OK txhandgunner, if you have Kwikee steps and I bet most others, there is a last out feature. After the engine is turned off, the first time you open the door the steps go out and stay out. What I do for storage is turn the engine off, open the door, let the steps extend and close the door. Then I turn the step on/off step on and the step retract, then I turn the switch off and the steps stay in until you start the engine or turn the switch on. I dont know what your steps look like but it isn't that far to the deck from inside my rig.
Good luck.