Replacement Steps

[flyfishing48]

Our Silverback is just 10 days past the extended warrentry and the brace of the steps breaks. It broke just above the weld. But warranty or not I don't want to fix these steps.
We never liked them. They sagged way more than our previous campers did. This was from day one. So we are looking for a replacement. Something with a different design.

Looking at what Camping World has online their steps until appear to be made differently and will bolt right up to our Silverback. They come in both a 3 step and 4 step version. But wondering what else is available out there. Would like to here for others who have been down this road before.

Our OEM steps are a 3 step unit with 9 1/2 inch risers. Thinking the 4 step unit with a 8 inch riser might be nice.

Thanks in advance for any input.

[GON2SKI]

One other option is to DIY. I chose this route and used redwood to build a shell that fits over the factory stairs and designed them with an 8" rise and 4 steps extending to approximately 45 degree angle. Materials cost about $100 and there is no flex plus they will travel in the short bed behind the hitch......fun little project for winter.

[flyfishing48]

Thanks for all of the input and discussion.
I pulled the carpet back to see what brand my OEM steps were and found they were the same as what Camping World has online. Looking at the prints with dimension, they appear to be a slightly different design. But because they are the same mfg I am hesitant to order these.
I think I will try to get mine welded and wait until we get to Tuscon and look at some options before upgrading.

[fivercamper]

Another vote for the TorkLift Glow Steps. We've had them on our rig for about a year. Way better than OEM steps. Our original steps were the three step style with about 9½" rise and the top step into the trailer was about 10½". Doesn't sound bad but the Glow Steps four step version reduced the rise to 7½" with a better tread depth. As my knees age that small difference isn't so small any more.

A few years ago we went back to the factory asking for a 4 step foldout unit thinking it would be better than the similar existing 3 step. When the service folks got done, the bottom step was about 1" above the ground and the rise on the other steps wasn't much better than what we already had. They removed the new steps and put the old ones back on. After that, we purchased and liked the 4 step Port-A-Step product but those require a solid top existing step to rest on and/or attach to.

Eventually we switched to the Glow Step product mostly because that product remains attached to the rig vs the Port-A-Steps that have to be packed away when moving. Pricing on the Glow Steps and the Port-A-Steps is similar. For seasonal folks who don't move often, the Port-A-Steps might be a better choice assuming the rig's existing steps are in good shape. The Glow Steps are better for those that move more often and totally replace existing steps.

[fj12ryder]

Thanks for getting back on the steps. Nice to know I simply hadn't seen them somewhere.

[boblinfoto]

fj12ryder wrote:

flyfishing48 wrote:
Boblinfoto. Who makes the stainless one you bought. I haven't seen that one on etrailer yet?

I'm also interested, I've never seen Stainless steel steps. I didn't even know they made them.

Sorry. I went back to the order. They're only STEEL not Stainless steel. I goofed. Forgive me....

[fj12ryder]

And therein is the crux of the matter: "My wife has had 2 hips and 2 knees replaced and the glow step revolution are by far the better steps, for us. ...get the steps you want and be done with it."

The proper wording BTW, is "panties in a wad" or "knickers in a twist". 🙂 Panties rarely get in an uproar. 🙂

Okay, I'm done. I promise. 🙂

[fj12ryder]

Uh, the definition of "perceived": to recognize, discern, envision, or understand. Perhaps you're thinking of a different word.

[Pipeman]

fj12ryder wrote,"The "springiness" is caused by the trailer moving on its suspension as you add weight at a distance from the COG, not by the construction of the steps." Well sir I really beg to differ with you on that point. Our old steps were very bouncy and the 5er wasn't moving when they were stepped on. My wife has had 2 hips and 2 knees replaced and the glow step revolution are by far the better steps, for us. No need to get your panties in an uproar, get the steps you want and be done with it.

[NC_Hauler]

fj12ryder wrote:
Those steps are solid because they have legs to support the weight when you step on them which has little to do with perceived quality. You could put legs/supports on the OEM steps and they would feel very solid too, in fact I've seen several recommendations to do so if the steps were too springy. The "springiness" is caused by the trailer moving on its suspension as you add weight at a distance from the COG, not by the construction of the steps.

I'm sure they are good steps, but for someone who just wants steps closer to the ground, and shorter rise between steps, they are a substantial amount of overkill.

Not going to argue with you, BUT, it's not, PERCEIVED quality. As an Engineer, who HAS to know and work with Quality, as in 42 years of manufacturing,.. These steps are very well designed with several features built in to them , NOT COUNTING THE FOOT STANDS. I understand you have an issue with the cost, but until you've looked at, handled these steps, installed them, seen the added features of level and height adjustments and actually USED them, I don't expect you to understand. But I DO know quality in manufacturing processes, and this product has been built with quality as a number 1 stress point.

Again, your issue is with cost, but I've worked with several sets of these steps and see people using them...if your problem is about cost, so be it..BUT these have been manufactured with quality being #1...a rare case in today's world..especially when it comes to after market products for one's RV

The OEM steps had a high first step and I wasn't going to carry something around with me to make it easier to maneuver...

Jim

[fj12ryder]

Those steps are solid because they have legs to support the weight when you step on them which has little to do with perceived quality. You could put legs/supports on the OEM steps and they would feel very solid too, in fact I've seen several recommendations to do so if the steps were too springy. The "springiness" is caused by the trailer moving on its suspension as you add weight at a distance from the COG, not by the construction of the steps.

I'm sure they are good steps, but for someone who just wants steps closer to the ground, and shorter rise between steps, they are a substantial amount of overkill.

[NC_Hauler]

fj12ryder wrote:
If you need the steps and handrail then they work for you. But for me paying nearly 4 times what a Quadra Step costs is not very frugal(Definition: careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to). I just think of the amount of fuel I can buy with that. 🙂

I didn't get a handrail, though someone like my wife who had a hip replacement, or me, still recouping from a stroke, it would make it easier going up and down the steps. The Glow steps are a very high quality made product. Being in manufacturing for 42 years, I know good quality when I see/work with it. Sometimes you pay more for true quality..and the people of this company put the customer first. They're great to work with. These steps are solid..no give with a low first step and you have several adjustments you can make on these steps quite easily after they're installed to "tweak" their use.

Jim

[NC_Hauler]

I'll recommend the Glow Step Revolution set up also. Went from the OEM 4 step, that had a high first step, to a 5 step Glow Steps.. They are aluminum, very light weight, with legs that touch the ground to give a more solid walk up the steps..Far easier to go up and down then before.

The company is VERY customer friendly and will bend over backwards to do all they can to help with install if help is needed. My wife, self and our two boxers like these steps MUCH better than the bouncy OEM steps. Can't say enough good about the product and the company..5 stars:)



Jim

[fj12ryder]

If you need the steps and handrail then they work for you. But for me paying nearly 4 times what a Quadra Step costs is not very frugal(Definition: careful about spending money or using things when you do not need to). I just think of the amount of fuel I can buy with that. 🙂

[B_O__Plenty]

fj12ryder wrote:
Shoot, for the price they ought to come out and put them on for you. 🙂

Maybe...but the difference in quality between them and what your trailer came with has to be seen to be believed. These Glow Steps are mighty nice and really well made. JMHO

B.O.