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Steps and Stairs for RV Campers

Most accessories of a camper van are overlooked – until they cause accidents. But many parts of the motorhome are subject to heavy wear. Let’s say, for example, the steps of the motorhome. When you step on them, it bears your weight, it gets easily dirty and stays in the rain. This makes it scratch and rust.

Don’t wait for the problem to become too obvious before you decide to change anything.

As it will be subjected to the elements, you need to get the most appropriate RV steps. No matter if it is a new camper van (you are not happy with the one you own?) or if it is a used 5th trailer, below you will find the items you can select from.

About the author. Max Welder is a mechanic enthusiast. Currently, working at a small company. Experienced in electronics, car tools and security systems. In his spare time, he writes articles for various blogs. Read More…

28

Models Considered

1600

Hours of Research

62

Reviews Analyzed

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Steps and Stairs Best Choice

 4,7 Rating

MOR/ryde International Inc. STP-4-30-03H Fold Up Step 4 Step 30 Door

– The legs set to the correct level on rough terrain.
– Powerful steps with a capacity of 500 pounds.

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Step for RV Camper Review

What is the Best Platform Step

Best RV Steps

1

MOR/ryde International Inc. STP-4-30-03H Fold Up Step 4 Step 30" Door

Review of MORryde International Inc

– Provides complete safety
– Simple installation
– Simply foldable

 4,7 Rating

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2

Stromberg Carlson SMFP-1200 Manual Coach Steps by Flexco

Review of Stromberg Carlson SMFP-1200

– Stable
– Competitive price
– Wonderful robustness

 4,6 Rating

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3

Lippert Components 432687 Step Triple 7" Rise 24" Width

Review of Lippert Components 432687 Step Triple 7

– Durable and protective
– Easy to install on any motor home
– Folds and unfolds with ease

 4,4 Rating

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4

Elkhart Tool RV Motorhome Camper Trailer 24" Quad Step / 27" Drop/Foldaway Aluminum Steps

Review of Elkhart Tool RV Motorhome Camper Trailer 24

– Easy to fold up
– Holds up to 350 pounds
– Very robust and durable

 4,2 Rating

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5

Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Park Model Econo Porch-2-Step

Review of Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Second Step for Fifth Wheel

– Made of steel
– Hardwearing
– Lightweight

 4,5 Rating

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6

Torklift A7804 Four Glow Step

Review of Torklift A7804 Four Glow Step

– Sticks to the edges of step plates
– Lights up to 10 hrs. in the dark with just 5 minutes light exposure

 4,1 Rating

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7

Quick Products JQ-S150 Platform Step, X-Large – Steel

Review of Quick Products JQ-S150 Platform Step

– The legs can be folded
– Has a non-slip surface
– Has non-slip rubber soles

 4,6 Rating

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All our reviews are based only on expert judgment or practical experience with most of the Steps and Stairs for RV we consider. We strive to ensure that our leadership is independent and as detailed as possible.

What You Should Pay Attention To When choosing Steps and Stairs for RV Campers

What are the different types of RV steps

First of all, it is important to decide whether you want to use portable motor home stairs or permanently installed motor home stairs. The difference is in the name! Installed Motorhome Stairs are, as the name suggests, permanently installed and always a part of your motorhome, whereas portable stairs can be folded and stowed away and are easily mounted near your motorhome or travel trailer as needed.
The majority of modern motor homeowners want permanently installed motor home steps on their vehicles. There are two subtypes of this type to choose from: manual steps for the motor home and automatic steps for your motor home.
Manual RV steps, commonly referred to as “RV add a step”, can be one of the most flexible choices. They look like a mini stepladder and often feature hinges for easy addition or removal of steps. Manual camper van steps are mounted to the camper van by either mounting it to the door, framing it, screwing it, or welding it to the door. To activate them, all you have to do is unfold them in a manual way – which is what the name implies!
In contrast, electric RV steps require not even being pushed – they move in completely independently and can be opened by pressing a button or activating a switch. These are accompanied by an electric stepper engine for campers, so they start to open as soon as the camper gets open.
These models of RV steps also can be either fixed to the door or bolted to the door of your camper. Either manual or electric RV steps could be fitted by a specialist or DIY enthusiast.

Why Do You Need RV Steps?

Like you might question, among the most undervalued RV components is actually among the top ones you run into when you get into your camper: The steps of the RV! Having no awesome steps for campers or RVs, it could be hard work getting in and out of your motor home with no trouble. You might even hurt your knees or even crash. There are plenty of possibilities to assist you with this, like electric RV stairs, foldable RV stairs, and a number of amazing features to add to your comfort, such as RV step lights, RV step rugs, RV stairs carpets, and much more.

