Switching to 4 step vs 3 step entry stairs

[GON2SKI]

Found my sweetie seated on her rear from a fall off the stairs where I had parked last trip boon docking with too steep of a drop off slope even using a platform step as the 4th stair, so next week the dealer will add a 4 step entry. Our fifth wheel entry is 38" from ground level and the first step up at level is about 14" high. With the fall she luckily had a soft landing between two boulders and only got small abrasions and bruises. She lost her balance as she stepped up on the first step trying to lean back while holding onto the grab bar to allow the door to open and swing by her. She's short and hopefully more stairs will help with her safety. Also letting the two sister bull terriers out at night with their leashes on and making it down the steep steps also gets very precarious for me and the girls. Anyone else made this change?

[leeper]

You must have gone to Camping world for the install. I bought the original brand but with 4 steps instead of 3. Easy to change over. Everything was bolt in. Had same problem with short wife. Worked great with wife,dog, and me.

[ol_Bombero-JC]

The Glow Step -and- Port-A-Step both are x'lnt choices.

The Port-A-Step "deck" is a plus.

Either are especially beneficial for partially handicapped folks or those with bad knees, etc. - - when the "simple" change from three to four (like those in the "rhagfo" pics) isn't really the best option.

Unfortunate the OP "GON2SKI" didn't post his question in the Fifth Wheel forum - as it has been there before, along with posts by users of the various step solutions.

A search there might be worthwhile...:@


~

[Lantley]

TomHaycraft wrote:
Rather than starting new thread, hope to pick up where this left off.

Having recently 'lifted' trailer to achieve level towing, I need to move from 3 to 4-steps. I'm considering the 4-step TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Scissor Steps w/ Landing Gear. Out of the box, reasonably level sites, dimensions look real good.

My question, where I'm hoping to learn from those who have these installed, how have they worked when dealing with sites with more significant elevation rise or drop? Drop (greater distance from steps to ground), I'm not as worried about, can always put leveling blocks under the step landing gear. When there is a rise (less distance), has anyone found the landing gear to hit too soon? (hope I've described that good enough!)

I do understand your question. The Glow steps will still work. The bottom legs are adjustable and the initial drop is also adjustable.
If you want a simple solution just use a stool as your 4th step.
If you are going to go to the trouble of replacing the steps. I highly recommend using GSR's they are far superior to the typical OEM steps.

[rhagfo]

Three to four is simple and not too costly. We up graded from three to four. Took all of 20 minutes by myself, and my transmission jack.

I added a little extra bracing, and they very are solid. Yes about a 1/4" of defection on the last step, but not bad at 230#.

[Dave_and_Sue]

The wife has always ha trouble with the entry steps.Once in she has no trouble with the steps up into the front room.When we made the deal on our new 5er,that was part of the deal.Install a 4 step step off of the Brookstone line.Works great.

[TomHaycraft]

Rather than starting new thread, hope to pick up where this left off.

Having recently 'lifted' trailer to achieve level towing, I need to move from 3 to 4-steps. I'm considering the 4-step TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Scissor Steps w/ Landing Gear. Out of the box, reasonably level sites, dimensions look real good.

My question, where I'm hoping to learn from those who have these installed, how have they worked when dealing with sites with more significant elevation rise or drop? Drop (greater distance from steps to ground), I'm not as worried about, can always put leveling blocks under the step landing gear. When there is a rise (less distance), has anyone found the landing gear to hit too soon? (hope I've described that good enough!)

[azrving]

Some are welded, some aren't. It just takes common sense and a 4 inch cut off wheel with well placed cuts then twist and flex to finish breaking the welds. Cut/hack the old step to get it out of the way quickly. Clean up with a flapper wheel.

[JohnG3]

GON2SKI wrote:
Update….RV's been at the dealers for three weeks waiting for parts. The dealer calls after all this time and advised the steps were welded to both the frame and a bracket and the new labor would be $300 more beyond original quote for installation on the quad step version……so I'm looking into the Port A Step aluminum platform addition or engineering my own design. Thanks for the ideas the Glow Steps also look interesting and a solid stable retrofit.

Not sure but it sounds like the dealer is blowing smoke. I'm not an expert but all the steps I've seen on RVs have been bolt on.

[JohnG3]

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Check out the 'Glow Steps' from Torklift

Steps can be added or removed easily (2 to 6 steps) and has adjustable stabilizers

Plus they glow at night so you can see them.

LINK

X2, Have them on our 38ft Montana.

[NC_Hauler]

rjxj wrote:
I considered a 4 step for my FW but never bought because I figured it would be even more springy than a 3 step. I now have a Torq Lift revolution glow step. It's a very nice set up. More money but everything good costs more.

I too have the 4 step Torq Lift Revolution glow steps set up. The "legs" on the bottom step are independent adjustable, in case of uneven terrain.

These steps are VERY stable, no shaking or bouncing...and The Torq Lift people are great to deal with.:)

[fj12ryder]

Run, do not walk, away from that place. Find you a reputable shop that will do this kind of work. It is not rocket science. I installed the Quadra-Steps myself and it wasn't that hard.

[GON2SKI]

Original quote $600 installed complete, then upped to $895!

[fj12ryder]

Man, you need a new/different dealer.

[azrving]

$300 more? It's a basic fabrication project that any beginner could accomplish in an hour or less. How much did they want for labor to begin with?

[GON2SKI]

Update….RV's been at the dealers for three weeks waiting for parts. The dealer calls after all this time and advised the steps were welded to both the frame and a bracket and the new labor would be $300 more beyond original quote for installation on the quad step version……so I'm looking into the Port A Step aluminum platform addition or engineering my own design. Thanks for the ideas the Glow Steps also look interesting and a solid stable retrofit.