
Camper steps are an important feature that is often taken for granted. They are used multiple times a day and are essential for entering and exiting a motorhome or travel trailer. However, many people don't consider how to properly maintain them. This guide will cover the different types of camper steps and provide tips on maintenance and potential upgrades.
There are several types of camper steps available, including solid steps, electric steps, manual steps, portable steps, and truck steps. Each type has its own advantages and disadvantages, and the choice depends on factors such as the weight and design of the camper, as well as personal preferences. Maintaining camper steps involves regular cleaning, lubricating step hinges, and checking for obstructions or pinched hinges. Upgrades such as adding step covers, handrails, skid guards, and motion-activated lights can also be considered to enhance safety and convenience.
This guide will provide an overview of the different types of camper steps, offer maintenance tips, and suggest potential upgrades to ensure safe and easy entry and exit from your camper.
Characteristics | Values |
---|---|
Step Type | Solid, Electric, Manual, Portable, Truck, Handi-Lift |
Material | Wood, Aluminium, Steel, Plastic, Metal |
Maintenance | Clean, Lubricate, Check for obstructions, Check power switch |
Accessories | Handrails, Step Covers, Rugs, Lights |
What You'll Learn
Regularly clean your camper steps
Regularly cleaning your camper steps is essential for maintaining their appearance and functionality. Here are some detailed tips to help you keep your camper steps clean and well-maintained:
Initial Cleaning:
Before installing any step covers or rugs, thoroughly clean the steps. Use a mild detergent or a specialised RV cleaner and a soft brush to remove any dirt, debris, or stains. Pay special attention to areas where dirt and grime can build up, such as corners and crevices. Rinse the steps with clean water and allow them to dry completely before proceeding to the next step.
Routine Maintenance:
To keep your camper steps looking their best, establish a regular cleaning routine. Depending on usage, aim to clean them at least once a month or more frequently if they experience heavy foot traffic or are exposed to harsh weather conditions. Use a soft brush or a non-abrasive sponge to gently scrub the steps, removing any dirt or debris that has accumulated. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the steps with a soft cloth or towel.
Deep Cleaning:
Periodically, give your camper steps a deeper clean to remove any stubborn stains or discolouration. Apply an RV-safe oxidising cleaner or a mild bleach solution to the steps, following the manufacturer's instructions. Allow the cleaner to sit for a few minutes, then scrub the steps gently with a soft brush. Rinse thoroughly with clean water and dry the steps completely before applying any protective treatments or coverings.
Protective Treatments:
After cleaning and drying your camper steps, consider applying a protective treatment to help repel dirt and moisture. Look for specialised RV step treatments or use a water-repellent spray designed for outdoor use. These treatments can help prevent the build-up of dirt and make future cleaning easier. Follow the manufacturer's instructions for application and reapply as needed to maintain protection.
Step Covers and Rugs:
Invest in high-quality step covers or rugs specifically designed for RV steps. These coverings can help keep your steps clean and provide additional traction to prevent slips and falls. Ensure the covers are compatible with the size and type of your RV steps. Clean and dry the steps before installing the covers, and follow the manufacturer's instructions for proper installation and care. Regularly remove the covers for seasonal deep cleaning to prevent the accumulation of dirt and grime.
Preventative Measures:
Take preventative measures to minimise the amount of dirt and debris that accumulates on your camper steps. Use doormats or rugs inside and outside the RV to help capture dirt from shoes before it reaches the steps. Additionally, consider using a step cover or rug with a scraper or brush built-in to help remove dirt and mud from shoes. Regularly clean or replace these mats and rugs to maintain their effectiveness.
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Ensure steps are stable and secure
Ensuring your camper steps are stable and secure is essential for safety. Here are some tips to achieve that:
Choose the Right Step Type
First, consider the type of steps you have or plan to install. Electric steps, for example, tend to hover above the ground, causing a rocking motion when entering or exiting your camper. This can feel flimsy and unsafe. Opting for steps that touch the ground, such as the GlowStep Revolution RV steps, can provide a significant improvement in stability.
Level Your Camper
A level and stable surface for your camper is crucial for maintaining step stability. Use levelling blocks or jacks to ensure your camper is level, minimising the risk of it toppling over or shifting. This also helps ensure proper weight distribution, which is vital for overall camper stability.
Use Wheel Chocks
Engage wheel chocks to prevent your camper from rolling or shifting. This not only maintains a stable connection to the ground but also helps prevent accidents.
Consider a Step Stabilizer
If you want to minimise the movement of your steps, consider investing in an RV step stabilizer. This is especially useful if your steps tend to wobble or feel unstable when someone enters or exits the camper. A step stabilizer placed underneath the bottom step will keep the steps in place and reduce movement.
Adjust Landing Gear
If you're dealing with uneven terrain, adjust the feet of your steps to make them level. This can be done with adjustable landing gear, such as the All Terrain Landing Gear that comes standard with the GlowStep Revolution RV steps. This feature ensures your steps remain stable even on uneven ground.
Build Stable Steps
When building your own camper steps, consider the following:
- Use treated wood for durability and weather resistance.
- Cut and attach wooden braces to the bottom of the legs for added stability, especially on uneven ground.
- Reinforce the stability by adding a wooden brace in the middle of the step structure to distribute weight more evenly.
- Add a non-slip grip tape, rubber tread, or carpeting to the steps to provide traction and prevent slipping.
