Forum Discussion

the_silverback's avatar
Dec 06, 2014

don't understand DP steps

Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

18 Replies

  • With our gasser, we used a separate step probably 99% of the time. We have a DP now (and we aren't squires!) but seldom use the extra step. It depends on how level the site is but when we dump the air bags, it does sit a little lower. We have 2 outside & 3 in.
  • Ground clearance is an issue too. Steps on a motorhome are automatic. That means they are opening once you open that door. If you had a third step and you have dumped your air and you were parked at the curb, you're going to dig your steps into the curb.
  • Depends on frame design as it relates to interior floor height above ground after air bags are down.

    Our friends Foretravel with monocoque frame has one extending step and only one inside.

    My cheap Fleetwood DP has two extending outside and three inside.

    I carry a 4" tall wooden platform for crowned sites where the ground slopes away.

    Don't always use it.
  • There are more steps inside the coach than out on ours. Nice for my bad knees because of a good grab handles going up and down.
  • the silverback wrote:
    Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.


    Some have three, some have two, some have one, and some none. Just depends. Some folks use and additional step stool some dont...just depends.
  • rv2go wrote:
    In my case, after dumping the air bags, on some unlevel sites, there may not be enough clearance for the 3rd step.


    Ding, ding, ding
  • In my case, after dumping the air bags, on some unlevel sites, there may not be enough clearance for the 3rd step.