I just got the steps and am happy with them so sharing for those of interest.
I had been using a Giant Ladder before and while it did the job very well, it was sort of a hassle, lifting into and out of the camper, not to mention climbing up on the Fox step to get to the bumper to open the door while keeping a death grip on the ladder. It just fit on the floor and was cumbersome, but, it worked well.
I would off-set the ladder to allow the door to open without hitting me in the face. The concern was that I wouldn't be able to offset the steps as I had mistakenly thought they stored up 'On' the bumper and Camper Ladder would be in the way for an offset. No so. As you can see it's level with the bumper. Realizing that after the holes were drill, I might have moved it over an inch or three.
Install was pretty basic with the proper tools. Drill, bits and wrenches etc.
Looks like Torklift has supplied all parts needed for any install situation.
Basically, you just remove the stair bumper plate from the stairs, simple pins and I will get some locks for it later, put the plate where you want it, felt pen to mark the holes to be drilled and drill. The key is to make sure when you're placing the steps that you can open the door without being a hassle. As I said, I offset mine a little so the door won't 'Knock me off' the steps as with the ladder.
Next was installing the bolts, a little tricky to the clueless one that I am, but Torklift supplies ALL the parts needed, specifically the wire spring, apparently everyone knows about it but me, to drag the needed bolts along the inside of the bumper and through the holes. Push spring end through the hold, push it down the bumper (in this case) to where you can push the bolt into the spring end and pull back through the hole. Ingenious.. and it worked very well. Piece O'Cake.
Only issue we ran into was the support plates on the inside of the bumper. We drilled right next to the side of one, so when we put the big washers on the inside, it would catch on the plate and be an uneven setting. Also, in tightening them up, we had to hold the inside to allow tightening without turning, it was just the two on the side of the plates.
Then just re-attach the stairs with the quick pins, Voila' done.
The quick pins are great but I fear that the steps just might "Wander Off' so I would recommend the Locks. These steps are not cheap, quality rarely is, and all one would need is to get a back plate and the steps could easily find a new home. I"m not about to take them off each time I move, sort of defeats the purpose and ease of them, so suggest the locks and yes, if they really want them, they'll get them, but deters most.
The stairs work well. I had to admit that I was a little concerned on the possible "Wiggle" when using them. When I first looked at these, everyone was telling me re: steps in general, that they wiggle, aren't strong enough and eventually will break loose as in the middle of the steps. I tried one at Torklift they had one on display, three step? or so, and it felt strong, and I put it on the list of "Things to Get".
This is a 5-step, I have a high camper on the flatbed, works well. The Steps can be added or removed depending upon camper height needed.
Eval:
I've been using the steps for several days now, so this is an initial review before I adjust and get used to them. They appear to be excellent.
It's just matter of getting used to compared to the year and half I've been using the Giant Ladder.
Things I will probably ADD:
Boot Brush
Locks
Handrail - maybe. I have the Camper rail and I can grab it after the 1st two steps so might not use it.
They are very sturdy, just barely a wiggle which is to be expected, but hardly noticed unless looking for it. The bottom levelers could be the cause as I haven't adjusted them yet on uneven ground. Even without adjusting the bottom levelers, it's a sturdy step and I'm pushing, a-hem, apx 190lbs I'm told, so not a lightweight.
They are very easy to setup.
Unfold:
Just unhitch the rubber holds, pull out, set down. (Adjust the levelers as needed). Excellent for the restocking supplies into camper, like food etc at Wally World (WalMart) Quick N Easy.
Store:
Just lift the bottom step up to waist level, and push/walk it in and reattach the black rubber holds.
Done...
Pros:
Easy to use, in/out.
Very convenient, especially for quick stop use, markets, access, etc.
Easy Storage, just lift and push/pull. No dirt inside of camper.
Sturdy, like normal step only stronger.
Adjustable levelers on the bottom, very important for boondocking.
Able to ADD or Remove steps depending up need, don't have to buy a whole new set of steps.
Ribbed step to help prevent slipping in wet weather.
Glow tabs to see steps a night.
Lifetime Warranty.
Cons:
Levelers - just a little tricky to set properly
Steps - hard to tell which step is which when coming down. (I'll probably get some Black non-skid tape and put on the outer edges to help identify where one step ends to the next one.)
My Gallery photos here:
https://goo.gl/photos/yNAjYh5zRjbbpoTD9
Highly recommended. There apparently is a "Landing" to allow for the steps at an angle if you're towing a trailer at all..."
I had been using a Giant Ladder before and while it did the job very well, it was sort of a hassle, lifting into and out of the camper, not to mention climbing up on the Fox step to get to the bumper to open the door while keeping a death grip on the ladder. It just fit on the floor and was cumbersome, but, it worked well.
