Building Steps For Your Camper: A Comprehensive Guide

how to build steps for camper

Building steps for your camper is a great way to make it feel more like home. While some campers come with built-in steps, they may not always be convenient or safe to use. Building your own steps can be a fun and rewarding DIY project, and it can also save you money. In this article, we will discuss the different types of camper steps you can build, the tools and materials you will need, and the step-by-step process to create a safe and functional entry to your camper.

Characteristics Values
Design Depends on the location of the trailer and the terrain.
Materials Treated wood (2 x4 & 2 x 6 sizes), pier blocks, glue, screws, nails, rubber treads, carpeting, power saw, level, hammer, jigsaw, router bit, sauna tubes, 3″ nails, cut-to-size “cleats”, 1×6 pressure-treated decking wood, 4x4s pressure-treated wood, 2x10s cut to size, 2x12 pressure-treated pine, 2x8 pressure-treated pine, 2x6 western red cedar, deck screws, carriage bolts
Steps Measure the stair area, cut the wood, build the legs, build the floor of the steps, paint or stain the steps

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Measure the area for your steps

When building steps for your camper, the first step is to measure the area where you plan to place the steps. This includes measuring the width and length of the desired staircase, as well as the height from the ground to the camper's entrance. These measurements will ensure that your steps are the correct size and fit securely in the designated space.

To determine the ideal height for each step, you can use an online stair calculator. Input the total rise, which is the height from the ground to the camper's threshold, and the calculator will provide you with the number of steps needed and the ideal height for each one. It's important to ensure that all the risers are of equal height, so your steps are uniform and safe.

Additionally, consider the width of your RV door when planning the width of your steps. RV doorways are typically 24 inches wide to allow for quick exit in emergencies. You want to ensure that your steps accommodate all foot sizes and provide safe and easy entry and exit from your camper.

When measuring the area for your camper steps, also take into account the terrain and location of your camper. This will help you decide on the design and type of steps that best suit your needs. For example, if your camper is on uneven ground, you may need to add wooden braces to the legs of your steps for added stability.

By taking accurate measurements and considering the height, width, and terrain, you can ensure that your camper steps are well-designed, functional, and safe.

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Cut and assemble the wood

Once you have measured the area for your stairs, it's time to cut the wood. For a simple set of wooden steps, you will need to cut your 2x6 pieces of wood to length and nail them together to form a box. You can also use 2x4 and 2x6 sizes of treated wood, as well as pier blocks for support. For the legs, cut 4x4's pressure-treated wood to size. If your ground is uneven, add a wooden brace (2x10's cut to size) to the bottom of the legs for stability.

For the floor of the steps, use 1x6 pressure-treated decking wood. You will need to cut out the portion near the leg with a jigsaw, leaving a 1" overhang around the edge. You can also use a power saw to cut the wood to size. Once the cutting is done, you can start gluing and nailing the pieces together.

If you want to add a second stair, create another box and assemble it to the legs. Make sure to add cleats on the inside to fasten the box to the first stair. You can make the second box smaller to create a 1/2 inch inset from the bottom.

Before assembling, it's a good idea to visualize the finished product. You can use SketchUp Pro to create 3D drawings of your stairs. This will help you make any necessary changes and create a detailed materials list.

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Design for stability

When designing camper steps for stability, it is important to consider the location and terrain of your camping area. The steps should be designed to be free-standing and not attached to the camper. This will ensure stability and make it easier to move or remove the steps if needed.

To achieve stability, it is recommended to use treated wood, such as 2 x 4 and 2 x 6 sizes, for the step stringers. Pier blocks can also be used for added support. Pre-cut step stringers are the easiest to work with as they already have the correct angles, requiring you to simply nail the 2 x 4s onto them. When attaching the wood pieces, it is advisable to use glue in addition to nails or screws to prevent squeaking and keep the steps solid.

