RVers are always in search of ways to make travel easier and more fun! I recently noticed a Facebook post that got me thinking about the unused area on our all-in-one entry steps.
Read on to discover what I’m talking about and how one idea sparked several more.
Unused space
Danny Leavitt posted the inspirational tip on Facebook. He pointed out the often unused, metal outer sides of MORryde StepAbove solid entry steps. Here’s what Danny posted:
“I bought a couple of small magnets with hooks, and I put them on the outside of the steps to hang a whisk broom… When we pack up, I [remove them] so they don’t catch the doors in travel mode… They’re easily located when we set up.”
What a great solution! I dreaded storing the steps on moving days. As the stairs lifted into our RV, all the dirt, dust, sand, leaves, and grime fell off the steps and right onto the inside entryway. What a mess!
With Danny’s idea, I use the whisk broom to quickly sweep the steps. Then I put the broom and these magnet hooks inside the doorway, and voila! We’re not greeted with a pile of debris when we arrive at a new campground and set up.
More tips
As I looked at the Facebook photo that accompanied Danny’s tip, I noticed that the outer sides of the stair configuration allowed magnetic space for additional items. Here are additional tips for either side of the entry stairs, along with the containers you’ll need.
Sunscreen and bug spray
Use a magnetic holder like this one to hold sunscreen. It’s handy for a quick reapplication should you decide to go for a hike. Bug spray is also a great item to store in this container.
Using a mesh container means stored items will be handily available when you or your travel buddies need them. Rain runs right through the mesh, plus you won’t need to open the RV door as often!
Pet/people wipes
You can also use the container referenced above to hold pet paw wipes or antibacterial wipes. After a walk, use them to clean your pup’s paws before entering the RV.
Antibacterial wipes can also be stored here. They work well in removing beach sand and other grime from people’s feet and hands.
Mesh bag
Speaking of the beach, if you put the kids’ beach toys into a mesh bag and then hang the bag on a magnetic hook, you’re less likely to forget them!
This would work for anything you don’t want to forget, too, not just beach toys or accessories.
There’s more?
A whisk broom is the quick-win item, but that step-side storage spot becomes far more useful if you think in “arrival/disembark” tasks. Choose items that are lightweight, weather-tolerant, and used frequently when stepping in or out.
Suggestions
Not all magnets are created equal. When ordering, look for weather-resistant, rubber- or plastic-coated magnets made for outdoor use. Rubber-coated options will cushion the contact point and add lateral friction, so your broom or small container is less likely to slide.
Keep everything light. Check the magnet’s rated pull and only hang items well within that rating.
Before each travel day, remove the magnet-mounted gear and store it inside the step cavity (or a dedicated compartment) for safety.
When installing, make sure the magnet surface and the step metal are clean. Place the magnet on a flat, clean portion of the step frame. Avoid edges, gaps, or textured trim where a magnet may come loose.
Test your chosen magnets and containers to confirm that nothing slips or chafes the step paint.
Keep surfaces and magnet faces clean. Rotate or remove magnets periodically to avoid long-term UV or moisture effects.
Here are a bunch of outdoor-use, heavy-duty magnetic hooks to choose from.
Done right, the exterior-step storage idea turns an overlooked space into the perfect arrival-and-departure staging area.
Can you add to this list of suggestions?
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RVDT2760
Wireless indoor/outdoor thermometer- I hang the outdoor transmitter inside the rear bumper mounted spare tire rim with a strong magnet. I have a white tire cover. Directions advise good air flow, but not to place in direct rain or direct sun. Best place I could find. And most of the time within a degree of actual temperature.
Since the subject of steps is going, the rise of our Moride steps is 10 inches, which is very difficult for my wife. I built some riser blocks with pressure treated wood and made them about 4 inches tall, and they are placed on the right side of the stairs. They have end pieces that drop down to keep them from sliding off.
The only comment I can think of about those stairs, we are not likely to forget to raise them before hitting the road.
As with the old ones..I forgot one time in my ’66 Alladin..It only took one time…(;+)…..