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Hermes1's avatar
Hermes1
Explorer
Jun 13, 2017

Looking For Entry Steps Solution

We just picked up our new truck camper and our entry steps located on the side of the rig are the traditional RV fold out steel steps. Ours has 4-steps which is great when the TC is off the truck, but when on the truck to enter would require an athletic jump or some sort of step stool. For my wife and I while not optimal, a step stool would be doable but we have two dogs and a step stool to the steps would not work, unless it were to be as wide as or close to the mounted steps. So I am trying to find a workable solution and wondered the following. Is there an extension available that can be attached to our existing steps when needed? What about the TorkLift steps, I see they have models up to 6 or 7 steps, but I have only seem them mounted to TC's with rear entry which seem to sit on the bumper, so I expect in our case when folded, they would stick out the side of the TC rather than reside completely in the current step compartment. Thanks.
  • Don't know how wide your steps are but Harbor Freight has a folding aluminum stool for about $20. Very lightweight and sturdy, and about 24" long. I bought one and shortened the legs on it to make a step so my Mom could get up in my truck on the rare occasions that she rides along. All you need to do is drill out the rivets holding the feet on, cut the legs to the desired length, stuff the feet back on, drill new holes, and pop rivet them back in place.

    But first, I would be going back to the dealer and saying, "Hey what's the deal?" Unless you have a ridiculous lift kit and oversize tires on your truck there is no reason the stock steps should not allow access. It's a brand new camper on a 2 year old truck. If anything trucks have only gotten HIGHER in the last two years.
  • Quite a few pictures at amlrv site

    amlrv.com/eagle-cap-truck-camper model-1165/


    Shows camper on Ford but parked next to a berm, hard to see actual elevation from ground. I would contact dealer or AML to see if tread could be added. But the extended steps with no contact to ground. lot of leverage.

    Torklift does make steps that retract into box like you have, used on trailers/coaches. Not syle for T/Cs. Dont know if adaptable. Real advantage would be the adjustable legs at bottom.
    torkliftcentral.com/
  • Thank you all for the replies. mkirsch I am going to look into the Harbor Freight stool you mentioned, that may help. We just picked up the TC on Saturday and have not had a chance to completely go over it, I hope to reload the camper on the truck this weekend to take some measurements and fully investigate my step situation.
  • I believe my wife's folding Rubbamade step would woerk fine. I think they are about 15 bucks at Wallyworld.