How to install RV ladder

While the detailed steps for setting up the RV steps differ according to the different steps provided, the overall setup procedure is basically unchanged. If you have portable RV steps, you won’t install them persistently, just use them the way they are required.

How do you measure RV steps

If you need to replace – or even install – the steps of your RV, you should first measure the steps to ensure the correct fit. The exact number of measurements you need to take, and where they come from, depends on which step model you choose; but in general, you will need the overall width of the body, the height from step to step, and the diagonal length of your step from the crossbar to the floor.

Review of Steps and Stairs for RV & Best Choice

MOR/ryde International Inc. STP-4-30-03H Fold Up Step 4 Step 30" Door

Review of MORryde International Inc
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This 4-step version is perfect for 30-inch motorhome doors. When they are not in use, they fold safely and can be stored in the doorway. We love the adjustable feet. They allow to fully secure the steps and make sure they remain level. These steps have a simple handle for quick release. When you no longer need them, they are so easy to remove. These steps can carry up to five hundred pounds. What impressed us most about these motorhome steps is that the motorhome does not shake.

Features:

  • Simple installation
  • Simply foldable
  • Provides complete safety
  • Powerful steps with a capacity of 500 pounds
  • The legs set to the correct level on rough terrain

These steps are super easy to install. They give you much more stability when you get out and got into our RV. These steps are made to allow quick and safe entry and exit. All you need for installation is a screwdriver. If you have a power driver, installation is super-fast. If the installation instructions seem confusing, there are YouTube videos to help.

Stromberg Carlson SMFP-1200 Manual Coach Steps by Flexco

Review of Stromberg Carlson SMFP-1200
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Stromberg Carlson’s SMFP-1200, developed with usability considerations in mind, fits nicely into many situations and has been positively reviewed by RVers, amateurs, and experienced users worldwide. Since it is a low, one-step model, this RV step has commendable handling properties and it can be built in just a few minutes.

Features:

  • Stable
  • Competitive price
  • Wonderful robustness

As with the other steps in the line, it is constructed of high-quality steel and offers outstanding strength and load capacity. During operation, this step will never contact with the ground, which means its strength is likely to be constant with changes in the surrounding terrain. This makes the Stromberg an outstanding choice for all passionate RV drivers who love the countryside. Because the service of this step requires only periodic washing and lubrication, there is no difficulty in maintaining it in excellent shape.

Lippert Components 432687 Step Triple 7" Rise 24" Width

Review of Lippert Components 432687 Step Triple 7
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These Lippert RV-steps are extremely safe and durable. We like the way Lippert has reset the feet so that there is less risk of tripping. The steps have slip-resistant strips that make it easy to get on and off. The steps contain fastening screws for wood and metal.
There are no problems in installing the steps. We like the way they stop the camper from bouncing. Now you can eat without having to worry about someone coming up the steps and spilling something.

Features:

  • Durable and protective
  • Easy to install on any motor home
  • Folds and unfolds with ease
  • Does not cause bouncing
  • Legs adapt completely to all types of terrain

The legs are fully adjustable. In fact, they can be adjusted to any type of floor.
The motorhome steps are easy to fold and unfold when you are finished. They are light enough not to strain your back. The thirteen-inch top step gives you a firm grip when you start driving down the stairs.

Elkhart Tool RV Motorhome Camper Trailer 24" Quad Step / 27" Drop/Foldaway Aluminum Steps

Review of Elkhart Tool RV Motorhome Camper Trailer 24
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When we looked at the different brands of steps for RV trailers, we knew we had to add one of them to our list. These steps are manufactured from tough aluminum and are easy to fold in and out. They are easy to assemble, and you may even enjoy attaching them.

Features:

  • Easy to fold up
  • Holds up to 350 pounds
  • Very robust and durable
  • Easy installation in a few minutes
  • Slip-resistant strips for slip resistance

We like the fact that these steps for motor homes have a slip-resistant surface that prevents slipping. These manual steps are light enough to fold and unfold easily. As long as you measure correctly, these steps will fit your RV exactly. These steps stop the vibrations. If you ever accidentally dropped food due to someone coming in your RV, you understand how important this is.

Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Park Model Econo Porch-2-Step

Review of Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Second Step for Fifth Wheel
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The robust and durable Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R is widely recognized by RV owners of any age. Because this step is offered completely packaged, you can start working with it immediately after it is out of the package, and it is ready to be set up in an instant. Furthermore, with a load rating of approximately 350 lbs., it will fit perfectly into a standard camper van. And since it is equipped with cut-in step profiles, this step has better traction as compared to other models available today.

Features:

  • Made of steel
  • Hardwearing
  • Lightweight
  • Easy to use
  • Easy to clean

What’s nice about this step is that it features an adjustable handrail that allows you to move it from left to right and vice versa. If you are concerned about security and are looking for sturdy RV steps with a handrail, this step will be your number one option. We would like to mention that this step is manufactured from steel, too. Therefore, more than one vacation period would pass before replacing it.

