Forum Discussion

JBarca's avatar
JBarca
Nomad II
Mar 02, 2018

Torklift GlowStep Revolution for Travel Trailer

Hi,

We are looking at an entry step upgrade.See here on our current steps. These have 8" wide by 24" long treads at 9 1/4" rise. They are not as bad as some of the newer fold in steps, but we are looking for something that we can step up and down a little easier with a better foot feel and somewhat more sturdy.







The Torklift Glow Step Revolution I found from searching here on RV.net is very popular on truck campers they were developed for but not too much yet on TT's/5er's. It may be they are new on the TT's option. These https://www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution

Looking for info/opinions from folks who have them on a few topics.

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.

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?

3. Do the scissors links deflect much under weight going up and down?

4. Have you ever been in a campsite where they will not work? Or you had to create a work around?

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?

6. Is there something you do not like about them and why?

7. Are you glad you did the change to the Glow Step?

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.

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.

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.

Thanks in advance for your opinions.

John
  • myredracer's avatar
    myredracer
    Explorer II
    Mar 03, 2018
    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.

  • Merrykalia's avatar
    Merrykalia
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    We also had the Glow-Step Revolution on our last fifth wheel. When we sold it, we took the steps off and traded them for the old steps. Our GSR are now proudly displayed and utilized on our new fifth wheel.

    DH had both knees replaced and is a large man. He has no problem getting in/out and the steps are sturdy, and are easy to clean with a rinse from a hose. They are easy to adjust to the terrain you are in and it never requires you to also carry an additional step. Footing is solid and they fold into the same spot as the old steps came out of.

    We LOVE ours!!
  • Lantley's avatar
    Lantley
    Nomad
    Mar 03, 2018
    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.
    The lever adjust the run of the steps. It controls how far out the first step is from the camper. Sort of makes the steps short and tight. Imagine trying to use a 4 step stair when the ground only required a 3 step stair

    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?
    The lever controls the in/out of the steps. It pushes the first step out and away from the RV.


    3. Do the scissors links deflect much under weight going up and down?The scissors do not deflect at all

    4. Have you ever been in a campsite where they will not work? Or you had to create a work around?
    If the trailer is raised extra high to create level on the step side. You could end up needing a 5th step. In that case you need to put blocks underneath the adjustable legs to allow the steps to be supported by the ground. Without the blocks the treads will be un-level and slope/tilt towards the ground

    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?

    6. Is there something you do not like about them and why?
    2 complaints the steps can be a little stiff and require more effort to deploy than your typical OEM step.
    There is a gap when the steps are fully extended out (remember that lever!) between the top step and the trailer that I fear someone could step i accidentally step into that gap.

    7. Are you glad you did the change to the Glow Step?
    No regrets steps are very stable. The additional stability make up for any of the cons mentioned above. There is no bounce or movement when walking the steps. My joints appreciate the solidness of the steps.

    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.
    That lever is what creates adjustment for those extremes. Maybe hard to describe but it extends or retracts the rise and run of the steps
  • Lwiddis's avatar
    Lwiddis
    Explorer II
    Mar 03, 2018
    Have you considered physical therapy for strength and to improve balance? And as requested...that’s my opinion.
  • SoundGuy's avatar
    SoundGuy
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    JBarca wrote:
    Looking for info/opinions from folks who have them on a few topics.


    Friend of mine has the Torklift Glowstep Revolution and thinks highly of them ... details here.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2018
    They are strong. I had my 'Fat Albert' buddy jump up and down on them... never budged at all. No rust either. All aluminum with stainless hardware and nylon insert (replaceable) bearing points.

    Not cheap by a long shot but then quality is never cheap.
  • SidecarFlip's avatar
    SidecarFlip
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2018
    I have them on my TC with the landing pads as well and they are very sturdy and the landing pads adjust for unlevel terrain. I think TL offers them for regular RV's as well. I'm completely satisfied with mine.
  • Halmfamily's avatar
    Halmfamily
    Explorer
    Mar 02, 2018
    We have the Glowsteps on our FW and love them. Our dealer installed them for us while it was in for warranty work. It is a 7 1/2" rise which makes them easier to use. Absolutely no deflection in the steps, solid as a rock. Each foot can be adjusted to the ground so very stable. Best upgrade we've done.
  • hawkeye-08's avatar
    hawkeye-08
    Explorer III
    Mar 02, 2018
    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.

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