Replacing solid steps with folding steps

[laknox]

Has anyone done this? I can't find any threads on rv.net about this. I was given a brand new set of Glowstep Revolution steps to install on my older FW, but would gladly take them with me if they'll fit my next FW. Personally, the ONLY good thing about the stupid solid steps is the stability, and the Revolution, among other folding steps, can give you the same without the cons of the stupid solid steps.

Lyle

[laknox]

schlep1967 wrote:

laknox wrote:
Sorry, I wasn't clear. My '17 KZ has old-style folding steps and I was gifted a set of the Glowstep Revolutions to replace them. We're thinking of upgrading FWs in the next 1-2 years, and I was wondering if anyone has swapped the stupid solid steps out for the old-style folding steps. That's one of my biggest pet peeves about the newer RVs and, IMO, it was totally unresearched by manufacturers to see if =actual RVers= would find them desirable. Again, IMO, LCI and MorRyde started literally giving these things to the manufacturers to promote them in the first couple of years, hence the explosive widespread use of them by all manufacturers. Now, if they'd make them OPTIONAL, I think you'd see how few people really like them.

Lyle

Almost all newer fifth-wheels have the steps that lift up into the door for storage. If the set of glowsteps you have is made for under door storage, they will not be compatible with most newer trailers.

Which I totally understand and asked my original question. Has anyone ever removed the stupid solid steps and replaced them with old-school folding steps? This would mean fabbing a frame, cutting the skirt, etc.

Lyle

[StirCrazy]

schlep1967 wrote:

Almost all newer fifth-wheels have the steps that lift up into the door for storage. If the set of glowsteps you have is made for under door storage, they will not be compatible with most newer trailers.

not seeing them very much on new trailers or 5ths up here. maybe 10%. I think there used as a dealer upsell for people they know will be snowbirding, but few come from the factory with them from what I have seen in the last two years.

[JTrac]

My 2020 Pinnacle came with the Mor-Ryde steps. I park it in a garage behind our house and the distance between the garage wall and the door side of the Pinnacle was not enough to let me bring the steps down. I took them out and replaced them with a set of Torklift Uprising telescoping steps which solved my problem. While doing this I found the frame still had the cut out for the old style steps hid behind the sheet metal skirting. I thought about cutting it out and installing conventional steps but was afraid it would hurt the value. With some trim and proper cutting tools it could probably be made to look like it came that way. Later models may have eliminated the space for the old style steps, don't know.

[Bob_Vaughn]

We love ours would not have a set of solid steps

[Durb]

I replaced the fold-down steps on my 2008 trailer with Glowsteps that I bought used. I first ensured they were the same width. 2 bolts with nuts on each side, unbolt one set, install the other; real easy. Storing and deploying them took a few minutes of learning, but quite intuitive now. I did install some grip tape as I felt the Glowsteps might be slippery when wet. Good add.

I believe Torquelift makes a bracket so the steps can be folded into the doorway should your next trailer not have a nacelle under the door.

[Toolguy5]

I switched them out when i had the 2018 Northpoint. It was pretty easy. I did have to modify trim on interior of door.

You need the correct measurements for the steps to work properly. They do make different sizes. It depends on ground to floor measurement wether you need 3 or 4 steps.

[schlep1967]

laknox wrote:
Sorry, I wasn't clear. My '17 KZ has old-style folding steps and I was gifted a set of the Glowstep Revolutions to replace them. We're thinking of upgrading FWs in the next 1-2 years, and I was wondering if anyone has swapped the stupid solid steps out for the old-style folding steps. That's one of my biggest pet peeves about the newer RVs and, IMO, it was totally unresearched by manufacturers to see if =actual RVers= would find them desirable. Again, IMO, LCI and MorRyde started literally giving these things to the manufacturers to promote them in the first couple of years, hence the explosive widespread use of them by all manufacturers. Now, if they'd make them OPTIONAL, I think you'd see how few people really like them.

Lyle

Almost all newer fifth-wheels have the steps that lift up into the door for storage. If the set of glowsteps you have is made for under door storage, they will not be compatible with most newer trailers.

[laknox]

Sorry, I wasn't clear. My '17 KZ has old-style folding steps and I was gifted a set of the Glowstep Revolutions to replace them. We're thinking of upgrading FWs in the next 1-2 years, and I was wondering if anyone has swapped the stupid solid steps out for the old-style folding steps. That's one of my biggest pet peeves about the newer RVs and, IMO, it was totally unresearched by manufacturers to see if =actual RVers= would find them desirable. Again, IMO, LCI and MorRyde started literally giving these things to the manufacturers to promote them in the first couple of years, hence the explosive widespread use of them by all manufacturers. Now, if they'd make them OPTIONAL, I think you'd see how few people really like them.

Lyle

[Lantley]

deltabravo wrote:

Lantley wrote:
But they do make a set to replace uprising solid steps.

You've got two products mixed in that sentence. "Uprising" steps are a version of the Glow Steps from Torklift. Torklift Steps

Solid steps are a different brand.

My comments are not brand specific.
Uprising steps to refer to steps that rise up into trailer for storage vs. folding steps that fold down beneath trailer for storage.
Glowsteps by Torxlift are available in both configurations.

[deltabravo]

Lantley wrote:
But they do make a set to replace uprising solid steps.

You've got two products mixed in that sentence. "Uprising" steps are a version of the Glow Steps from Torklift. Torklift Steps

Solid steps are a different brand.

[Lantley]

Not sure which Glow Steps you have. But they do make a set to replace uprising solid steps. You need to make sure you have the correct type for your application

[goducks10]

Do you have a slot for fold outs?
I have a 2 door TT and love my solid steps. If I had a 1 door 5er then now way would I go SS.

[Samsonsworld]

Can't get my solid steps open in storage. Thanks for the question.

[MFL]

I've no experience with the solid steps, but if that is what you have, you likely don't have a frame attached cage to attach the folding steps to? I'm thinking you may also need to trim panel under the door for fitment.

I would not want the solid steps either.

Jerry

[obie311]

The torklifts are stable if the feet are adjusted properly. Unlike the other folding steps, these don't dump trash into the interior when folded.