Make A Multipurpose Suitcase Step For Your Camper

Camper steps are an essential part of any camping trip, providing easy access to your camper. While some campers come equipped with factory-installed steps, these can often be flimsy and unstable. Building your own camper steps is a simple DIY project that can enhance your camping experience. Whether you're looking for a temporary solution or a more permanent upgrade, making your own suitcase steps offers both functionality and customisation. This guide will cover the tools, materials, and steps needed to create your own camper steps, ensuring a stable and secure entrance to your camper.

Choosing the right materials for suitcase steps

When it comes to choosing the right materials for your camper suitcase steps, there are several factors to consider to ensure durability, functionality, and safety. Here are some guidelines to help you select the best materials for the job.

Wood

Wood is a popular choice for building camper steps due to its accessibility and ease of use. For a simple and efficient build, consider using plywood, which is readily available in handy panels that can fit easily in your car. Look for outdoor sheathing plywood with a grade of ACX. This type of plywood is inexpensive and can have blemishes like knots, but it will get the job done. If you want a higher-quality finish, opt for a plywood grade that is suitable for outdoor use and will last longer.

Fasteners and Adhesives

To assemble your wooden steps, you'll need the right fasteners and adhesives. For a sturdy build, consider using decking screws or, if you have the equipment, brad nails. Pre-drilling holes before screwing the pieces together is recommended to prevent damage to the wood. For added strength, use outdoor-suitable wood glue, such as Titebond III, along with your fasteners.

Protective Coatings

To protect your wooden steps from the elements and give them a finished look, consider applying a protective coating. Oil-based polyurethane, such as Minwax, will seal and protect the wood, giving it a nice finish. If desired, you can also paint over the polyurethane with a high-quality oil-based paint. Additionally, consider adding non-slip grip tape, such as 3M, to the steps for added safety.

Hardware

Depending on your design, you may need various hardware components for your steps. If you plan to have adjustable legs or hinges for folding steps, ensure you select durable hinges and hardware that can withstand the weight and frequent use. Consider using a hinge for folding steps, as seen in one modification, or adding adjustable feet commonly used for furniture levelling.

Comfort and Safety Features

To enhance the comfort and safety of your steps, consider adding features like a rubber strip or pad to reduce wobble and protect the edges. Additionally, non-slip step tread tape or a rubber mat on the steps will provide secure footing, especially in slippery conditions. Ensure the steps have enough width and depth to provide a stable platform for entering and exiting the camper.

When selecting materials for your camper suitcase steps, consider the durability, weather resistance, and safety of the components. By choosing the right combination of materials and following the guidelines above, you can create a sturdy, functional, and safe set of steps for your camper.

Making steps that can be assembled and disassembled

Building steps for your camper that can be assembled and disassembled is a great DIY project that can be completed in a weekend. The process is similar to building steps for a traditional home, but on a smaller scale. Here are the steps to make portable wooden steps for your camper:

Planning and Gathering Materials

First, measure the area where you plan to place the steps. This includes measuring the width of the camper entrance and the height from the ground to the camper floor. These measurements will ensure your steps fit the available space and that the height of each step is comfortable for climbing.

When designing your camper steps, consider the location of your camper and the terrain. If your camper is parked on uneven ground, you may need to add a wooden brace to the bottom of the steps for stability. It is recommended that the steps are free-standing and not attached to the camper.

The standard width for RV steps is 24 inches to allow for easy entry and exit, especially in emergencies. However, you can customise the width to suit your specific needs. If you plan to store your steps inside your camper, measure the storage area to determine the maximum size of your steps.

For the wood, it is recommended to use treated wood, which is durable and weather-resistant. For the stringers (the sides of the steps), use 2 x 6-inch wood as a minimum. For the legs that support the steps, you can use 4 x 4-inch wood. Additionally, you'll need wood for the steps themselves; 2 x 4-inch wood is commonly used.

Other materials you will need include outdoor rust-resistant nails and screws, wood glue, a power saw, a level, a hammer, rubber treads or carpeting, adhesives, and non-slip grip tape.

Cutting the Wood

Cutting the wood to the right size is crucial. First, determine the height and width of your steps based on the distance between the ground and the camper entrance, as well as the width of the doorway. Ensure that the riser height and step width are equal and can accommodate all foot sizes.

Next, use a power saw to cut the stringers to the appropriate height, making sure that all the steps are equal in height. Cut the legs to the desired height, taking into account the thickness of the step boards. For added stability, especially on uneven ground, cut wooden braces to attach to the bottom of the legs.

If you wish to create a small deck or platform before the steps, you will need additional wood for that. Cut the wood to size, forming a box-like structure that will serve as the base for your steps.

Assembling the Steps

Before gluing and nailing, do a dry fit to ensure that everything fits together properly. To assemble the legs, cut wooden braces to size and fasten them to the legs with nails. This will stabilise the steps. Place the wooden box steps in the desired location and stand on them to keep them in place while you attach the legs to the inside of the box. Nail the legs and braces together for a sturdy connection.

