It's always something!! The retractable step on our 21 RBS doesn't make sense. There is a 25 1/2" drop from the door bottom to the ground. The step is mounted at 11" down from the door bottom ( normal max. riser height is 8" ) leaving over 14" from the ground to the first step!!! My attempt to "fix" this was to fabricate an adjustable first step using leveling blocks ( see another thread ). This isn't cutting it. The step up to the door is unsafe. I have started a search for a two step replacement. CL uses Flexco Products ( made in USA!! ), which are " notched" to work with the aluminum flanges. The two step set ups I am seeing don't look like they would work. The step wants to be mounted almost flush with the existing brackets ( at 8" down from the door bottom ). The fold down wants to be 8" below that step. Three rises of 8" each. Safe, easy to negotiate and meets building codes!!! Where in the world am I going to find a workable replacement?? Amy has moved this upgrade ahead of all others....
HELP!
We went to an RV show last weekend and saw a huge variety of steps. I picked up a general RV parts catalog at the show and see that there are 6 pages of steps! If you want to Internet search some possibilities for fit, here are some manufacturers:
KwiKee
Lippert
Stromberg-Carlson
Elkhart Tool and Die
Hickory Springs
Prest-o-fit
Safety Step
[font size="3"]I found the OEM steps similarly lacking. The single step is too far below the trailer floor and never at the right height above the ground. I did considerable research looking for a two step assembly, but never found a solution. The problem is finding one that can be mounted without major frame modification and one that would have a top step closer to the floor level. The combined height of the main frame and flooring members is a disadvantage in this case. So we use a portable two step aluminum stool, though many use cheaper plastic models. The advantage of the aluminum model is it folds for storage and is very sturdy and rugged. The disadvantage is cost. If you're interested I can look for links.
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Thanks. I'll look at those sites. Did you see any new CampLites at the show? Any new " must haves"???
Thanks Charliem.....Yes I guess I'd consider a separate unit. If the top step could be mounted to the existing brackets at that level, it is 8" up to the floor. I wonder if a two step unit ( about $100 +/_ ) could be modified at its flange....cut down and bent to be drilled for attachment to the existing mounting brackets ?? I may be dreaming here, but I would consider modifying one if it would fold up after I'm done. I'm on a mission here, and I don't give up easily. I WON'T build steps out of wood, though!!! I can't believe this isn't a bigger issue with CL. I bet the people buying these units aren't as limber as they used to be, and 14" and then 11" is a BIG step to deal with.
[font size="3"]Gleamb,
Good luck on your mission. I looked at literally dozens of step sets and never found on that could be modified to work. Width and step set mounting could be accommodated, but I never could overcome the distance below the floor at which the assembly had to be mounted. The requirements of first step open height and providing space into which the steps must stow are conflicting. If you find a solution I'd be glad to hear it, but for now I've become accustomed to the portable two step stool solution. Works every time. Let me know what you come up with........
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I am also very interested in this. Mrs. Pin is not a tall lady, and she has trouble with the steps. We bought an aluminum folding step, but it's something extra to bring along, etc. And the dogs, of course, just see it as something to jump over to the already high floor.
Money solves, everything, I guess. It'd be cool if a 2-step, electric retracting unit could be made to work.
The most attractive unit I see is the Hickory Springs 952242RC Double Radius Camper Step on Amazon and other sites. Second was Stromberg-Carlson SMFP-2100 Flexco. If the steps mounted on the SIDES of the existing aluminum supports, instead of bolting UNDER them, the unit could be raised 2" and the top step would be closer to the floor. Would it close?? I can't seem to get shop drawings for the steps. I might call factory when I get home. I respect what you say about the problems associated with this fix. Wish we could ask CL for help.
This one is worth solving because many of us would like a lower rise to the steps. One more thing to consider is adequate ground clearance when stowed. For now, we are likely to go with the folding portable step idea.
There were no Camplites at the show we attended. We went to get ideas for mods and for tables. I'm pleased to say this forum is a much better source of ideas for mods than an RV show. The stuff there was all very glitzy, but conventional and uninspiring. The crap they put on the RV tires at the show made them so shiny I could have used them for a shaving mirror.
gleamb: check my PM to you about a table.
The CL FACTORY ! That's brilliant !
You guys, you guys ! Here's what we do...
