3_zpsdy0y0opq.jpg.html)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zps1ewbzrhr.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg2_zps1ewbzrhr.jpg.html)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zps3mjxncod.jpg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image.jpg1_zps3mjxncod.jpg.html)
OK the step works fine. This is the most unlevel site we have had and with the addition of the adjustable step we already owned it is working great. 3 easy steps into the camper. Still a little give with my 235 but wife, granddaughter and dogs have no problem with the steps. Easier for me if I stay on the outer edge so they is less flex from my weight. If this thing was 3/16" or 1/4" diamond plate it would be perfect.
You guys are amazing. I'm all thumbs.....
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image_zpsoy1k6p3x.jpeg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image_zpsoy1k6p3x.jpeg.html)
(http://i304.photobucket.com/albums/nn197/bvabob1/Our%20New%20Camper/image_zpsfmawwkd3.jpeg) (http://s304.photobucket.com/user/bvabob1/media/Our%20New%20Camper/image_zpsfmawwkd3.jpeg.html)
Made my final modification. Now I have 5" of adjustability to the ground and no flexing at all under my 240 lbs.
Nice work, Ammobob!
Very classy. If it's slippery for the dogs, a couple strips of 3M anti slip tape would help?
[quote source="/post/16107/thread" author="@sandroad" timestamp="1445154784"]Very classy. If it's slippery for the dogs, a couple strips of 3M anti slip tape would help? [/quote]Agree. They don't care for it right now so will take your advice and add some.
And note that my first thought was for the dogs, not the people. (rofl)