Satisfied Glowstep owner here...
JBarca wrote:
Hi,
1. There is a lever on the side of the unit that adjusts the top step into 3 positions. When do you use the other positions? This was not real clear in the Glow step videos on their site.
IMO, you want it set so that the rise of the last step into your TT is the same as the rise of the rest of the steps, i.e. 7-1/2"
2. They say they extend into tighter places. OK, how do they really do that? It seems it has to be extended long enough to reach the ground, can you change the angle of the descent/rise so the bottom ground step is closer or further from the camper?
Not sure what they mean by this and haven't read what's on their website.
3. Do the scissors links deflect much under weight going up and down?
No. Because the bottom step sits directly on the ground, there is much less deflection compared to the regular steel steps.
4. Have you ever been in a campsite where they will not work? Or you had to create a work around?
Never an issue for us after 2 seasons with them.
5. The Glow step is reported to be a 7 1/2" rise which is less then our current 9 1/4" and I see that as a good thing. Do you think so? Does the 7 1/2" change more or less when the steps are out or in further?
The nice thing about the 7-1/2" rise is that it is similar to a house or other buildings as required by code. A rise of 9-1/4" isn't great from safety and comfort perspective IMO and wouldn't be allowed for indoor steps by building code. Note that the Glowsteps extend a bit farther out when deployed.
6. Is there something you do not like about them and why? The only thing is that if you want in and out quickly like say stopping at a rest stop, gas station or grocery store you can't flip them out fast like with the regular steel steps. Our floor is quite high off the ground (over 24") and sometimes I hoist myself in and don't bring the steps out but it isn't exactly easy. We occasionally get pulled over at US Customs at the border for a "routine random computer generated" (so they claim) inspection. I sit inside the office and chuckle when the CBP officers try and figure out how to open the steps...
7. Are you glad you did the change to the Glow Step? Absolutely! And it's fun to have something nobody else in a CG has. :)
In our case, we have 3 steps now and there are times we have to add a 4th bottom separate step due to the downhill slope of the campsite. And other times we have the opposite, a high up ended site and the bottom step can almost not be folded out as the ground is so high. These extremes of up and down are characteristic of more remote campgrounds with no hard surface pads that we go to them a lot. I am hoping the Glow step will accommodate both extremes. The Glowsteps accomodate a wide variation in distance from grade to the inside floor level. The steps won't be quite level at the extremes but not a big deal. Having been in the construction industry, one of the most important things in stair design is having equal rise on all steps from top to bottom. IIRC, our building code specifies max 1/8" variation. There is also a code rule for the amount of rise versus run - less rise, more run. Lippert's steps aren't even close to building code requirements. The rise on the Glowsteps is fine but the run is a little shy of code.
My thoughts were on the Glow Step, we could go from a 3 step unit to a 4 step unit and eliminate the separate bottom step which can be a hazard when I have to shim it to not rock. Shim wiggles out and you can go flying out of balance on the rocking step. Nice thing with the Glowsteps is the two legs can be adjusted up/down for uneven ground and makes them stable.
Our current step threads are 8" wide, just like the Glow Step but the glow step looks flat all across the top other then some grooves for anti slip. Ours has 2 raised pads so to speak. One smooth the other gritted for anti slip. In our case your foot really never rests on a full 8" wide, only the tops of the pads. I would like more foot contact surface and think the 8" glow step being flat on top will allow all 8" under your foot to give you the feel of more tread width.
A little longer run on the Glowsteps would be nice but you get used to them pretty quick.
For folks getting older (like me), having more stable steps is a good thing. They're definitely much better for our 13 year old dog. They really cut down on motion inside when someone goes in and out. DW gets up early and often goes for a walk while I'm still snoozing and I don't get woken up now.
One thing I might add which is sort of related is that we installed a Stromberg Carlson "soft touch" grab handle in place of the usual small plastic one. Makes for more confident walking up the steps, is better for pulling yourself forward/up and is much easier to hold on. When I'm inside and don't have the Glowsteps deployed, I can grab onto the larger handle with two hands and swing out easily.
