If anyone comes up with a better solution, I'd appreciate it too. Other than adding a platform, shoot... even I don't like climbing steps and then backing off just to open the door. Not so bad on a level surface, but when parked at some unlevel sites where there's a foot distance between the bottom of the bottom step and the ground, yea ... it's like being 4 years old all over again.
I have a 4 year old grandson that lives with us. And he can reach the handle and open the door, but then hasn't learned to let go. Yes, he's gotten into some pretty precarious situations.