8' camper on a shortbox truck. Because we also have a fifth wheel there are rails for its hitch in the box. When we bought the used camper, DH built a wood frame to sit in the box on which the camper rested.
I hated the steps the camper came with so this spring bought the 5-step 6" tread Torklift GlowStep. DH decided to build a new 2x frame from the camper to rest on, with a 6" deck area so we had a "landing" area before stepping down. Also we now have a storage space under the deck area, and a solid mounting area for the new steps. We also tow a boat trailer so wanted to offset the new steps enough to not conflict with the extended receiver.
And this is what we now have, still unpainted. Painting is my job so when we take the camper off again, I'll get on that. Also leaving the old stair mounting rail in place because those stairs will be used while the camper is stored on the sawhorses in the yard.
First, the work in progress but almost finished. We realized with the 5 steps and could rework the rails so the top stair was level with the deck, rather then the first GlowStep being below the deck area.
Side view of the stair mount and storage area. I like this big "landing" at the top!
Close-up overhead. Initially I wasn't sure I'd like the stairs offset this far to the right. It is perfect though.
It is easier to open the door and let it swing out. Especially when I'm carrying stuff and loading the camping stuff for a trip.
DH added a plywood piece to seal off the framing and create a flat deck. It is wonderfully easy now to step out of the camper.
I think the dogs will have an easier time of it too.
We did remove some of the side rails attached to the stairs to have the flat step on the top. After having done that, we saw it as an option in their instructions :B
Each end of the storage area will be sealed with a door. We considered a drawer but the camper's jacks are in the way. The area will be used for storing things like the fire poker (a piece of rebar), the hot dog roasting stick, fishing gear, etc.
For the record, these were the old steps...UGH!
I hated the steps the camper came with so this spring bought the 5-step 6" tread Torklift GlowStep. DH decided to build a new 2x frame from the camper to rest on, with a 6" deck area so we had a "landing" area before stepping down. Also we now have a storage space under the deck area, and a solid mounting area for the new steps. We also tow a boat trailer so wanted to offset the new steps enough to not conflict with the extended receiver.
And this is what we now have, still unpainted. Painting is my job so when we take the camper off again, I'll get on that. Also leaving the old stair mounting rail in place because those stairs will be used while the camper is stored on the sawhorses in the yard.
First, the work in progress but almost finished. We realized with the 5 steps and could rework the rails so the top stair was level with the deck, rather then the first GlowStep being below the deck area.
Side view of the stair mount and storage area. I like this big "landing" at the top!
Close-up overhead. Initially I wasn't sure I'd like the stairs offset this far to the right. It is perfect though.
It is easier to open the door and let it swing out. Especially when I'm carrying stuff and loading the camping stuff for a trip.
DH added a plywood piece to seal off the framing and create a flat deck. It is wonderfully easy now to step out of the camper.
I think the dogs will have an easier time of it too.
We did remove some of the side rails attached to the stairs to have the flat step on the top. After having done that, we saw it as an option in their instructions :B
Each end of the storage area will be sealed with a door. We considered a drawer but the camper's jacks are in the way. The area will be used for storing things like the fire poker (a piece of rebar), the hot dog roasting stick, fishing gear, etc.
For the record, these were the old steps...UGH!