Next time some newbie rolls by saying "hey, we're long time tent campers and are collecting our nickels and our nerves thinking about a travel trailer, and whadya say about these here Camplites..." you know the posts...here's what we do...
We tell them the steps are gawdawful, and the only way to get it right it to custom order a powered electric 2-step. Tinkering Technie or maybe Fast Eddie can photoshop something blurry, and plausible, and claim they had this done on theirs...then when the rube...I mean, the Valuable New Forum Member...picks up their trailer, we can ask them to post the specs and drawing of what the factory invented for them.
Then we all get those. Easy peasey, lemon squeezey.
I went to a Camping World store and purchased an aluminum stepping stool. Works great. I have arthritis and there is no way I could make it into the Camplite without it.
Camping World had several different stepping stools for sale. It might be worth a trip to a store to see them in person.
[quote timestamp="1423365717" source="/post/6606/thread" author="@pinstriper"]The CL FACTORY ! That's brilliant !
You guys, you guys ! Here's what we do...
Next time some newbie rolls by saying "hey, we're long time tent campers and are collecting our nickels and our nerves thinking about a travel trailer, and whadya say about these here Camplites..." you know the posts...here's what we do...
We tell them the steps are gawdawful, and the only way to get it right it to custom order a powered electric 2-step. Tinkering Technie or maybe Fast Eddie can photoshop something blurry, and plausible, and claim they had this done on theirs...then when the rube...I mean, the Valuable New Forum Member...picks up their trailer, we can ask them to post the specs and drawing of what the factory invented for them.
Then we all get those. Easy peasey, lemon squeezey.
[/quote]You're a funny man!
[quote source="/post/6604/thread" timestamp="1423364261" author="@gleamb"]The most attractive unit I see is the Hickory Springs 952242RC Double Radius Camper Step on Amazon and other sites. Second was Stromberg-Carlson SMFP-2100 Flexco. If the steps mounted on the SIDES of the existing aluminum supports, instead of bolting UNDER them, the unit could be raised 2" and the top step would be closer to the floor. Would it close?? I can't seem to get shop drawings for the steps. I might call factory when I get home. I respect what you say about the problems associated with this fix. Wish we could ask CL for help.[/quote][font size="3"]Take a look at the Lippert web site [a href="http://lci1.com/products-visual/"]http://lci1.com/products-visual/[/a]. They make a bunch of RV products. Scroll down the Body[/font] [font size="3"]column for several lines of steps. Don't know if there's something there, but maybe.
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[font size="3"]Thanks to Farmboy for the find.
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[quote source="/post/6604/thread" timestamp="1423364261" author="@gleamb"]If the steps mounted on the SIDES of the existing aluminum supports, instead of bolting UNDER them, the unit could be raised 2" and the top step would be closer to the floor.
[/quote][font size="3"]I looked at that approach and it might work with 24" steps. You would have to remove the lower horizontal portion of the existing aluminum brackes to clear the steps if they are mounted inside the brackets. If the steps mount outside the brackets you would still want to remove the lower surfaces for toe safety. Could be done. Good luck.
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Charliem, the more I think about it, the more certain I am that if we can install a two step unit on the OUTSIDE of the aluminum angle and not bolt it UNDER those angles, it just might work. I'd like to know the exact inside measurement of the top step at the bracket to be certain I could clear 24 1/2", outside to outside of existing angle brackets. Think I 'll take a chance, when we get home.
[font size="3"]I'll cheer you on. But if I understand your thinking it seems that the floor to top step distance will still be too much. I always found that first step on exit to be the big one. I've got bad knees (replacing both starting month end >:D) so stepping down is harder than climbing up. I didn't think you'd get that big sink in either so go for it :)......................
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Sorry to hear about charliem's knees, or maybe it will be a great improvement... i will be thinking about you as I am a fellow knee sufferer. No surgery for me for now.
[quote source="/post/6628/thread" timestamp="1423448432" author="@leslie"]Sorry to hear about charliem's knees, or maybe it will be a great improvement... i will be thinking about you as I am a fellow knee sufferer. No surgery for me for now.[/quote][font size="3"]Thanks for the thought, Leslie. As you will find out: Getting old gets old. Camp on!
