RV steps are one of the most important features of a motorhome, yet many RVers tend to take them for granted. These steps are essential for safely entering and exiting a camper or travel trailer. Unfortunately, many people don’t know how to properly maintain their RV steps or consider upgrading them to make life on the road easier.
The truth is, going in and out of your motorhome can be dangerous—especially when the steps become slippery due to changes in weather. In this article, we’ll explore the different types of RV steps, offer maintenance tips, and discuss potential upgrades to improve safety and convenience.
Different Types of RV Steps
Not all RV steps are created equal. Differences often exist between travel trailers and motorhomes, and manufacturers select steps based on the design and weight of their models. Here are the main types of RV steps:
Electric Steps for an RV
Electric steps are commonly found in Class C and Class A motorhomes. These steps feature a motorized assembly controlled by a power switch inside your rig. When the switch is activated, the steps automatically extend and retract each time you open or close the motorhome door.
Manual RV Steps
Manual RV steps are often found on older motorhomes, but some RVers opt to replace electric steps with manual ones. These steps can be easily folded up and stored beneath the entry door. Without the need for an electric motor, manual steps have fewer components that might fail over time.
Solid RV Steps
Solid steps are a popular choice for towable RVs. When traveling, these steps fold up into the doorway, and once you’ve arrived at your campsite, they fold out for use. Many models feature adjustable legs, providing enhanced stability even on uneven terrain.
Portable RV Steps
Also known as porch steps, portable RV steps are ideal for those who live in their motorhomes full-time. They offer greater stability and often include larger handrails, making them an excellent option for individuals with limited mobility.
RV Handicap Steps
For improved accessibility, Handi-Lift steps are an excellent option, depending on your RV’s design. These steps come in various models, some of which can lift up to 300 pounds, making them ideal for people with mobility challenges.
Truck Steps
Truck steps are perfect for truck campers or for quick access to the bed of a tow vehicle. These steps are among the most affordable options and can connect to a hitch receiver, provided the sizes are compatible. Some truck step designs also attach to the tailgate, offering fast access to roof-mounted supplies and accessories.
How To Accurately Measure RV Steps
If you are buying solid steps, then you need to start measuring from the ground towards the verge of your RV’s entry door. Before taking any measurements, make sure that your motorhome is on flat and level ground. Additionally, you also need to take the measurement of the width of your RV’s entry door frame.
After you have taken all the measurements, you can take this to the manufacturer so they can give you some recommendations and help you in determining the appropriate step width and what is the best for your RV, whether it’s a quad, triple, or double step.
The simplest way of taking measurements for manual or electric steps is to measure your current steps and take note of the number of steps that you are currently using. Relevant dimensions should include the entry height of your motorhome as well as the depth and width of the step.
It is also important to ensure that the steps that you’ll be using as a replacement for your current steps provide you with the same or greater weight capacity. The best thing that you can do is to ask some advice from the manufacturer of RV step replacement.
How To Install RV Step Covers
First, you must find compatible step covers that fit the type and size of your RV steps. This can be done by measuring the depth and width of the tread on your RV steps. Then, check if these measurements fit to the step covers that you’ll be purchasing. It would be much better to choose step covers that are compatible with the steps instead of changing or cutting oversized covers.
Installing RV Step Covers
The method for installing the RV steps vary depending on the step covers that you’ve purchased, but usually they’re simple. The step covers will be wrapped around the steps and generally they come with two grommets with springs that can help in securing them in place.
Some designs come with multiple grommets so you can tighten them according to your preference. Other RV steps are also using straps with buckles or Velcro to keep them secure.
Helpful Tips for Maintaining Step Covers
- Keep the steps clean before placing covers on them.
- Take out step covers occasionally and try to wash and dry them completely before re-installing them again.
- Some step covers should be removed when traveling. Try to check this with your manufacturer to determine if your model belongs to this category.
- During the freezing temperatures, it is possible that ice will build up on your carpet covers. Be sure to check this before installing them so you can have the grip that you desire when entering or exiting your RV safely.
How To Manually Retract RV Steps
If you’re using manual steps or solid steps, then you’ll have to retract and extend them in a manual manner. On the other hand, if you’re using electric steps, it is important that you should learn how to retract them manually in case the electric motor fails to work.
Most often, the motor for electric step assemblies can be found behind the steps under your motorhome. This means that you can easily access it whenever it stops working. The first thing that you need to do is to check the battery to see if it has adequate powder. Then, check the step power switch to see if it is still functioning.
If you are unable to restore power to your steps, then you should try to recognize these components – linkage pin, step linkage, and step frame. Usually, they are labeled in your owner’s manual.
Once you have identified these components, you can start retracting the RV steps manually. First, you should take out the linkage pin so the frame can be loosened up. After removing the pin, the steps can now move freely. Try to isolate them from the retracting mechanism. Then, you can now retract your RV steps manually.
HCCR Hofmann RV Products offers different kinds of RV steps to keep you safer while traveling on your RV. For more information, just call us anytime at 480-837-4927.