Torklift A7804 Four Glow Step

Review of Torklift A7804 Four Glow Step
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This step provides secure access to your RV at night. Fluorescent function lights your way in the dark.

Features:

  • Extendable steps facilitate getting in and out of your motor home with a trailer or truck platform
  • The scissor construction allows manual folding and unfolding of the steps for moving around
  • The light band creates an illuminated tread surface for safe entry and exit into your motor home at night
  • Sticks to the edges of step plates
  • Lights up to 10 hrs. in the dark with just 5 minutes light exposure
  • Aircraft quality aluminum and high-grade steel design is tough and non-corrosive.
  • The stainless steel joints are screwed together so that individual steps can be easily added, removed, or replaced

Offers a lighting duration of up to 10 hours with just 5 minutes of exposure time.

Quick Products JQ-S150 Platform Step, X-Large – Steel

Review of Quick Products JQ-S150 Platform Step
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Some RV owners prefer not to set up a permanent stage for RVs, as this may result in an extra GVW. However, if you do not wish to add one, you can select an RV platform step whenever you want. If you are interested in testing one, this Quick Products item will definitely surprise you down to the smallest detail.
We are very excited about this special RV step. It is extremely long-lasting. Manufactured from premium quality steel, this item can hold up to 300 lbs. You can count on it for long life in your RV. Furthermore, this item is extremely easy to assemble. When it is built, it allows you to get in and out securely with no effort at all.

Features:

  • Can hold up to 300 pounds
  • Durable
  • Compact
  • The legs can be folded
  • Has a non-slip surface
  • Has non-slip rubber soles
  • Has a one-year exchange guarantee

A further aspect that we appreciated about this camper steps platform is the slip-resistant top layer. Finally, we also find this platform step quite easy to wash. Just a single brush would clean any remaining dirt or sludge on the step surface.

Buying guide

Manual RV steps are available in different versions. However, some of the features you need to consider before making your choice are

  • Material
    Consider which materials were used to perform the steps. Steps made of rubber material tend to be non-slip, thus avoiding situations where the user can easily slip and fall. Although most manual steps for RVs are made of steel, there are other, lighter aluminum options. Steps with waterproof coating are protected against rust.
  • Adjustability
    Decide on steps that suit your needs and are appropriate for the type of terrain you are exposed to. The feet of the motorhome’s manual steps, which adjust independently of each other, tend to provide more stability on uneven ground. On the other hand, firm feet are best suited on level ground.
  • Portability
    The steps must be light enough for the user to carry it easily. The steps should be compact enough for easy storage. The material used for the manual steps of the RV is an important factor in determining the total weight. Aluminum steps are generally lighter and therefore more portable than steel steps.
  • Additional Features
    Look for additional features that increase both comfort and security. A manual step for motorhomes equipped with a handrail offers more safety against falls, especially for children and elderly people, due to the increased stability.
  • Stability
    The manual zipper step must be solid and stable enough not to move or bounce during use. The vibration level should be kept to a minimum when using the steps to ensure maximum stability for the safety of the user.
  • Durability
    The manual steps for the RV you buy must be made of a strong material that will not corrode when exposed to the weather. Steps that are stainless will last longer and are inexpensive.

So it is highly recommended that you follow the instructions in the manual for your level.

Conclusion

Now that you have a general idea of the best zipper steps available on the market, you can choose the one that’s right for you. If you are in doubt, the above ratings of specific brands will help you understand the strengths and weaknesses of each product. You will also learn more about the design and other technical features that will help you live a comfortable and convenient life in your RV. This information will be necessary if you want to get the one that will last you for a long time.

StepAbove Installation by MORryde- Video

FAQs about RV steps

✅ What needs to be done to keep the RV steps in top shape?

Maintenance requirements vary greatly from model to model, so it is highly recommended that you follow the instructions in the manual for your level. The average models only need to be thoroughly cleaned and lubricated from time to time to keep them in good working order.

✅ How long would steps for recreational vehicles take?

The life of ordinary recreational vehicle steps is affected by several factors, including frequency of use, environment, maintenance, and so on. Assuming that you do not push your step to the limit and maintain it, years should pass before you need to get a replacement.

✅ How many steps do you need?

If you want to invest in steps, you can also choose the right size. This is a simple measurement that will save you a lot of headaches in the long run. Incorrectly sized steps can give you a false sense of security. Walking down them, especially in cold and wet weather, can cause slipping.

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Max Welder (rvneeded)

Max Welder (rvneeded)

Max Welder is a mechanic enthusiast. Currently, working at a small company. Experienced in electronics, car tools, and security systems. In his spare time, he writes articles for various blogs.

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