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I requested info from a vendor about the width of the steps mounting "uprights". If they are wide enough to mount to the OUTSIDE of the aluminum angle iron, then I would cut the top off as much as I could without effecting the closing mechanism, drill holes through the sides of the step and bolt through the vertical part of the aluminum flange. Cutting off the unused part of the aluminum angle might be difficult. I just hate the idea of "wasting $120+/_ But, we shall see.......
Too lazy to get under the trailer and check, but how are the aluminum brackets attached to the frame ? If they are bolted, can you just flip/reverse them so that right angle flange is on the outside and out of the way ?
WELDED!
[quote source="/post/6632/thread" timestamp="1423496498" author="@gleamb"]I requested info from a vendor about the width of the steps mounting "uprights". If they are wide enough to mount to the OUTSIDE of the aluminum angle iron, then I would cut the top off as much as I could without effecting the closing mechanism, drill holes through the sides of the step and bolt through the vertical part of the aluminum flange. Cutting off the unused part of the aluminum angle might be difficult. I just hate the idea of "wasting $120+/_ But, we shall see.......[/quote][font size="3"]Sounds like a plan. I thought about a similar approach. If the width is only slightly wider than the outsides of the angles you can shim with washers or flat stock. Didn't look at cutting down the step side plates, but that might work. Try to compute the resulting step intervals if you can before spending $$$. Truthfully I've gotten very used to the separate stool and it has the advantage that it is solidly on the ground, doesn't shake the trailer when exiting (wakes wife), and can compensate for varying ground height caused by uneven ground or leveling blocks.
I've gotten zero results to online or emailed info requests. Sometimes you can get info if you can get to a real person via phone, particularly if the mfg is in USA. [/font]
[quote source="/post/6634/thread" timestamp="1423497845" author="@gleamb"]WELDED![/quote]Dagnabit.
I think that if I need to deal with a total new step width of 24", I WILL try and cut the horizontal leg off the aluminum angle and install the steps to the INSIDE of the remaining vertical pieces with bolts going through the sides of the mounting bracket. I think this will work. Please send me info about the free standing steps you are using. I need to consider ALL of my options. Thanks
[a href="http://www.amazon.com/Xtend-Climb-WT3-Professional-Handrail/dp/B000EUCOUK/ref=sr_1_11_m?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1423520035&sr=1-11"]http://www.amazon.com/Xtend-Climb-WT3-Professional-Handrail/dp/B000EUCOUK/ref=sr_1_11_m?s=hi&ie=UTF8&qid=1423520035&sr=1-11[/a]
[font size="3"]The link takes you to the three step version, but select the two step option. It has the advantage that the handle folds down out of the way, but is still available if you want it. It is sturdy! I just fold it up and toss it in the PU or inside on the floor. [/font]
[attachment id="973" thumbnail="1"]
[p][a href="http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/aluminum-folding-step/38293"]http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/aluminum-folding-step/38293[/a][/p][p]
[/p][p]The legs fold under to make it just a 4" step, or you can fold them out and it's like 8 or 9".[/p][p]
[/p][p]What is really nice is that it is both wider and deeper than the stair, so it is very stable.[/p][p]
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http://www.campingworld.com/shopping/item/2-height-platform-step/35639
We use this Stromberg Carlson step. Very sturdy, just a little heavy.
Wow, so many good ideas here, too many to choose the best one.
I just had a thought, why are we settling for steps for steps? We're Mericans, we need elevators!
Ya, go ahead and put a teleporter pod in, if you want. Just try running it while boondocking !
Bum knees here as well. Right TKR done in 2005. I refuse to do the left knee (Long story) Also my fat French Bulldog cant jump in so I have to give her a lift. Lots of good ideas.....
would something like this be adaptable?
http://www.odmrv.net/AsDouble%20Step.php
I was thinking about this topic and found this thread. It seems to have ended with no solid resolution.
[font size="3"]Good thought, but it's got a few problems. First is the $600- price. Second is, without detailed drawings it's hard to figure how to mount it. The CL interface is difficult. Third is stability. My first reaction to the pictures was "what keeps this thing up?" In fact the website offers stabilizer bars to eliminate sway. Caution: Not for use after two brews ;)
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I have seen free-standing stairs with a railing to hold on to, advertised in a past issue of Trailer Life. The unit folds up for storage. I told my husband that is what I want to get if my arthritis gets worse. He is telling me if I get any more stuff to travel with, we will need to travel with 2 vehicles to hold everything, one to tow and one for stuff!
