DIY step well cover, ideas?

[Effy]

On our ACE 29.2 the TV and DVD player is located conveniently over the step well. This can make for a tricky dvd swap during travel. I thought it would be nice to have a step well cover to make it easier and safer during travel. Despite a lot of searching I can't seem to find a ready made product to purchase. Unless anyone knows of one I am thinking I may fabricate one. My requirements would be that it is sturdy, yet convenient to put down, take up from within the coach as well as easy to store. Initially I thought of welding an angle iron frame to provide a lip around the well with supports and attaching 3/4 sub floor to it and covering with the same vinyl that's in the RV. but then I thought of where to store it when not in use and thought I would perhaps hinge the middle with support stops on the bottom. Has any of you built anything like this?

[Dutch_12078]

Our coach came equipped with a carpeted drop-in stairwell panel that stowed behind the couch. We found that a bit awkward to use, so I modified it by adding strap hinges on one side, so it could be tilted up and stowed in place. A small door stop and barrel bolt hold it upright. Not shown in the photos below are the wooden handrail I added that matches the OEM handrail on the other side of the well, and the strap that makes it easy raise and lower without bending over.

(Photos taken during work in progress. Excuse the mess.)

[MrWizard]

we hinged ours on tne front edge by the dash
covered it both sides with the same carpet runner we use on the steps
we use a strap with snaps to hold it up when parked

i don't like the hinge in the middle fold it up idea
ours is only supported on three sides when down, so it needs to be solid
did not want to mount a wood support bar on the inside of the enrty door

[capndan77]

We fabricated one along the design you are thinking of but used 1/2" plywood oversized beyond well opening, furring strips around the edge matching the outline of the well. Carpeted ours. Hinged in the middle using a door hinge. You may want to go a little thicker depending on the weight of the persons using it. Our goal was to keep small grand-children from falling into the well but it made it so much easier to get to the TV and DVD player. Just one suggestion, cut out a space near the door to access the door handle if it would be covered being lower than the top of the well. It still has to be an emergency exit. The cut out made it easier to lift out as well.

[Daveinet]

Many DPs with a front door put the hinge on the front side and flip forward out of the way. I think rather than using angle iron and trying to paint it to look good, I would just screw a flat board to the inside of the step well and then finish it with stain to match the rest of the wood inside the coach. Then it will look like a piece of normal wood trim, rather than a piece of welded angle iron with paint on it. I would probably also just use a wood board for the floor, rather covering it with vinyl. Time you start putting covering over it may make it more bulky and heavy. Also that mean edging that will get banged up when dropping into place, or stashing out of the way. Just a nicely finished 3/4 inch thick piece of oak would do. Maybe even cut a slot in the middle of it for your hand, so it is easy to pick up and stash out of the way when not in use. My opinion is that as soon as you try to put a hinge on it, that just gives something that will wear out - not that the hinge its self will wear, but that over time the attachment screws will work loose and it will lose its fit and finish. Keep it simple to reduce wear and make it easy to use.