For added stability, consider using longer screws or adding a wooden brace to the bottom of the legs, especially if the ground is uneven. A wooden brace made of 2 x 10's cut to size will provide stability and can be fastened with 3" nails. Alternatively, you can dig holes and use support tubes to stabilise the legs. Ensure that the steps are accurately measured and cut to size before assembly, as this will contribute to overall stability.

If you are creating portable steps, you can use wood or purchase ready-made metal collapsible stairs. For wooden portable steps, use boards that are at least 1 inch thick to ensure they can bear the weight of people using them. Cut the boards to the desired length, ensuring that the legs are cut to the desired height minus the thickness of the step boards. To attach the legs securely, use glue and screws, as end grains do not hold nails or screws well.

Overall, by following these guidelines and choosing the right materials, you can design and build stable camper steps that are safe and functional for your camping setup.

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Make steps portable

If you want to make your camper steps portable, you can build them out of wood. Small plastic steps may not be strong enough to handle different situations. To make wooden steps, you will need boards that are at least 1 inch thick. Anything smaller may not hold the weight of the person using the step. Cut the boards to the length you need, making sure you have two boards of the exact same length for each step.

Next, cut the legs to the height you want, minus the thickness of the step boards. When you attach the legs to the steps, use glue as end grains do not hold nails or screws. You can put screws in after gluing for extra support. Cut two supports at 45-degree angles and glue and screw them to the legs and the steps. Before attaching the legs and supports, cut a handle into the step for easy carrying. This can be done with a drill, jigsaw, and router bit to round off the edges.

To make the legs look good, cut out a portion in the middle with two 45-degree angle cuts, making sure to leave enough wood to maintain the strength, stability, and integrity of the legs. Once everything is cut to size, assemble the steps using glue and screws.

Calculating the height of portable steps can be done by measuring the height from the ground to the trailer's threshold. This is the total rise. From this, you can calculate the number of steps you need and the height of each step. For example, if the total rise is 25.5 inches, you can build four equal steps of 6 3/8 inches each.

If you are going to make stringers, it is best to buy pre-cut options to save time on measuring and figuring. If the stringer is too long, you can cut one of the steps off to shorten it, but be careful not to cut off too many steps as this will affect the strength and safety of the stringer.

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Paint or stain the wood

Once you've built your wooden steps for your camper, you'll want to finish them with either paint or stain. This will not only make them look nicer, but it will also help to protect the wood from the elements.

If you choose to paint your steps, you'll want to use a high-quality exterior paint that is designed for use on wood. Look for a paint that is durable and resistant to fading, peeling, and chipping. You'll also want to make sure the paint is rated for outdoor use and can withstand the elements, such as rain, snow, and sun exposure.

Before you start painting, make sure the wood is clean, dry, and smooth. Use a sandpaper to smooth out any rough spots or imperfections in the wood. Then, use a primer to help the paint adhere better and create a more even finish.

When it comes to the colour of the paint, you can choose a shade that complements the colour of your camper. You may also want to consider using a paint with a non-slip additive to help prevent accidents, especially if the steps will be exposed to rain or moisture.

If you prefer the natural look of the wood, you can opt for staining instead. Choose a stain that is designed for exterior use and will provide protection against the elements. There are a variety of stain colours available, so you can choose one that enhances the natural beauty of the wood.

Before staining, make sure the wood is properly prepared. Sand the wood to create a smooth surface and remove any imperfections. Then, apply a wood conditioner to help the stain absorb evenly.

Once the stain is applied, you can add a sealer to provide additional protection. Look for a sealer that is rated for exterior use and will provide a durable finish. This will help to protect your steps from the elements and ensure they last for years to come.

Frequently asked questions

You will need treated wood (2 x 4 & 2 x 6 sizes), pier blocks for support, and pre-cut step stringers. You will also need outdoor nails and screws that are rust-resistant, a power saw, a level, and a hammer.

The rise calculation is the distance from the ground to the floor of the camper. Divide that by the number of stair treads you want. The stair rise should be around 8 inches.

This measure is a standard 24 inches. The doorways need to be wide enough for people to get out in a hurry when an emergency arises.

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