There are a good many accessories in an RV and we often don't see problems until they stare us in the face. Some of these problems are minor, with the problem causing more annoyance and frustration than harm. When it comes to your steps, though, you don't want to wait to fix them until this happens. If your steps have a problem, it could mean serious safety risks for you and your family, along with frustration with setting up and taking out your steps. Since the steps are exposed to the elements when you camp and even when in storage, they are able to see more damage than some of the accessories inside of the camper. If you don't have steps that are designed for this weather then you could find scratches and rust on your entry steps. Since your steps go through so much during their life, it's important to get steps that are high-quality and that fit your motorhome and your lifestyle. Whether you're replacing old steps or are just not satisfied with the ones installed on your RV, our selection of RV steps is sure to help you find that perfect entrance into your rig.
The Major Benefits of Installing RV Steps
RV steps help to make your journey that little bit more comfortable. There's no way you want to have to literally climb in and out of your vehicle when you're supposed to be on vacation. This is simply unthinkable even in the case of a short break, so take a look at the main benefits you could enjoy once you've installed a great set of steps for your RV.
- Manually operated RV stairs allow you to set up the perfect platform by which your guests can get on and off your vehicle with a minimum of hassle. Unlike automated steps, you decide exactly how your steps should be placed for the ultimate in comfortable transfer from ground to vehicle and back again.
- You don't want your steps to fold back out at random points while you're driving. That's why the best RV steps can be easily and reliably locked into their closed position. In fact, the whole process is automatic. All you have to do is push your stairs into the locked configuration and you're done.
- The whole point of having stairs is to make getting into your vehicle much easier and safer. With the help of a specially designed non-skid surface, every single step provides sure footing for even the most unsure guest. The traction provided by this safe approach will be appreciated by anyone who wants a quick and easy way to get in and out of your RV.
- To provide an extra layer of security, the best RV steps even come with a grab handle that allows you to pull them into a usable position. There's no need to worry about getting your fingers caught in any moving parts when you can quickly and simply operate your steps in a safe and secure manner.
- It goes without saying that the finest RV stairs are made of the high-quality steel that can support hundreds of pounds in weight without any problem at all. This is not to mention that we use stainless steel to ensure that your steps remain resistant to rust for many years to come.
- You surely have your own preferences when it comes to how your RV steps are going to be installed. Whether you want to have them bolted onto your vehicle, or you would rather get them welded into place, the choice is yours.
- You can mount your new RV stairs in the same position as those which originally came with your vehicle when you first purchased it. When your new stairs work in a way that you've already become accustomed to, you'll be able to trust them with next to no persuasion.
- Traveling in an RV often means parking up on rough ground. The most useful steps are those which can be pulled out and set down on the ground even when you're on a slope. With the help of four fully maneuverable stairs, you and all your guests can comfortably get on and off your vehicle without any trouble at all.
- RV steps can be supplied with all kinds of accessories to make your experience even better. Whether you want a rug to wipe the dirt off your boots before you sit and relax in your vehicle, or you need a step light to ensure your safety while getting on and off in dim light or even at night, consider all your options and make the right choice.
Make the most of the highest quality steps from manufacturers that really know exactly what they are doing. With a handy set of sturdy and yet foldable stairs, you and your guests will be able to enjoy all the benefits of traveling in an RV without ever breaking into a sweat.
RV Step Qualities
There are quite a lot of different types of RV steps out there and with this large amount, it can be overwhelming, especially if you don't know what exactly you're looking for. To help you with this, we've compiled a list of qualities you should look for in your RV steps.
Strength
It's very important to know the weight capacity of your RV steps. Knowing how much weight the steps can carry will determine whether you may be overusing the steps, which will lead to damage or even failure. If you have an idea of what you will be using the steps for (carrying large loads or simply walking in and out), you can use that to determine how much weight the steps will need to be able to carry. Some steps carry up to 500 pounds while others hold only 300. You don't want to find out the hard way that your steps don't carry enough weight, especially if you're holding something heavy. Make sure to look at this detail before buying your camper steps.
Durability
The durability you need will depend on what you are going to be doing with these steps. If you're going to be storing your rig away for the winter and only using it at campgrounds once or twice a summer, you won't be too concerned about the durability. If you're going to be using it more often or are going to be traveling to more rugged places, you'll need steps that can handle the weather and wear. Heavy-duty steps are generally made of metal, like steel, and have rubber or plastic treads.
Stability
You don't want to trip on your way down the stairs. As a safety concern, the stability of the steps needs to be considered. You'll want to make sure the steps are level and even. The more stable steps also have a traction pad for added stability. This traction will improve the friction of your shoes (or feet) on the stairs.
Fit
Your steps need to fit your RV door. This may sound like an obvious point, but it's important to properly measure your opening and choose a step that will fit right. There are some steps that are bolted into the frame of the RV and can be stored underneath the door for easy access and stability. There are others that need to be lifted and fit to the door when you move. When you are looking for steps, make sure that the new model fits the door and the frame.
