By Cheri Sicard
This little gadget is one of my most-used RV accessories. The Camco folding step stool folds flat to be neatly tucked away into almost any closet or cubby and instantly unfolds into a sturdy step stool.
When it’s time to put it away, just press in the hinged sides, which causes the hinged top to fold up. Couldn’t be easier.
It’s invaluable for reaching high and hard-to-reach places in and around your RV. It’s handy for hanging hammocks or stringing lights. It can provide an extra seat around the campfire or can be used as a small outdoor end table. I have even put it to creative use on a picnic potluck buffet table, covered with the tablecloth, to provide an elevated platform for the cake.
I first discovered a similar item last summer while perusing the aisles of a Grocery Outlet. Theirs were smaller and cheaply made, but they did have them in fun colors. The blue one perfectly matched my RV’s interior. With a price tag of only $6.99, how could I refuse?
I should have refused.
The bargain basement stool worked fine… for a while. However, I was darn lucky I happened to be standing on soft grass when it collapsed out from under me, sending me sprawling.
While I will admit to packing on a few pounds lately, I was nowhere near the alleged 300-pound limit.
Yes, it costs more, but the Camco model is far sturdier and looks like it could actually hold 300 pounds. Spend a little more on this one and it will serve you well for years.
(Tip: I have seen this Camco step stool on sale frequently at Amazon. If it is not on sale when you look, put it on your shopping list and wait, it likely will be before long.)
What I like about the Camco folding step stool
- Its ease of use. It effortlessly sets up and folds away in seconds.
- It is FAR more rugged and sturdy than the cheaper knockoffs I have seen. While I have not owned it long as of this writing, it does not seem like I will be in any danger of this one collapsing on me.
- It’s far more stable than the bargain brands because the surface area of the step is larger, and likewise the base is also larger. The Camco folding step stool measures 11.5” X 13” with a height of 9”.
- The well-thought-out design even features a non-slip surface on the step.
- It’s small enough to tuck away next to the toilet, the sofa, or a bed, and only weighs 3 lbs.
What could be improved?
There’s really nothing to improve with the functionality of this folding step stool.
Fun decorator colors like the cheaper models offer would be nice, if available, but of course, are not essential.
As of now, the only other color options Camco offers seem to be black and tan or black and yellow, and these are priced higher than the standard gray and black model.
As everything goes with basic black, it’s not an issue.
Check out the Camco folding step stool at Amazon.
##RVT1108
Makes cleaning the windshield much easier. Can reach even the center.
Great idea, Tom! Thank you! We have one of these stools and it never occurred to me to use it this way. Thanks again!
I had one like this for years. But then I found one that was a bit higher. Perfect for putting me high enough to see into my pickup’s side containers that are too high to see into without it. I think I’m shrinking with age . . .
I’m shrinking too Tommy. It’s age not cold water. I keep my folding stool in my toolbox where I can easily reach it but need it to see what’s in there and also my fifth wheel has a locking pin that I can’t reach without the stool. Couldn’t live without it.
Tommy, I was not prepared for the age shrinking and suddenly realized I couldn’t reach cabinets etc, as I once did. Dr.’s don’t measure anymore – I guess they know by looking at the mid-section where the height went. I’ve lost 3.5″! Yeah 3.5″, down from 5.9-1/2″! (The waist is up by 4″! I like the beer tho!)
Hi, D and J, and Tommy. I shrank from 6’2″ to 6′, due to age and gravity. My two 6’8″ sons make me feel even shorter than 6′.😮 Have a good evening/night. 😀 –Diane
Thank you, Cheri! Yes, this is a great product and we travel with one. Getting at least one is a great idea and getting two is even better. 🙂 😎
I put a couple of little carpet strips on mine. Works great for a stool while making outside repairs, changing a tire, etc. Also great for cleaning the windshield.
Love it ! Used mine today to reach and clean the side windows and mirrors on my class A.
While I have not used the Camco branded folding stool. I have used 2 other flat folding stools to reach into my tool box on my truck. One lasted about a year and then would not stay put together. The last one I bought, a little more expensive, lasted two months and collapsed while I was standing on it, sending my head against a utility trailer. Lots of blood, stars and hurt. The stool had a 300 lb capacity and I weigh in at 175. Not overloaded. I am now using a less convenient folding aluminum stool. Be careful out there!
I have two, one short and one a bit taller. Together they make a perfect seat and table for our granddaughter’s tea parties.
When folded, these step stools sprout a carry handle. The mattress on our bed overhangs its pedestal at the foot (pretty common in RVs). I attached a couple larger screw-in cup hooks to the pedestal frame under this overhang and hang the step stool from its handle. Out of the way, yet very handy when needed.
We have three of these. Two larger ones for drink holders between the lawn chairs when not needed for reach to clean windows or ceilings. A smaller one that my wife uses for in the shower to rest her foot when shaving her legs.
They’re handy as all get up but a word of caution – Lay a flat piece of plywood or shelf across the top before standing on them. The hinge in the middle can buckle from something as simple as a slight bounce while scrubbing the windshield and the trip to the ground can be painful. The wood spreads the weight and eliminates hinge buckling.
Thank you, Cheri! Yes, this IS a great addition to any RV because it has so many uses. Ours is also black and sits in a closet between uses. We have used it as the final step from, or first step into our RV in unlevel campsites. We use it inside to see or reach things, as well as outside for the same purpose, or as an extra seat. Thanks again for calling attention to an extremely useful “gadget!” Have a great day, safe travels, and safe stays! 🙂
I had a similar stool that was twice as tall that I really liked. Unfortunately it was damaged when it was backed over by a truck. I have never been able to find one like it.