Forum Discussion

d3500ram's avatar
d3500ram
Explorer III
Sep 01, 2018

Step tread adhesive?

The rubber tread finally came off. This is the one that you step on when it is hinged in the up position as shown in the images, it is on the bottom when in the in-use down position and that rubber used to half hang-on dangle down.

I have tried general use spray can adhesive to try and keep it in place before all gave out... The factory install has some sort of thin rubber like double stick tape of sorts.

Should I use a regular paint-on contact cement? There really on no porosity to either mating surface. I don't think a regular thin double-stick tape will work. Really do not want to use construction adhesive as I don't think it would hold over time.

What you recommend?



Truck Campers
  • downtheroad's avatar
    downtheroad
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2018
    I have had great luck with 3M double sided mounting tape for a variety of projects....(like yours).

    3M makes of ton of different types of this tape for different applications...
    I think it's the way I would mount tread on my steps....
    (we have tread rugs now which I really like)

    Here is one designed for outdoor use:

  • Itchey_Feet's avatar
    Itchey_Feet
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2018
    The rubber on my step stool that we use to get up on our TC came off just as yours did, I cleaned off remaining adhesive and went to auto parts store and bought some non skid safety tread, cut it to size ans pealed off the backing and stuck it down. Has been on there for 5 years now and shows no signs of pulling loose.
  • TxGearhead's avatar
    TxGearhead
    Explorer II
    Sep 01, 2018
    3M makes a stick on "traction tape". I made a redneck step for my boat and put the 3M on. Been on for maybe 4 years. I think they were available in different sizes. I might have got it at Lowe's.
  • Kayteg1's avatar
    Kayteg1
    Explorer II
    Sep 01, 2018
    x2 on traction tape.
    I got a roll of commercial grade tape over 20 years ago and used it on glow steps just a year go.
    It stays solid.
    Looks like my size of coffee cup ;)
  • RedRocket204's avatar
    RedRocket204
    Explorer
    Sep 01, 2018
    Skateboard grip tape would also work and it comes pretty wide and in different colors and designs, even clear and it's pretty cheap. A quick look and it looks like a lot of it is in 9" wide by 33" long.
  • AnEv942's avatar
    AnEv942
    Nomad
    Sep 01, 2018
    I used the 3M molding 'super strenth' tape to reatach our rubber treads back to step. Available most auto parts stores. Been a few years and its still attached.
  • JimK-NY's avatar
    JimK-NY
    Explorer II
    Sep 02, 2018
    I have the same kind of step. I have never understood why there is rubber on the underside of the step. Mine folds up but it no where near level when folded. I have to fold it down in order to get into the camper even when the camper is off the truck and close to the ground.

    Anyway, I would just start over and use new material from the home center or hardware store.
  • Buzzcut1's avatar
    Buzzcut1
    Nomad II
    Sep 02, 2018
    Mine started to come up and I glued it back down with JB Weld Steel Kwik epoxy. it hasn't moved since.
  • Bedlam's avatar
    Bedlam
    Moderator
    Sep 03, 2018
    Mine lasted less than three years on my Arctic Fox in the wet NorthWest before coming up. I used Gorrilla Glue after cleaning both surfaces.
  • Freep's avatar
    Freep
    Explorer
    Sep 03, 2018
    I used gorilla glue on my fold down step. The rubber on the bumper step is coming up now too. I may try the double sided tape just to see how it compares.

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