Torklift Glow steps, issues and questions

[gitpicker2009]

First of all let me say that I've been very impressed with Torklift and have even posted here telling folks how they replaced my stabil loads no questions asked when the crumbled.

However, I recently ran into some issues with their glow steps and wanted to see if anyone else has had the same problems and how they dealt with it.

I received my 4 step model aluminum glow steps and after watching the installation video on their site, and reading the included directions, I drilled 4 holes in the center of the bumper of my AF1150.

After "fishing" the bolts through (using the including "fish wire") I realized that there is NO way to keep the bolts from spinning when you tighten the nut. It's impossible to reach from the end opening of the bumper to hold the bolt. (they are inside the bumper, coming out towards the rear) So, I removed all the bolts and went and bought some self tightening "star" type washers, no problem, but annoying.

THEN I find that you CANNOT lift the steps "up" onto the bumper for storing while traveling, like you can with the AF1150 single step.

I called Torklift and they recommended instead drilling the holes near the TOP of the bumper. I could have used that info before drilling four 1/2 inch holes in the center of my bumper.

Then I decided to check whether it would work, if I followed their instructions, before drilling 4 new holes. It will NOT. Even if I bolt the step at the very top edge of the bumper, you can't "store" the steps on top of the bumper.

I called Torklift, and they said they could "hang" behind and beneath the bumper. There's a thin wire with a loop, but there's no way I'm going to drive down the highway with these steps hanging behind me. If the wire breaks or the loop pops off the steps would be dragging on the ground in no time.

I called back to Torklift and they said I can take the steps off and transport them somewhere else, thus necessitating removal and re installation every time I want to drive. Plus storing a set of 4 folded aluminum scissor steps is not going to happen, they sure won't fit in any of my TC storage bins, and I don't want them bouncing around in the coach.

So far, this has been a bit of a disappointment. Have any of you guys installed these on Arctic Fox campers, and if so, how did you resolve these issues?

Thanks as always

[AnEv942]

The picture of the vertical mounts are msiminoffs. Ours, the top pic, mounted so top of step is flush to bumper. We only mount sterps when parked and otherwise store inside. Use the factory flip over on the road.
Almost as many variations to mount steps as there are campers.

I cant tell , maybe he'll chime in, if msiminoffs mounts are welded ears to a plate or separate pieces of angle but I would think easy enough to replicate using some 1" or 1 1/4 al. angle. As you have holes in bumper not sure, be nice to utilize. The 'extra' stiffener bars Kayteg1 mentioned I assumed you used mounting the bracket to bumper face. But..If your mount bracket is midway on bumper adding bars to extend so able to flip over, when deployed would put the top of the steps below the mount that much (how ever long bar is). Short of re-pinning which an option.

Which thinking about it if you made vertical mounts similar to msiminoff you might add a few vertical holes, allow flipping over or setting at adjustable deployed height?

[HMS_Beagle]

gitpicker2009 wrote:
Hey HMS Beagle, I just saw your link too. GREAT job. I wish I could weld aluminum. I'm pretty good at regular stick stuff, but your job was great!

These new inverter TIG welders make it easy. The previous one I made from steel. A little hard to see in this photo, but there is a step/small platform on a post attached to the hitch extension. But you can see that the pivot point is above the step, required to get them to flip.

[Kayteg1]

In the set I've got I had those small bars for pivoting mount.
I used them on my original step, but if you add them to the bracket that comes with Glow steps, you will be able to move steps on top of the bumper.
So factory set does give you the option.

[gitpicker2009]

Hey HMS Beagle, I just saw your link too. GREAT job. I wish I could weld aluminum. I'm pretty good at regular stick stuff, but your job was great!

[gitpicker2009]

My thanks for all the responses and pics. AnEv942, your system seems to be the only way to make it work. You have to have the pivot point ABOVE the edge of the bumper. You would think that Torklift would MAKE and include some sort of bracket like that:(

[AnEv942]

Factory mount on face of bumper mechanically cannot flip over to set on bumper.

Mine are mounted all the way to top and still couldn't flip over (basement step withstanding). Unsure why T/L recommended that. The pivot point would need to be higher than top of bumper.
Need vertical mount to do that-see if I can find the link to pic,
but if the step mounted at height needed to flip over will your 4 step be enough?
Here is picture & link to msiminoffs vertical brackets..

http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/26230663/gotomsg/26230869.cfm#26230869

[Kayteg1]

Previous topic about steps.

[Bedlam]

Turning left works for me.

[Dalehacker]

My glow steps are attached to angle steel bracing for the camper bumper. As far as travel safely goes I have an extended hitch to tow a boat. In the travel position the folded steps ride on top of the hitch just behind the ball. Has proven to be a safe method over the past several years and does not interfere with towing. However if you have a trailer attached it requires for us to turn the trailer to the left to lower the steps. Most of the time campsites don't have room to do this.

[FreebirdFlies]

My 6 stepper is too heavy for me to be comfortable with the steps dangling folded on my fiberglass NL camper while underway. Over time that could damage the under door mounting structure.

No way am I going to mess with removal/replacement every time the steps are needed!!

I have a receiver hitch mounted "gypsy rack" that my (mostly) folded steps rest on when not being used. The steps ride in place ready to quickly deploy when needed. Since significant amounts of the steps weight is supported, and no shock loads are transmitted keeps me happy. I have a stiff rubber bungee that I use to secure the steps to the rack.

I realize I loose significant departure angle with the rack in place, but I'm not off-roading with this rig.
I bungee other light stuff to the rack in waterproof containers, so it is multipurpose.
It might look just a little "Clampet" (Beverly Hillbilly), but it is vey functional.

It works well for me. YMMV

[bigfootford]

Gitpicker check your PM's

Jim

[Bedlam]

My steps are installed just under the door threshold. If you use 4 steps or less, they would ride on the top of the bumper and the door could still me accessed without pulling down the steps. Once you get to 5 steps, they sit fit on top of the bumper, but must be deployed to open the door. I always carried my steps in the camper and never left them outside when traveling. Both the 6" and 8" tread steps will fit under the slide out when retracted in if you leave them right inside the doorway.

Because of my new truck height, I now use 7 steps to the door. Once I carry the GlowSteps out of the camper, I stretch the steps out on the ground before connecting the upper pins and extending the GlowGuide.

I still use the OEM step in the far right mounting location and can leave that down even when towing with my configuration. This is the step I use if just needing some quick in the camper or when carrying the GlowSteps in or out of the camper.

[HMS_Beagle]

Not on an AF, but I have done it two ways. On my BF9.6 I fabricated a mount that allowed flipping the steps over onto the bumper/top step. On my BF10.4 I fabricated a small shelf for them to sit on in the folded position, described here. In both cases I put a velcro safety strap on them before heading down the highway, but I have forgotten a couple of times without a problem.

My opinion is that you do not want to hang folding scissor steps on the hooks that are often seen and remove them every time you drive. It is inconvenient, but also the steps will not be nearly as stable in use, because the top attachment allows a lot of motion.

Do you have pictures of the bumper?