don't understand DP steps

[the_silverback]

Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

[msmith1199]

wallynm wrote:
The poster stated the step would hit the curb. If that is the case it can not extend and be available for use.

msmith1199 wrote:

wallynm wrote:
In that case I would turn the external step off,it would not extend and open the door.

Big Katuna wrote:

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

Rereading your post, if I had another step it would hit the curb when parked on the side of the road.

And then somebody opens the door and doesn't look down and ends up flat on their face. I don't know about others, but my DP doesn't even have an on-off switch. It stays on all the time. I have a switch that in one position the steps come in and out when you open or close the door, and in the other position the steps stay down once the ignition is off.

He said that's why he doesn't have a third step. I was also pointing out the steps generally don't have an off switch.

[Mr_Mark1]

On our '08 Dynasty, we had two steps that went out with 3 steps on the inside. I have, on occasion, hit the steps on a curb and rubbed them along the ground as some sites can be unlevel.

We carry a portable platform that is about 2 inches tall with the legs in or about 5-6 inches high with the legs folded out making a taller step. Sometimes that extra step comes in handy.

Our new coach has no steps on the outside which I'm really glad. The door is set low in the chassis so all the steps are in the inside. Four steps to the driver area and 3 more steps to the living room.

I still have the portable step just in case it's needed. But, no more bumping the steps, rubbing them on the ground or them getting dirty and not closing all the way.

MM.

[wallynm]

The poster stated the step would hit the curb. If that is the case it can not extend and be available for use.

msmith1199 wrote:

wallynm wrote:
In that case I would turn the external step off,it would not extend and open the door.

Big Katuna wrote:

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

Rereading your post, if I had another step it would hit the curb when parked on the side of the road.

And then somebody opens the door and doesn't look down and ends up flat on their face. I don't know about others, but my DP doesn't even have an on-off switch. It stays on all the time. I have a switch that in one position the steps come in and out when you open or close the door, and in the other position the steps stay down once the ignition is off.

[gemert]

When the air is dumped on my beaver the one and only step is often way less than an inch above the surface when extended. Depends on your MH.

[msmith1199]

wallynm wrote:
In that case I would turn the external step off,it would not extend and open the door.

Big Katuna wrote:

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

Rereading your post, if I had another step it would hit the curb when parked on the side of the road.

And then somebody opens the door and doesn't look down and ends up flat on their face. I don't know about others, but my DP doesn't even have an on-off switch. It stays on all the time. I have a switch that in one position the steps come in and out when you open or close the door, and in the other position the steps stay down once the ignition is off.

[wallynm]

In that case I would turn the external step off,it would not extend and open the door.

Big Katuna wrote:

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

Rereading your post, if I had another step it would hit the curb when parked on the side of the road.

[Big_Katuna]

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

Rereading your post, if I had another step it would hit the curb when parked on the side of the road.

[wallynm]

How many do you want?

the silverback wrote:
Why do most or at least a lot of DP's only have two steps at the door. I see a lot of them with 2 steps and a portable third step. Doesn't make sense to me.

[Executive45]

Once leveled, my bottom step is only a few inches off the ground....I have two so a third one would end up a few inches underground.....Dennis

[doxiemom11]

When they let the air out of the airbags, the frame of the motorhome is closer to the ground than a gas one or a fifth wheel.

[KarenS144]

With our gasser, we used a separate step probably 99% of the time. We have a DP now (and we aren't squires!) but seldom use the extra step. It depends on how level the site is but when we dump the air bags, it does sit a little lower. We have 2 outside & 3 in.

[lunch_surfer]

Most DP drivers are retired flying squires!

[msmith1199]

Ground clearance is an issue too. Steps on a motorhome are automatic. That means they are opening once you open that door. If you had a third step and you have dumped your air and you were parked at the curb, you're going to dig your steps into the curb.

[Big_Katuna]

Depends on frame design as it relates to interior floor height above ground after air bags are down.

Our friends Foretravel with monocoque frame has one extending step and only one inside.

My cheap Fleetwood DP has two extending outside and three inside.

I carry a 4" tall wooden platform for crowned sites where the ground slopes away.

Don't always use it.