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Choose the right material for your steps
When choosing the right material for your camper steps, you should consider the following:
Durability
You want your camper steps to be made of durable materials that can withstand constant use and varying weather conditions. Aluminium and steel are popular choices due to their strength and rust resistance. For example, the MORryde StepAbove Strut Assist Fold-Down Steps are made with rust-resistant aluminium and steel components, ensuring longevity.
Stability
Look for materials that offer a sturdy and stable platform, especially if you will be parking on uneven ground. Some steps have adjustable legs that can be lengthened or shortened to achieve maximum stability. The MORryde StepAbove steps, for instance, have adjustable legs with a total adjustable length of 13 inches, allowing for stable steps no matter the terrain.
Traction
To prevent slipping, choose materials with good traction, especially if you anticipate using the steps in wet or muddy conditions. Rubber strips or non-slip textured surfaces can provide the necessary grip. The Lippert Alumi-Tread Manual Pull-Out Steps, for instance, feature an anti-slip design with rubber strips, ensuring sure footing even in rainy weather.
Weight Capacity
Consider the weight capacity of the steps to ensure they can safely accommodate all users. Different steps have varying weight limits, so check this specification before purchasing. The MORryde StepAbove steps, for example, have an impressive weight rating of 500 lbs, while the Lippert Alumi-Tread steps can support up to 300 lbs.
Ease of Use
If you want lightweight steps that are easy to manoeuvre and store, aluminium is a good choice due to its lightweight nature. The Lippert Alumi-Tread steps, for instance, are praised for their lightweight aluminium construction, making them effortless to operate and store.
Aesthetics
While functionality is essential, you may also want to consider the appearance of the steps. Carpeted steps, for instance, can contribute to a homey feel for your camper, while also providing good traction. On the other hand, aluminium or steel steps may better suit a modern or industrial aesthetic.
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Make sure steps are non-slip
Camper steps are often taken for granted, but they are essential for entering and exiting your camper safely. It is important to ensure that your steps are non-slip to prevent accidents. Here are some tips to make sure your camper steps are non-slip:
Choose the Right Material
When selecting camper steps, opt for those made from non-slip materials. For example, the Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Second Step is a set of stairs with a non-slip feature and a portable handrail for added safety. The Stromberg Carlson SMFP-2100 Manual Coach Steps are another option that provides a sturdy and durable option with non-slip treads.
Anti-Slip Treatments
If your current steps do not have a non-slip surface, you can add treatments to improve traction. For instance, you can apply anti-slip tape or paint to the steps. Rubber or textured strips can also be added to the steps to enhance grip and prevent slipping.
Use Step Covers
Consider using step covers or rugs with non-slip properties. Before installing, ensure you select the right size by measuring the width and depth of your steps. Step covers can provide additional grip and traction, making your steps safer. Remember to clean your steps before installing covers and remove them seasonally for cleaning and drying.
Keep Steps Clean and Dry
It is important to keep your camper steps clean and dry. Dirt, mud, or water on the steps can make them slippery and hazardous. Regularly clean your steps and ensure they are dry before use. Additionally, check for any obstructions or pinched hinges that may prevent your steps from operating smoothly.
Lighting
Good lighting is crucial to ensure safe entry and exit from your camper, especially at night. Consider installing motion-activated step lights to illuminate your steps and improve visibility. This will help you see where you are stepping and reduce the risk of slipping.
Adjustable Legs
Adjustable legs on camper steps are beneficial for levelling your steps on uneven ground. This feature ensures your steps are stable and reduces the risk of slipping or falling.
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Consider adding a handrail for support
Adding a handrail to your camper steps can provide added support and safety when entering and exiting your RV. Here are some reasons why you should consider adding a handrail:
- Improved Safety: A handrail can provide stability and balance when using the steps, reducing the risk of slips and falls. This is especially important if you have young children or elderly individuals using the camper.
- Ease of Access: Handrails make it easier for people of all ages and abilities to enter and exit the camper. They provide a sturdy support to hold onto, making the steps more accessible.
- Versatility: Handrails can be added to most types of camper steps, including portable, manual, and electric steps. They can also be installed on a variety of RVs, such as motorhomes, travel trailers, and 5th wheel RVs.
- Customisation: Handrails come in a range of materials, colours, and styles to match your camper's design. You can choose from metal, alloy steel, or plastic handrails, and select a finish that complements your RV's exterior.
- Additional Features: Some handrails offer adjustable height or length to accommodate different user needs and varying terrain. Others include anti-slip mats or panels, ensuring a secure grip even in wet conditions. You can also find handrails with motion-activated lights for improved visibility at night.
- Ease of Installation: Many handrails are designed for easy installation, with simple bolt-on or welding processes. Some handrails are even foldable or retractable, allowing for compact storage when not in use.
When choosing a handrail, consider the weight capacity, adjustability, and grip features to ensure it meets your specific needs. Additionally, regular maintenance of your handrail, such as cleaning and checking for stability, will help ensure its longevity.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to clean your steps before installing covers and to remove, clean, and dry covers seasonally before reinstalling them.
Ensure the power switch is on. Wait for the motor to stop with the steps fully extended before stepping on them. Use the handrail for balance and stability, and consider upgrading to a larger handrail. Install skid guards or step rugs for more grip and traction. Use motion-activated step lights to see at night. Check your steps for obstructions or pinched hinges before and after each trip. Lubricate step hinges every 30 days.
For manual steps, consider upgrading to electric steps with adjustable legs and feet, which can provide more stability on uneven ground. For electric steps, check for obstructions or pinched hinges and lubricate step hinges every 30 days.
Install step covers or rugs, ensuring they fit properly. Use non-slip tape or skid guards to provide more grip and traction. Install motion-activated step lights to improve visibility at night.