Opinions on folding entrance steps
My TC don't have a rear step bumper, it's a pop up and I've been contemplating a set of fold up steps because it's a PITA to get into and out of with my always present step stool. Anyone have any r...
Forum Discussion
I'm leaning toward the 'Little Giant' 3 step that Jack Hart posted a picture of on 4-18 attached to the back door of his Hallmark Outfitter. The top step on the 3 step is at 34" and that puts me at the right height to step into my camper. 4 step is too high, 3 step is just right...
My big issue is, like Mr. Hart, I don't have much 'wiggle room' below the door to attach anything in the way of a bracket to carry say a Torklift folding step. I could however, attach an aluminum (or steel angle) to the channel that runs the entire length of the camper just inside of the lower edge on the back. I could use that to 'sit' the ladder in while transporting it with it attached to the camper (just like Mr. Hart does) with a tarp strap and a stainless eye bolt on each side of the door.
With folding steps, I still need a ladder of sorts to reach my roof latches to release and secure them. I cannot reach them from the ground when the unit is on the truck, I'm 6'1 but I must have short arms...lol
I did some inquiring with Little Giant and the sent me the step height dimensions (from the ground) so I know how high they are.
One thing I was unpleasantly surprised about is, the ladders are made in China, but I guess that is 'World Class' economy at work. They are 'guaranteed' for life. Not sure what 'Life' means.
My other issue (a small one) is the Torklift steps will block the view of my license plate on the truck going down the road. Might be a non issue but then again, might be an issue, depending on how LE views it.
Where I'm at. The Little Giant ladders direct from Little Giant are 125 bucks and free shipping and I'll have to add a storage ledge to the bottom plus 2 stainless eye bolts to the door frame and a tarp strap.
As an aside, Torklift contacted me about their steps and doing a 'user test' for them but I think I scared them away when I sent them pictures of how much room there was below the door to attach their bracket. They require 3" of clear space, I have 2 so I explained to them I would have to 'fabricate' a lower mount and I think they assumed that was beyond my capabilities.
It isn't. I co-own and operated a fabrication and short run machine shop. We do projects like that everyday for customers. A very minor job.
My big issue is, like Mr. Hart, I don't have much 'wiggle room' below the door to attach anything in the way of a bracket to carry say a Torklift folding step. I could however, attach an aluminum (or steel angle) to the channel that runs the entire length of the camper just inside of the lower edge on the back. I could use that to 'sit' the ladder in while transporting it with it attached to the camper (just like Mr. Hart does) with a tarp strap and a stainless eye bolt on each side of the door.
With folding steps, I still need a ladder of sorts to reach my roof latches to release and secure them. I cannot reach them from the ground when the unit is on the truck, I'm 6'1 but I must have short arms...lol
I did some inquiring with Little Giant and the sent me the step height dimensions (from the ground) so I know how high they are.
One thing I was unpleasantly surprised about is, the ladders are made in China, but I guess that is 'World Class' economy at work. They are 'guaranteed' for life. Not sure what 'Life' means.
My other issue (a small one) is the Torklift steps will block the view of my license plate on the truck going down the road. Might be a non issue but then again, might be an issue, depending on how LE views it.
Where I'm at. The Little Giant ladders direct from Little Giant are 125 bucks and free shipping and I'll have to add a storage ledge to the bottom plus 2 stainless eye bolts to the door frame and a tarp strap.
As an aside, Torklift contacted me about their steps and doing a 'user test' for them but I think I scared them away when I sent them pictures of how much room there was below the door to attach their bracket. They require 3" of clear space, I have 2 so I explained to them I would have to 'fabricate' a lower mount and I think they assumed that was beyond my capabilities.
It isn't. I co-own and operated a fabrication and short run machine shop. We do projects like that everyday for customers. A very minor job.