I would off-set the ladder to allow the door to open without hitting me in the face. The concern was that I wouldn't be able to offset the steps as I had mistakenly thought they stored up 'On' the bumper and Camper Ladder would be in the way for an offset. No so. As you can see it's level with the bumper. Realizing that after the holes were drill, I might have moved it over an inch or three.
Install was pretty basic with the proper tools. Drill, bits and wrenches etc.
Looks like Torklift has supplied all parts needed for any install situation.
Basically, you just remove the stair bumper plate from the stairs, simple pins and I will get some locks for it later, put the plate where you want it, felt pen to mark the holes to be drilled and drill. The key is to make sure when you're placing the steps that you can open the door without being a hassle. As I said, I offset mine a little so the door won't 'Knock me off' the steps as with the ladder.
Next was installing the bolts, a little tricky to the clueless one that I am, but Torklift supplies ALL the parts needed, specifically the wire spring, apparently everyone knows about it but me, to drag the needed bolts along the inside of the bumper and through the holes. Push spring end through the hold, push it down the bumper (in this case) to where you can push the bolt into the spring end and pull back through the hole. Ingenious.. and it worked very well. Piece O'Cake.
Only issue we ran into was the support plates on the inside of the bumper. We drilled right next to the side of one, so when we put the big washers on the inside, it would catch on the plate and be an uneven setting. Also, in tightening them up, we had to hold the inside to allow tightening without turning, it was just the two on the side of the plates.
Then just re-attach the stairs with the quick pins, Voila' done.
The quick pins are great but I fear that the steps just might "Wander Off' so I would recommend the Locks. These steps are not cheap, quality rarely is, and all one would need is to get a back plate and the steps could easily find a new home. I"m not about to take them off each time I move, sort of defeats the purpose and ease of them, so suggest the locks and yes, if they really want them, they'll get them, but deters most.
The stairs work well. I had to admit that I was a little concerned on the possible "Wiggle" when using them. When I first looked at these, everyone was telling me re: steps in general, that they wiggle, aren't strong enough and eventually will break loose as in the middle of the steps. I tried one at Torklift they had one on display, three step? or so, and it felt strong, and I put it on the list of "Things to Get".
This is a 5-step, I have a high camper on the flatbed, works well. The Steps can be added or removed depending upon camper height needed.
Eval:
I've been using the steps for several days now, so this is an initial review before I adjust and get used to them. They appear to be excellent.
It's just matter of getting used to compared to the year and half I've been using the Giant Ladder.
Things I will probably ADD:
Boot Brush
Locks
Handrail - maybe. I have the Camper rail and I can grab it after the 1st two steps so might not use it.
They are very sturdy, just barely a wiggle which is to be expected, but hardly noticed unless looking for it. The bottom levelers could be the cause as I haven't adjusted them yet on uneven ground. Even without adjusting the bottom levelers, it's a sturdy step and I'm pushing, a-hem, apx 190lbs I'm told, so not a lightweight.
They are very easy to setup.
Unfold:
Just unhitch the rubber holds, pull out, set down. (Adjust the levelers as needed). Excellent for the restocking supplies into camper, like food etc at Wally World (WalMart) Quick N Easy.
Store:
Just lift the bottom step up to waist level, and push/walk it in and reattach the black rubber holds.
Done...
Pros:
Easy to use, in/out.
Very convenient, especially for quick stop use, markets, access, etc.
Easy Storage, just lift and push/pull. No dirt inside of camper.
Sturdy, like normal step only stronger.
Adjustable levelers on the bottom, very important for boondocking.
Able to ADD or Remove steps depending up need, don't have to buy a whole new set of steps.
Ribbed step to help prevent slipping in wet weather.
Glow tabs to see steps a night.
Lifetime Warranty.
Cons:
Levelers - just a little tricky to set properly
Steps - hard to tell which step is which when coming down. (I'll probably get some Black non-skid tape and put on the outer edges to help identify where one step ends to the next one.)
My Gallery photos here:
https://goo.gl/photos/yNAjYh5zRjbbpoTD9
Highly recommended. There apparently is a "Landing" to allow for the steps at an angle if you're towing a trailer at all..."
Looks like you got the wider steps.
I have the narrower and my 12 lb dogs occasionally fell between the steps.
I bought special carpeting for it at Camping World, what helps.
We do have ladder next to them, like you do, so it is good thing to grab, but I think the rail is in our future.
Not for me - I spend decades in construction and know how to keep the balance, but DW is not too happy.
I have the narrower and my 12 lb dogs occasionally fell between the steps.
I bought special carpeting for it at Camping World, what helps.
We do have ladder next to them, like you do, so it is good thing to grab, but I think the rail is in our future.
Not for me - I spend decades in construction and know how to keep the balance, but DW is not too happy.
