I considered them on our previous trailer and then before we got them, upgraded to a newer bigger trailer. The steps on the new trailer are welded in, pretty solid so decided not to replace them.
I have an opinion on your questions but will defer to those that have the steps.
I will share that I have the Torklift hitch on my truck and it is very stout, well built. The customer service is top notch also (UPS had the boxes outside at some point and my hitch was missing a few parts when received). Rather than reject the shipment, I accepted it and let etrailer and Torklift know. They both stepped up, with Torklift getting my missing parts to me quickly.
