Class 5 Truck - Entry Step Solution
Here is something that may help other Eagle Cap owners (and possibly you great Host owners), whose TC's have the HSM Hickory step system that won't reach the ground...eliminates step-stools, etc. A...
Forum Discussion
yblaw - - I'm laughing with you - our door kick plate ended up being 58.5" off the ground, top step is 50", bottom step was 28". The available storage "box opening " for the steps 27.875" x 16.875".
Ok, you just confirmed to me that the Host does not have the crosspiece limiting the bottom of the factory step storage area - that's what I thought I noticed in Host photos. Wish mine was like that so I could have gotten the extra 3" adjustability of the Revolution support bracket. But I also figured that I would want 7-step because my calls showed that a 6-step would leave the bottom step at 12.5" above ground (higher than I wanted for when my wife and I turn 80).
I was not interested in cutting that bottom bar out, even though I suspected it might have limited structural importance. But since I tend to be complete OCD, I called Eagle Cap to discuss with their engr - As you might guess, he was not anxious to advise, but did say it was probably not contributing much to the overall structure...but it is used to support the bottom of the Hickory step bracket, so it improves rigidity of those steps. When I wondered about losing some support structure on the nearby rear corner jack...he waffled a bit and admitted that he was unsure. I appreciated his straight up response and it confirmed my decision to not cut it out.
That's what led me to using the Stow-N-Glow, attaching to the factory bracket, getting a rock solid set of steps that are secure, and just being satisfied with taking them on/off - not a big deal when setting up camp. For quick stops while traveling, I have the option of putting on the steps (60 sec), or just using the Little Giant steps which are about 8.5" rise.
Ok, you just confirmed to me that the Host does not have the crosspiece limiting the bottom of the factory step storage area - that's what I thought I noticed in Host photos. Wish mine was like that so I could have gotten the extra 3" adjustability of the Revolution support bracket. But I also figured that I would want 7-step because my calls showed that a 6-step would leave the bottom step at 12.5" above ground (higher than I wanted for when my wife and I turn 80).
I was not interested in cutting that bottom bar out, even though I suspected it might have limited structural importance. But since I tend to be complete OCD, I called Eagle Cap to discuss with their engr - As you might guess, he was not anxious to advise, but did say it was probably not contributing much to the overall structure...but it is used to support the bottom of the Hickory step bracket, so it improves rigidity of those steps. When I wondered about losing some support structure on the nearby rear corner jack...he waffled a bit and admitted that he was unsure. I appreciated his straight up response and it confirmed my decision to not cut it out.
That's what led me to using the Stow-N-Glow, attaching to the factory bracket, getting a rock solid set of steps that are secure, and just being satisfied with taking them on/off - not a big deal when setting up camp. For quick stops while traveling, I have the option of putting on the steps (60 sec), or just using the Little Giant steps which are about 8.5" rise.