Yes, Charlie, it is not the most stable, but has a very proven track record. Been on countless air stream trailers for decades.
Leslie, lol, I know your husbands feelings, I have to watch what we take, or I might end up packing the chainsaw and she the kitchen sink.
I may design something once my trailer is int he drive way and I can take measurements and play with mounting and geometry for a step.
Not necessarily my first mod, curtain for the bed area was the Wife's first mod.
. Here ya go.......
(http://www.sunrisedecks.com/images/gallery/sunrise_68.jpg"%20style=")
Is that a Camplite??
And just how DO you pack that step setup??
:P
I think it's a fifth wheel. They need much higher stairs than our trailers.
Well it sure looks portable...
I believe its portable. Not next to a CL. They have smaller models.
[p]Here's my low tech version of the extra step. It only cost a few bucks to build and it's portable. It's covered with an el cheapo doormat from Wally World. It's attached w/ SS screws and screw cup washers, also used little dabs of hot melt glue around the edges. I used pocket hole joinery for the box body and SS screws on the top plate. You could nail the box together but I would also use construction adhesive, just to make sure. Oh, and that thing on top of the step that looks like a sad attempt at a model airplane is my first prototype for an emergency slide out stop. It's made from scrap left over from the box. After putting it in place and looking at it for awhile I decided to modify it as I think it could vibrate out of position during transport. I'm going to add a lip to hook over the aluminum angle. I'll post after I've finished with it.[/p][p]
[/p][p][attachment id="803" thumbnail="1"][attachment id="804" thumbnail="1"][attachment id="805" thumbnail="1"] [/p]
James, that is well built, very nice.
Emergency slide out stop??? Do these slides just come open going down the road? :o
LOL.
Back to the step, preliminary design complete. Once trailer is home next weekend I can work on design modification based on geometry and work on a wood prototype.
WE will see.
Updates???
[quote source="/post/10063/thread" timestamp="1430174684" author="@tincan"] James, that is well built, very nice.
Emergency slide out stop??? Do these slides just come open going down the road? :o
LOL.
Back to the step, preliminary design complete. Once trailer is home next weekend I can work on design modification based on geometry and work on a wood prototype.
WE will see.
[/quote]Forest river just had a recall on 2015 and 2016 5th wheels were the slides were "unintentionally sliding out during travel" :o Forest River..... (puke)
[p]
[/p][p]Refined, but still made with scrap, slide stop. Also, FLICKR test.[/p][p]
[/p][p]
(https://c1.staticflickr.com/9/8824/18205022615_a37d745271_b.jpg)
(https://flic.kr/p/tJHuYg)20150510_155445 (https://flic.kr/p/tJHuYg) by james M (https://www.flickr.com/photos/132834048@N05/), on Flickr [/p]
[quote source="/post/11654/thread" timestamp="1432845240" author="@james"][p]
[/p][p]Refined, but still made with scrap, slide stop. Also, FLICKR test.[/p][p]
[/p][p][a href="https://flic.kr/p/tJHuYg"]20150510_155445[/a] by [a href="https://www.flickr.com/photos/132834048@N05/"]james M[/a], on Flickr [/p][/quote]James, do you find this necessary on the slider models? Looks great.
[p]Whoofit,[/p][p]
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[/p][p]I guess it's a matter of opinion. I have never had to change a TT tire on the road, in all the years that I've been towing. However, I have always carried a bottle jack just for that very purpose. I tow with a pickup truck and have room in the bed to carry all kinds of stuff. If I had limited storage space I would probably have one of my cribbing boards cut to length, so it would do double duty. I also carry pre packed spare wheel bearings, a 12V air pump, and many other assorted tools in a locked box in the truck bed. I was thinking, perhaps I could hang a bunch of pots and pans off the sides of the truck and TT and have the DW walk barefoot behind the TT with several goats and a swayback milk cow, then we could pass for Gypsies. Laugh if you will, but this actually happened to me many years ago. I was on a two lane road, not in the U.S., stuck behind six Gypsy wagons, and they would not move off the road to let traffic pass. [/p]
Makes perfect sense to me, James. After reading in another thread about how to close the slider if it fails your device could come in real handy.
I did have a good laugh too. I suspect you would let your wife drive. Reminds me of how I used to load my pack, sounded like cow bells every step.