Price
For any purchasing decision, the price needs to be considered. While an increase in price generally means higher quality, you should still be aware of high-quality brands for less. Here at RecPro, that's exactly what we love to do. Bringing you high-quality products at a lower price, you get the same and better benefits and quality that you would with the more expensive brands.
RV Step Types
RV steps come in many shapes and sizes, however, they all serve the same function. They serve as the entrance to your RV, as the door itself is normally around 2-4 feet off of the ground. That's not a hight that can be safely climbed without help! With the camper step, you can get into and out of your RV safely and easily. There are three main types of RV steps: platform, pull-down, and foldable.
Platform
Platform RV steps are basically a small stool that you step on. There are some that have fixed feet and there are others that can be folded to store away. These are great for lower campers, as you won't have to worry about operating any kind of pull-down or folding system. It is best if they are stored in your car or other vehicles, however, as they might be a little difficult to get out from your camper with everything packed in it and without the step to climb up into it. Also note that these steps should be used on level ground, as they are not connected to your camper for stability. You can also use these for a booster step before your first set of steps.
Pull-down
Pull-down RV steps are bolted to the floor of the door frame and lock into place in the frame while traveling. They lower down once parked. They sometimes need to be stabilized with something under one leg in order for it to be steady and stable. With these steps, you'll need to be aware of how close you are parking to your neighbor, as parking too close will keep you from lowering your stairs.
Foldable
Foldable steps are steps that are tucked away underneath the door. These steps extend out once parked and are more compact. There are two types of foldable RV steps; electric and manual. The electric type uses electricity to move the steps in or out. This might sound like a nice addition, however, you'll have to make sure the motor is in good condition and there is the possibility of problems with the motor of gear assembly which might need to be repaired or removed. They will also need to be wired into the RV's electrical system. The manual foldable steps are pulled out and put back away through your own manual labor. These tend to have fewer parts to look after and won't need the regular maintenance of the electrical system. Once you bolt these stairs in, you're good to go with no wiring required.
RV Step Safety
It is vital for RV owners to keep an eye on the health of their steps. Doing so could mean saving yourself or others future harm. If your stairs have any form of damage or wear, you'll need to fix them either by yourself or through a certified RV mechanic before setting out again. If you do fix the steps yourself, be aware of any electrical systems if you are using the electric steps. There are also a few things you can do while on vacation to keep your steps in good shape. First, you can invest in a portable RV step stabilizer to help fold-down steps have a firmer grip so that you can enter and exit your RV with more stability and safety. Many models manually screw up and down to adjust for height differences. Also, make sure to fold up your steps and step stabilizer before letting the jacks down, as keeping them down during this process could damage them. Second, a step cover and step rug help to improve traction going up the steps and cleanliness of your shoes before entering your RV. RV safety lights are also a good safety addition, helping you to see the steps and your door for when you are climbing in at night. Finally, keeping your RV camper steps clean can lessen the likelihood of falling from dirt or mud. To clean your steps, simply brush away and loose dirt or wipe off any mud and then dry it off.
Measuring for RV Steps
It's important to make sure you're getting a step that fits your RV. To do this, you'll need to measures your RV door and frame. For steps that are installed on the floor of your door frame (pull-down steps), you'll need to measures the width of your door frame as well as the distance from the door frame to the ground to know if you need a single, double, triple, or quad step. If you are wanting a fold-out step, you'll need to measure the width and depth of the frame underneath the door frame (there may be a pre-installed factory step there to help you know where it would be installed) as well as the height from the frame to the ground.
Replacing RV Steps
Whether you're replacing old steps that just don't work anymore or whether you're not a fan of the steps that came with your RV, replacing RV steps can be easy if you know the steps. Generally, these jobs require two people to do safely.
First, take off the old steps. If the old steps are pull-down steps, you'll need to un-bolt the steps from the bottom of the door frame. When you do this, make sure you fold the steps up and secure it to your trailer. This way, it won't fall on you while you're taking it off. Then, carefully unlatch the steps from the trailer and remove the piece so that it doesn't fall back on you. If you are removing fold-out steps that are bolted to your trailer, take off these bolts and remove the stairs from the frame. If your stairs are welded to the frame, you may need the assistance of an experienced welder or RV mechanic.
Second, once the old steps are out, take your new set of stairs and install them in its place. If you are installing the drop-down steps, lock them into place like the old steps were and bolt them in to place on the bottom of the frame of the door. If you are using the fold-out steps, have one person hold up the steps into place in the frame while the other person bolts it into place. Make sure for both of these steps to check to make sure it is firmly in place before testing it out. If you are installing the drop-down steps, also make sure your RV door opens without problems after the steps are installed.
With your RV camper steps, it's important for safety, aesthetics, and comfort to make sure you have the right type. With the selection here at RecPro, you can be sure that you'll have a comfortable and safe climb into your RV every time.
