By Gail Marsh
A fellow camper recently fell and broke her arm. It happened on her RV entry steps at night. She simply tripped over the bottom step and the next thing you know, she’s on her way to the local ER. The incident got me thinking about tips for safe RV entry steps.
Stair types
RV entry steps come in various configurations. There are three main types:
• Platform step. This is basically a small step stool that gives you a step up into your RV. Some platform steps feature fold-away legs for ease of storage.
• Foldable or scissor steps. This kind of RV step is housed underneath the entry door. You pull them out for use, and tuck them away when you’re on the road. Some foldable steps are manual, while others are electric.
• Pull-down solid steps. This stair type locks into the door frame of your camper. When you open the entry door, you unlock the pull-down steps. With a gentle pull, the steps extend out of the camper to the ground. Some pull-down steps can be adjusted to allow for uneven terrain.
Best entry steps?
Everyone has their own preference for RV entry steps. Our first RV featured foldable steps. I liked how easy they were to manipulate, but didn’t really feel secure because of the “bounce” when my foot hit the treads.
Our current RV has the pull-down, solid step configuration. I love how sturdy these steps feel underfoot, but I’ve learned to thoroughly sweep the treads before placing the step system back into the door frame for travel. If I forget to sweep, sand, leaves, and debris drop off the steps right onto the floor!
No matter what type of step system your RV has, you may be able to make them safer—for you, your family, and pets. Many of the tips I’ll share cost very little, especially compared to what an ER visit may set you back.
Make steps non-slip
• Step covers. Rain, sand, dew, and even leaves can make entry steps slippery. Combat the “slip” by covering your metal steps with a traction-friendly material, like carpet or non-slip rubber. Wraparound coverings attach via tension springs or zip ties. Partial-tread coverings feature an adhesive backing and easily attach to the steps. (Follow directions for prepping the tread surface.) When purchasing tread covers, measure carefully, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Traction strips. This non-slip step application covers a smaller portion of the tread, but still provides great traction. Traction strips have an adhesive backing for easy application, or you can purchase traction tape that you cut to fit the size of your tread. Try this roll of traction tape.
• Broom. Low tech, for sure, but sweeping your steps can also prevent falls. A well-placed acorn can cause you to slip even if you’ve added step covers. Hint: My husband can “sweep” our steps in under 7 seconds with his leaf blower. Noisy, but fast! (Oh, the things you can do with leaf blowers…)
Make steps sturdy
• DIY. We used blocks of wood to better stabilize the foldable steps on our former RV. We simply stacked layers of wood under the bottom step. The wood helped firm up the feel of the stairs when stepping on them.
• Manufactured stair stabilizers. There are products on the market that are much handier and provide greater flexibility than our stacks of wood. For example, Camco’s adjustable step brace.
• Replace steps. If you’ve tried the step stabilizers and still feel uneasy using your entry steps, you may want to see what it takes to replace your step system altogether. Ask your local RV dealer for suggestions or research your options online.
Easily make steps more visible
• Pool noodles. Yes, yet another use for pool noodles! (For some step configurations, anyway.) Much like RVers put pool noodles on slide-out corners to prevent head-knocks, you can cut a section of a pool noodle the depth of the stair tread. Make a slit in the noodle and place it on the sides of your entry steps where you’ll be sure to see them as you work and play outside.
• Glow-in-the-dark tape. Apply this tape to the sides and top of your steps so you’ll see them in the dark.
• Step lights. MORryde makes LED stair lights that are motion-activated. I like that the steps are very well lit, while not having to have the RV porch light on all the time. (Your neighbors will also thank you.)
• Solar lights. You can stake solar lights along the perimeter of your outdoor mat. The lights will help safely guide you to your steps.
Add railing
RVs usually feature a grab bar, positioned at the top of the steps. It’s great, but just getting to the top can be challenging for some folks. Here’s a way to fix that.
• Add a stair rail. Entry assist handrails can be a game-changer. There are different configurations available from reputable manufacturers. Search Google for RV handrails and you’ll likely find one that fits your steps. Hint: I’ve seen people apply that same glow-in-the-dark tape mentioned above to the handrail for added visibility and safety.
How do you make your RV entry steps safer? Please share your ideas in the comments below.
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There is a formula which dictates the height and width of the steps tread. Most RV steps I’ve seen don’t make them according to standards that make them safe. I’ve seen many RV’s that the height of the 1st step is too high. I’m surprised there has been lawsuits from people getting hurt on RV steps. I’ve slipped a couple times on the Jayco Jayflight steps I had. Luckily I didn’t get hurt.
Yes, most at least in my opinion, RV steps are too steep with too much vertical distance between steps. Not practical if you move a lot, however on our seasonally stationary RV, I gave up on RV steps and installed an external staircase with residential standard rise and pitch. I also screwed outdoor carpet to the stair treads for better foot grip and to protect the dog’s feet from heat.
When we were full timing…I bought one of those steps you mention…I think it was a different brand. If one is parked for a long time in one spot it sure busting your SKOL when exiting the airborne door.
Thank you for this…it looks like an excellent idea, and not just for the RV.
The pull down steps are nice, but one problem we would have is while it’s on the storage lot.
There’s less than 3 feet between trailers. Barely enough room to pull them down. The trailer next to us has them. Luckily, his rear door has the foldable steps.
I changed my drawbridge style pull down steps because of all the problems with leveling the legs and the fact that they took 3 feet of space to move them down. I am now using TorkLift steps which are easy, quick and stable. They come with glow in the dark on them and have an available extended rail. I have found them to be the best option over all other style of steps.
I have a two step Kwikee electric step on my Class A. I installed 12v blue lites under each tread with a switch at the inside lower step side wall. They are small LED bulbs encased in a hard plastic. I found them at WalMart. When on, they provide a soft blue glow liting the step tread and not your eyes. Kwikee also has an amber lite under the entry floor at the motor mount. Also, the outside blue step lites are switched with the inside amber strip lites which lite the inside steps – so I won’t forget to turn the step lites off when retiring. I also have small white lites mounted to the inside entry step side wall with the switch mounted on the instrument panel.
We bought a scissor jack to put under the steps. I use my Makita drill to raise and lower it. It stabilizes the steps very well and there is no movement.
We have a few different things to help with making our steps safe-much became crucial when having to have shoulder surgery after we went full time. Found skid-proof mats at dollar tree that we put on each step, and we attached with springs. These dry fast and can be swept off easily. Then our door handle foam tore, and I found a zippered neoprene and nylon cover that is AWESOME which gives you a safe and sturdy grip. Next I found a great rv step stabilizer that attaches to our bottom step (we have the steps that fold under our door) and what a difference it makes for overall stability!! For our senior dog it’s helped a lot too. But definitely a life saver for me.
Thank you for the many suggestions and discussions, Gail! Have a great day and safe travels!
Our lift up steps were impossible to sweep because of the raised ridges running the width of each riser. My handy hubby used a grinder on them at one end to make a smooth 2″ wide area to sweep the dirt off. We also carry a board to put under the feet for a more stable landing pad.