Having a camper van is not only for travelling but it’s for the freedom, an adventure and home away from home sort of thing. But anyone who has ever stayed in an RV is aware of the fact that it is always the sum of minor details that counts. Camper steps are another important component that are worth mentioning. These have more to do with passer than just being doorways into your RV; safety, convenience, and smooth sailing of any camping adventures. When you are in a remote area of the forest or else setting up a campsite having efficient camper steps can very much assist in the entry and exit of the vehicle. You will find here everything you need to know about camper steps, including how to select them, how to care for them and much more.
What Are Camper Steps?
Camper steps are folding or detachable systems of stairs which enable one to enter or exit into an RV with a lot of ease. While camper steps are not as rigid and sturdy as the steps of a house for instance they should be light, easily movable and foldable and at the same time relatively strong to endure the pressures that they are subjected to. They provided a simple fold-out steps and advanced and motorised models that have the ability to pop-out on its own.
Camper steps serve the purpose of giving you a safe and easy way to access your RV but that’s not where its utility ends. It is now time to learn more about the reasons as to why they are so important in your camper setup.
What Makes Camper Steps Relevant for Your RV Adventure?
Safety First
An advantage that cannot be argued against is that with high quality camper steps the process of climbing into and out of the camper is much safer. As you are probably aware if you’ve ever attempted to get into an RV without the proper steps, it is very dangerous. Camper steps ensure the feet do not slip, which is especially important when walking through slopes and sand or even through muddy areas. There cannot be a truer saying than that ‘it is better to be safe than sorry. ’ On the matter of camping, this is especially critical its circumstances concerning different campsites. In addition, the condition of the ground can also be problematic; if there is wet grass or gravel or have an uneven dirt surface it can be quite tricky to park and even get out of the RV. A good set of campers steps provides you with the assurance of going for a trip without the chances of getting an injury.
Convenience and Comfort
Just think of having to get into a camper after a tiring session of hiking or other forms of adventure with no perfect steps to do so. Not fun, right? Camper steps give the opportunity of easy access in everyone’s doorsteps. No more doing it in and out on the chair or using other precarious arrangements as chairs such as stools. Besides, proper steps help enhance the process of entering or leaving a vehicle as well as bring extra convenience, particularly for elderly campers with their families or families with children. Basically, the proper set of steps ensures that people of all ages within the group will be perfectly capable to navigate the RV.
Versatility and Portability
Camper steps are designed for maximal versatility to cater for every RV they are designed for. Some are foldable so that they can be stored away when not in use while the others have a pull back mechanism when not in use. This as we have seen gives flexibility in that depending on the type of RV you possess you can have manual, motorised or removable steps. Camper steps are designed to be portable and that means you can also use them when you are exterior the camper. For instance, a need for a temporary stairway as a pop-up tent or any other need to provide a clean view of the roof of your Recreational Vehicle. Your camper steps can keep up with these jobs also while they are at it.
Types of Camper Steps
Every type of camper steps is available in various forms since manufacturers consider the specific requirements of the user. Knowledge of the differences is as important so that you can be in a position to choose the right set for your RV and your way of life.
Manual Fold-Out Steps
These are the most common and quite often the cheapest form of a business loan to any borrower. Manual fold-out steps are normally foldable and are located at the side or at the rear part of your motor home and can easily be pulled out when required. They are portable, simple to operate and they do not even need electricity or a complex mechanism.
Pros:The costs of planting, growing as well as managing the trees are relatively low and easy to meet.
Lasting and requires little or no effort to be put in to keep it that way.
Cons: Must be pulled with hands to either expand it or fold it.
May not give more stability compared to different models of clothes.
Motorised Steps
Motorised camper steps are even more convenient for users who want a step that has no effort in using at all. These, not only go up and down at the switch of a button or every time you open and close the door. While they are little more costly, they offer the greatest level of convenience as well as the best results.
Pros: Very easy and easy to access and to use.
It frequently has anti-slip floor finish in order to reduce the risks of slipping.
Cons: The use of machines is in general more costly compared to manually operated ones.
Dependent on electricity which could be a challenge in areas where there is no electricity such as in the rural areas.
