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I’d like to issue a complaint. It’s about the “improved” RV entry steps. Our newer fifth wheel RV features a Lippert Solid Step system – entry steps that rest inside the RV’s door when in motion. I’ll admit that the steps seem a bit more stable than the ones we’ve experienced before. But in my opinion the “cons” of the improved system outweigh the “pros.”
Here are some of my “gripes” about these RV steps
- These steps are heavy! My back pays a price every time I bend over to put the steps in or lift the heavy steps to extend them to the ground.
- Yes, the steps are adjustable. But it takes both my hubby and me together to simultaneously hold the step assembly off the ground and move the side pins to adjust. (Again, my back pays a price.)
- Every time we pack up, the steps come in and promptly drop dirt, leaves, and whatever else onto the galley floor. Even when I sweep the steps off ahead of time, the gunk on the bottom feet of the rails comes off inside the rig.
- If our steps are not perfectly level, our front door won’t close properly or open correctly either. Where the steps are affixed to the doorway catches the bottom of the door. Every. Single. Time.
- Once we’re parked at our RV storage place, the length of the RV step assembly makes it impossible for us to re-enter the RV. There just isn’t enough room between the bottom of the steps and the rig that’s stored next to us. If we try to extend the steps, they’ll hit the side of the next rig. Our only choice is to hitch up the fiver again. Then we pull out far enough to allow room for the steps to extend, get whatever we need from the RV, and reverse the procedure. Not what you want to do when everyone’s exhausted from an extended drive.
There is some good news about the RV steps. If you share my gripes, you can replace your solid entry steps with the old-fashioned kind seen here.
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##RVT!004
We researched all types of more stable steps for our fifth wheel….ended up purchasing Glow Step Revolution….love them and they fit in the space original steps did.
Ok, I have the Airstream with the wobble steps. Do you have those massive steps because your trailer is so far above the ground ? Seems to me that Chuck could build wooden steps and toss the overweight steel steps.
The older I get the more I love these solid steps. Hated the bounce in the old style. A little more effort, sure, but worth it to me.
The step problem when in storage could be prevented by opening the step before backing all the way in and attaching a short cord that would hold it off the ground while backing in, then let it down when stopped.
I saw those steps first on a Grand Design rally back in 2019. I played with them and found them, like you, to be heavy. Not even 5 minutes into playing with these steps that I got my finger stuck on a hinge as I tried to either open or close them. That was it! I was done, my mind was done too! Not for me!!!
We were lucky enough to buy our 2020 Jayco Jay Feather travel trailer just before the model was scheduled for production. We were not keen on the idea, but these folding steps were standard equipment. At our request our dealer promptly spoke to Jayco and they agreed to install “regular” steps instead, plus upgrade the el-cheapo bathroom fan to a fantastic fan. The real shocker…at no extra cost from Jayco or the dealer. These new steps are obviously loved by a large number of people, but to us, they seem as clean and practical as slideouts brought back in the RV after any lenght of time in the rain, wind, etc…
I share your feelings about those steps. Frankly, I’m surprised I don’t hear about it more often.
I had a choice when we purchased our 2019 Sundance and I’m so happy we got the old style instead of the solid steps as we camp a lot in areas where you would have to relevel the steps at each campsite. Also when we stop for gas or at a rest area it is easy to open the door and just pull the steps out half way to hop in the trailer to get a cold soft drink.
One of the best and must have accessories.
Installed solid steps in our previous camper and have to 2 sets on our existing camper. Wouldn’t be without them. The stairs on our present camper are OEM and have the assist feature which makes them effortless. Much safer than the old original equipment.
We have the solid steps on our Montana and the only con in the article I totally agree with is the inability to access the interior when our unit is in the storage yard. We have that problem, too. Our steps have a gas strut and can be lifted or deployed with one finger. While there can be a problem with bringing dirt and moisture inside when closing them, as others have said this can be mostly prevented with a quick shake and maybe a quick brushing or wipe down. We really like the solid rigidity of the one piece steps.
Our Lance travel trailer has TorkLife Revolution aluminum scissor steps that fold under and have feet. They are solid and adjustable. Game changer!
I agree – Torklift Glowstep Revolution steps are the best. They stay outside the coach/trailer, and can be adjusted to more uneven ground than the solid steps. Have had them on our last two trailers, and the wife loves them, and I love them. Much more accommodating than the solid steps on my sister’s 5th-wheel. Torklift Glowstep Revolution, folks. You won’t be sorry, if you get one more tread than you think you need.
In the Marines we had a saying, a bitchn’ Marine is a happy Marine. That may apply here.
You forgot
The need to deploy the steps to get into the unit. Today if I just need to retrieve something from our trailer real quick I just climb in with the steps stowed.
I don’t think you’ll climb over these steps as I believe he’s describing the steps that attach to the bottom of the door opening and swing down in place when you open the door. When closed they swing up and are blocking the doorway.
Agree with Bob. Although you probably “can” climb in, it’ll take quite an effort to do so. And really unsafe and if Gail and hubby have as much difficulty with the steps, they certainly will not be climbing over any time soon, lol.
We changed the spring board OEM stairs in our Montana to the Solid Step and have never looked back. A small broom and a little shake cleans all dirt off of the steps. The hyd assist makes these steps much easier to open and close. They may add a little (different) work to use but it is not a big deal. It is what you like, but we are happy with them. I do not miss the finger pincher steps.
When we were looking for a new 5’er a few months ago, we looked at these type of steps that folded into the RV and decided against it primarily due to bringing dirt and drips into our home on the road. The steps we settled on were the standard type that are on the outside and simply fold down…. except, this one had folding legs on the bottom step that make contact with the ground and provide a more stable system. Glad we made that choice!
The lift assist takes care of the weight issue and also helps with adjusting the legs since it holds the steps approximately horizontal when left to it’s own desires. I keep a dust brush on a hook just inside the door. It’s easy to brush off the steps before closing them all the way.
I wondered that myself… the stairs I’ve seen would be deadly if allowed to just fall. I assumed there was some pneumatic retarder on these like the gas piston I screwed into my tailgate so it CANT slam down.
Moved our TT on a rainy day to a new location. There is nothing more irritating that trying to get out of the rain when you have to level the steps, no the door still hits, level a second time. Now to short and springy to use. Now I am soaked and I haven’t even gotten out of the rain. Since the TT was designed for the new steps there is no bracing to install the old style. Along with all the reasons listed plus the problems with wet steps and adjusting them in the rain I am considering taking my camper to a metal fabrication shop to be able to go retro.
We did a lot of shopping for our rebuild on our 5ver and needed new steps and after researching all the options online, including these new steps, decided to purchase a Little Giant three step heavy duty step ladder. It is easy to open, light weight, has wide/deep steps for safety, and can be used anywhere for when we need a step ladder for the trailer. I made some brackets that allow me to slide a locking rod to hold the ladder in place. It only cost me $105 for the ladder and it also has a collapsible top bar and tool holder for when used as a step ladder. It works really great!
These are the many reasons we replaced our original steps with Torklift steps. They go in the same spot the original steps do. We went from three steps to four. And they are very stable.