Needing better stairs

[Hal_Yarbrough]

Our 2015 21RBS is currently serving us nicely as a bedroom while we remodel our house. Yesterday, Judy had a scary fall due to the almost eleven inch drop down to the top step. She is bruised but otherwise fine. I remember reading about better stairs years ago, but can’t seem to find any posts today. I’m thinking a smaller drop with at least two steps could work, but three steps might be better. We don’t have the off-road package, so it is roughly 28 inches to the ground from the doorway. It looks like everything on eTrailer will require modifying the mounting points but that can be done by a good welding shop. Has anyone experienced a good solution? I would prefer non-electric aluminum, but will settle for steel if necessary. Our camper has been a joy for several years, and I really appreciate all the good mods and tips from this forum.

[DavidM]

Yes there was a discussion of adding more steps either on this forum or the archives. If you can't find it here, check out the archives.

David

[Merlin]

Here are a couple of threads from the archives.

http://archive.aluminiumcamperforum.com/index.php?topic=1123.msg14884#msg14884

http://archive.aluminiumcamperforum.com/index.php?topic=786.0

After I had a fall off the step on my camper, I installed a large folding handrail next to the door that solved the problem for me.

https://www.rvupgradestore.com/Stromberg-Carlson-AM-ZIP39C-Zip-Grip-p/62-4637.htm

Also, check out the independent steps with handrails offered by Stromberg-Carlson at the rvupgradestore. That might work when your camped in your driveway just using the camper as a bedroom

[Pinstriper]

I did it with a two-step for the above reason. The modification required the removal of the original brackets which increased the first step drop by 2 inches, which led to the first step being "a doozy", and also just wasn't able to mount the new steps anyway.

The first step came down to 8", iirc, and the second step was 9" - maybe it was the other way around ? The final drop from stairs to ground was 4-5". So obviously an issue with the steps not being equal. However it was still safer than the original high wire act. When I sold the trailer last year, I just happened to have the original stairs and gave them to the new owner who intended to put them back on. I don't know how well that worked out.

I am VERY happy with the stairs in our new Venture Sonic - instead of being mounted below the frame, these are mounted inside the doorway and swing down once the door is open. Very substantial 2 step model, very stable. Youtube has walk-through videos that show these steps, which I am sure could be sourced. You may need to install a whole new door, however.

[stu1965]

from a 2013 16dbs... part # STP2-24-09H
Here's the facebook post from that livin lite group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1792376977656909/permalink/3013116462249615

[LoneWolf04]

from a 2013 16dbs... part # STP2-24-09H
Here's the facebook post from that livin lite group - https://www.facebook.com/groups/1792376977656909/permalink/3013116462249615

Hey, my install is getting some attention

The difference it night and day for the stability of those Mor-Ryde steps!

[Hal_Yarbrough]

Here is a photo of the current setup. We decided to go with the xtend & climb wt3 as Charlie suggested. It is much sturdier than the platform step that we have been using. We moved the camper off the driveway in order to accommodate all the construction vehicles. Leveling brought the floor height up a few inches, so the first step is still high. Our 21RBS came with a folding handrail that I assume was standard equipment, so we’re just being careful. Thanks to all for your suggestions. I suppose I need remedial archive search lessons since I was unable to find all the old threads on this subject.

[charliem]

Glad and amazed you found that old post. I still think it was and is the best solution to the problem. Versatile and stable under all conditions. The photo looks very familiar