Portable and Detachable Steps
These are mobile steps and are not fixed in the RV hence can be easily relocated if needed. For hikers they are ideal because they offer the flexibility or for those who consider a more sturdy mode of transport depending on the terrain to be covered. These steps can also be helpful in cases where your recreational vehicle has greater height clearance than most of the other vehicles on the road.
Pros: In that, they are easy to install and to transport from one place to another whenever the need arises, there.
This provides more stability in times when the ground is not so stable or there’s some kind of obstacle on the way.
Cons: Small fridge requires additional place for storage in your RV.
Assuming an, it may not be as convenient as attached steps.
Adjustable Height Steps
Camper steps are flexible to allow for different height and ground surfaces where the camper will be either parked at or arrive from. Those are especially valuable if you often camp on terrains that are not flat and a step with a fixed height may not be optimal.
Pros: Height may be adjusted according to the different ground levels present in a given area.
Versatile and often lightweight.
Cons: Typically more expensive. May call for some degree of tuning when installing
Choosing the Right Camper Steps for Your Needs
The above guide will help one in choosing the right camper steps that will suit their needs and requirements as per their preference.
Selecting the best camper steps may sometimes may be daunting a task, but it depends on the users requirements. Consider the following factors before making a purchase:Consider the following factors before making a purchase:
RV Type and Height
Various RVs have different heights of clearance; it is wise that you should measure the height of the entry point to your RV to know what type of steps are going to suit your RV.
Terrain and Travel Habits
In case your travels take you through often rocky and more remote areas, then a durable set of folding steps could be in the best interest. On the other hand, if you confine yourself to pretty Campgrounds with excellent facilities, perhaps a fold out model will suffice.
Convenience vs. Budget
They come particularly in a motorised type which provide ease to the extent of being unbeatable but all this in exchange for some money. In the low budget models, there are manual kinds of steps which are fold out and very accurate as well.
Safety Features
Well construct camper steps should come with non-slip surface, strips for night usage, and strong hand rails. All these features can greatly help in increasing the safety of the vehicle particularly when driving in risky weather conditions.
If you want to know how to maintain camper steps to give yourself a longer lasting steps, then you can read this article.
How to Maintain Camper Steps for Longevity
After selecting the appropriate camper steps, the next viable thing to do is to ensure that those are well maintained. Taking time to frequently check your steps will mean that your steps will last for years giving you the much needed easy access to your RV.
Keep Them Clean
Camper steps are often exposed to dirt, mud and other debris that make the steps slippery and rather dangerous. Wash them with water and a mild detergent after you for instance go for a holiday at the beach or forest when you are likely to expose them to dust, sand and other materials.
Lubricate Moving Parts
In the case of manual and motorised steps it is important to ensure that the parts which move should be well oiled so as to avoid rusting as well as ensure smooth operation. Choose a silicone-based lubricant which does not have a tendency of attracting dirt and grim.
Inspect for Damage
Also always ensure that you check the camper steps before you start any trip to check for any signs of damages. It is important to look out for signs that may imply that the nuts and bolts holding the structure are becoming loose or any other defects that can lead to a hazardous structure.
Conclusion: Elevate Your RV Experience with the Right Camper Steps
Camper steps may seem like a small part of your RV setup, but they play a huge role in making your adventures safe, comfortable and enjoyable. Whether you opt for a simple manual option or a luxurious motorised set, the right camper steps can make all the difference in how you experience life on the road. Remember, the key to a great trip is not just in where you go, but in how easily you can get in and out of your home on wheels.
So, before you head out on your next RV adventure, take a moment to assess your camper steps. Are they up to the challenge? If not, it might be time for an upgrade that’ll truly step up your camping game.
FAQs
How do I know which camper steps are right for my RV?
Measure the height of your RV’s entry point and consider how often you travel to uneven or rugged locations. These factors will help determine whether you need adjustable, fold-out, or motorised steps.
Can I install camper steps myself?
Yes, most camper steps can be installed with basic tools and some DIY knowledge. Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
How often should I clean my camper steps?
Clean your steps after each trip, especially if you’ve been in sandy, muddy, or dusty environments. This helps prevent slip hazards and ensures they last longer.
Are motorised camper steps worth the investment?
If you value convenience and ease of use, motorised steps are definitely worth the investment, especially for frequent travellers.
What should I do if my camper steps are damaged?
Inspect them carefully and address any issues before your next trip. In some cases, you may need to replace parts or the entire step system to maintain safety.