Cargo Rack as step?

I use a dog ramp like the play slide pictured. It telescopes to half it's extended size and both dogs like it.

Just bought one for that reason, mostly.
Our AF sits up 4' plus to the camper floor from the ground so it was always a gymnastics excercise getting in or out specially after some drinks!
It works well but kinda wobbly especially on 32" of hitch extension!
Not bad if you step in the middle. Yes need some plywood for the bottom, the expanded metal won't last long otherwise.
Built a plywood box too. It wedges tight under the camper step to keep it still when traveling.
Big enough for the generator, firewood for a whole weekend.

Here's ours.
Notice the camping world step on it that makes it a smoother transition .

We used one for years -- no problems. Carried firewood and a tool case in it, and left the middle open to the door. It did rock a bit at first, but a cross-brace fixed it just fine.

We now have a step bumper, so no need for it on the Lance. We'd use one again, it was a "tall first step up", but easily doable.

I went with a cargo rack I found on Ebay. The steps bolt to it and flip up for storage. Turnbuckles to the jacks minimize the rocking.

I have the HF cargo rack and it works very well, even for a first step up to the regular ladder. Watch the ads and you can get it for $49.95.

Rear rack use

Rack is rated for 350 lb, and I took Tardis' suggestion for the shackle to keep movement to a minimum.

For a while we used a slide from an old play set (see picture) and it worked well.



but we have switched to a telescoping ramp DW found. Will update this post later with product information. The telescoping ramp can easly be used to get the fur campers in/out of other vehicles.

They rock a little for use as a step and it is still a long step from the ground. Not sure they are meant to have weight repeatedly concentrated in the same spot either. Maybe put a plywood liner in the bottom to fix that. I use mine for quick entry but the wife can't. My camper does not hang down in back so it is 40" or so up into the camper from the ground. This summer I'm using a ramp that just slides in under the camper when not in use instead of steps. Great for both the dog and my wife.