To enhance stability, you can add a wooden brace in the middle of the box, distributing weight more evenly. Use cut-to-size cleats on the inside of the box to fasten it securely to the existing deck or platform.

Building the Floor of the Steps

For the floor of the steps, you will need 1x6 pressure-treated decking wood. Use a jigsaw to cut out a portion near the leg, leaving a 1-inch overhang around the edge. Start by nailing the flooring onto the edges and the centre brace. Repeat this process for each step, measuring and cutting the wood accordingly.

Finishing Touches

Now that the floor is in place, you can add any finishing touches, such as paint or stain. If you plan to keep your camper in the same location for an extended period, consider staining or painting the steps to protect them from the elements and give them a polished look. If you frequently move your camper, you may prefer to leave the wood natural or apply a clear coat.

To enhance safety, especially in slippery conditions, add non-slip grip tape to the floor of the steps. Alternatively, you can use rubber treads or carpeting to provide traction and prevent slipping.

Ensuring steps are adjustable for varying ground heights

When making adjustable suitcase steps for a camper, it's important to consider the varying ground heights you may encounter. Here are some ways to ensure your steps are adjustable and can accommodate different ground levels:

Adjustable Legs:

Consider adding adjustable legs to your steps. This will allow you to change the height of the steps to match the ground level. You can find adjustable legs commonly used for furniture levelling, which should work well for your camper steps.

Hinges:

Hinges can be used to make your steps foldable, allowing them to adjust to different heights. For example, if your camper is both on and off the truck, you can use hinges to fold the steps under when they are not in use. Just be sure to choose hinges that are strong enough to bear the weight and withstand the constant folding and unfolding.

Sliding Mechanism:

Another option is to create a sliding mechanism for your steps. This will allow you to adjust the height by sliding the steps up or down. This method may require more precise calculations and measurements to ensure a secure fit at different heights.

Shim Stock:

If you're looking for a simpler solution, you can use shim stock to adjust for uneven ground. This involves placing small pieces of material, such as wood or metal, under the steps to level them. While this method may not be as sleek as adjustable legs or hinges, it can be an effective and inexpensive solution.

All-Terrain Landing Gear:

If you want to ensure your steps are stable on any terrain, consider adding All-Terrain Landing Gear. This will allow your steps to adjust to varying ground slopes, providing a consistent and secure stepping surface.

When designing your camper steps, it's important to keep in mind the different ground heights you may encounter. By incorporating adjustability, you can ensure a safe and stable entry and exit from your camper, no matter the terrain.

Adding a storage box for the steps

Adding a storage box to your camper steps is a great way to keep your camping equipment safe and secure. This is especially useful if you have bulky items that would otherwise need to be stored inside the camper, taking up valuable space.

To build a storage box for your steps, you will need to start by measuring the space where your steps used to be or where you plan to install the storage box. This will give you an idea of the maximum dimensions for your box.

Next, you will need to gather your materials. Bruce Jones, a contributor to Truck Camper Magazine, recommends using plywood for the outer box, with stronger 10mm sides and 6mm for the rest. For the steps themselves, tongue and groove pine floorboards are a good option. You will also need aluminium angle slides, bullet hinges, and screws.

Once you have your materials, you can begin constructing the box. Cut out the parts for the box, including the sides, top, and bottom. Glue and screw the framework together, making sure to sandpaper and paint the pieces as needed. Construct the slides that will allow the box to be raised, lowered, or removed. Attach the hinges to the box, allowing it to tilt up onto the tailgate.

Finally, you can add any finishing touches, such as a lock for security or a handle for easier transport. And that's it! You now have a storage box for your camper steps, providing extra storage space and convenience for your camping trips.

Making steps that fold up for travel

First, you need to determine the height of your camper from the ground to the floor. This will help you calculate the rise of each step. The ideal step rise is around 8 inches. For example, if your camper's floor is 47 inches off the ground, you would need 6 steps, including the camper floor as the final step.

Next, choose the type of wood you want to use. For the stringers (sides), you can use 1-inch by 6-inch Douglas fir, and for the treads, you can use 1-inch by 8-inch pine. Alternatively, you could use plywood, which is inexpensive and can be easily sourced in smaller cuts that fit in your car.

Now, it's time to build the frame. Cut the wood to size, following your calculations for the rise of each step. The number of steps will depend on the height of your camper. Remember to make the stringers come down at a 45-degree angle to eliminate the need for a run calculation.

Once the frame is built, it's time to add the hinges. The hinges will allow the steps to fold up for travel. Place a hinge at each point where the stringers meet a tread, ensuring they are strong enough to bear weight.

After the hinges are installed, you can add any additional features, such as a railing for support, non-slip grip tape, or a rubber mat on each step for traction and to keep your camper clean.

Finally, you can finish the wood with paint or polyurethane to protect it from the elements. Sand the wood before applying the finish to ensure a smooth surface.

Your new camper steps are now ready for use! This modification is a great way to improve the functionality and accessibility of your camper, and with a bit of time and effort, you can have a sturdy and stable set of steps that fold up neatly for travel.

Frequently asked questions