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Old 10-03-2015, 09:01 PM   #1
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Question Entrance Steps

My knees are not what they use to be so that 11 inch step up into the 21 is a hassle. Tried finding a 20 inch wide 2 step replacement piece with no luck so I am thinking of what else I might do. I am considering taking a piece of 2X12 and fitting it so when the entrance step is extended I have a longer step and have added 1.5 inches to the height of the step making it easier to get into the trailer. I got to figure I am not the only one who ineeds a shorter step up so has anyone got an idea or tried something different?
Jim, bye the way I put compartments under the bed and your hydraulic piston idea will certainly help - thanks
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Old 10-03-2015, 09:07 PM   #2
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You can also buy a portable step http://www.amazon.com/Stromberg-Carl...+portable+step
I carry this one for certain spots.
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Old 10-03-2015, 09:41 PM   #3
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See http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...step-3967.html
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Old 10-03-2015, 09:45 PM   #4
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I have that one as well, sits right inside of scamp door when in tow use. Light weight, kind of pricey, but glad I got it. Carl
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Old 10-03-2015, 11:21 PM   #5
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Quote:
Originally Posted by bjp447 View Post
My knees are not what they use to be so that 11 inch step up into the 21 is a hassle. Tried finding a 20 inch wide 2 step replacement piece with no luck so I am thinking of what else I might do. I am considering taking a piece of 2X12 and fitting it so when the entrance step is extended I have a longer step and have added 1.5 inches to the height of the step making it easier to get into the trailer. I got to figure I am not the only one who ineeds a shorter step up so has anyone got an idea or tried something different?
Jim, bye the way I put compartments under the bed and your hydraulic piston idea will certainly help - thanks
I put this on my 21 - have to cut off the top rear strap and mount it on the outside of the ETI outriggers:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
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Old 10-04-2015, 12:09 AM   #6
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another way of doing it,
http://www.escapeforum.org/forums/f8...teps-3625.html
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Old 10-22-2017, 02:23 PM   #7
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I put this on my 21 - have to cut off the top rear strap and mount it on the outside of the ETI outriggers:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00...?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Hi Charlie, I really like this idea and have two questions: (1) On your 21, with the double step in the closed/stowed position, what is the distance from level ground to the bottom of the installation? (2) With the steps deployed/open, what is the distance from the top step to the floor of your 21? Optional (3) Are you happy with steps? or do you have any regrets?

Thanks Charlie, and no rush as we are not in a hurry .
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Old 10-22-2017, 11:05 PM   #8
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Hi Charlie, I really like this idea and have two questions: (1) On your 21, with the double step in the closed/stowed position, what is the distance from level ground to the bottom of the installation? (2) With the steps deployed/open, what is the distance from the top step to the floor of your 21? Optional (3) Are you happy with steps? or do you have any regrets?

Thanks Charlie, and no rush as we are not in a hurry .
#1 is 7 3/4 inches
#2 is 10 inches

Wifey has bum knees, although the lower step can sometimes be only 1/2 inch off the ground it is a rock solid target. Some steeper sites it's been 3-4 inches off the ground.
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Old 10-24-2017, 12:44 AM   #9
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In the 19', the rise from ground level to the step is ~ 9", and then it's ~ 11" from the step to the trailer floor. Short-legged wife and 4 bad knees between us suggested something to even things out. I found a scrap chunk of 2 x whatever, trimmed it to fit, drilled a couple of 1/4" clearance holes that matched a pair of holes in the step, and fasten it with carriage bolts, washers, and 1/4" extension nuts (easier than getting wing nuts started) under the step surface. Added some non-skid stick-on complete with a fancy reflective yellow stripe, and now the rises are each ~ 10". Just takes a few seconds and a 7/16" nut driver to install when we set up camp, and we don't even bother with it if we'll only be there for a short time. The big 3/8" carriage bolts are step supports - I hated having the step and the weight of the person on it cantilevered off the frame with no additional support. And we both hated the wobbly step feeling.
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Old 10-24-2017, 01:23 AM   #10
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#1 is 7 3/4 inches
#2 is 10 inches

Wifey has bum knees, although the lower step can sometimes be only 1/2 inch off the ground it is a rock solid target. Some steeper sites it's been 3-4 inches off the ground.
Charley is the top step from trailer only 7 3/4,? Finding it is killing my knee exiting the trailer . No problem entering trailer . I did order the spa steps . The current step is to far for my knee . Pat
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Old 10-24-2017, 05:59 AM   #11
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I find exiting/entering the trailer sideways is easier on my 71 year old knees, I also tend to go down stairs the same way, sideways is safer. I'm glad the pole is there now to assist in/out sideways.
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Old 10-24-2017, 08:55 AM   #12
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Originally Posted by tractors1 View Post
#1 is 7 3/4 inches
#2 is 10 inches

Wifey has bum knees, although the lower step can sometimes be only 1/2 inch off the ground it is a rock solid target. Some steeper sites it's been 3-4 inches off the ground.
Great Charlie, Thanks for the measurements. Debbie has not had surgery, but a bit of tendinitis makes exiting the trailer, onto the first step a bit painful. She exits backwards. It appears that the second step allows the top step to be closer to the trailer floor, and less of a drop. I think I will follow your plans with the same product and same installation procedures. Thanks for the details.
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Old 10-24-2017, 09:09 AM   #13
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Charley is the top step from trailer only 7 3/4,? Finding it is killing my knee exiting the trailer . No problem entering trailer . I did order the spa steps . The current step is to far for my knee . Pat
Pat, The 7 3/4” measurement is from level ground to the bottom of the closed/stowed installation. The 10” measurement is from the top step to the trailer floor. The original single step is an 11” drop. The second step saves about 1” of drop, and may make exiting the trailer a little easier.
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Old 11-09-2017, 09:55 AM   #14
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New step for my escape 19

I found a new single step when modified gives me 7 inches from step to trailer floor
Click image for larger version

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It mounts inside of the existing angle iron brackets
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Old 11-09-2017, 10:26 AM   #15
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I found a new single step when modified gives me 7 inches from step to trailer floor
Attachment 28132

Attachment 28133
It mounts inside of the existing angle iron brackets
I saw that on Amazon . So when step is deployed it is from trailer floor only 7-73/4 step down ? The orignal step on the trailer deployed is 11 in deployed .If it is about 4 in shorter distance , we have a aluminum folding platform step we could use . The spa step is perfect and not too heavy but it is more bulkier to carry . Would nice to have a shorter distance from trailer floor always ready on the trailer . Pat
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Old 11-09-2017, 11:20 AM   #16
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print of step

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I cut about 1 inch off of the sides

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this allowed the step to fit inside the existing mount and raise the step higher

Click image for larger version

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so 6 inches to the folding step then 6 inches to the new step and 7 inches to the trailer floor
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Old 11-09-2017, 11:29 AM   #17
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Attachment 28138
I cut about 1 inch off of the sides

Attachment 28139
this allowed the step to fit inside the existing mount and raise the step higher

Attachment 28140
so 6 inches to the folding step then 6 inches to the new step and 7 inches to the trailer floor
We have the aluminum step platform like in your picture also . Currently when the orignal 11in step is deployed it just makes a larger platform for step . Ok forgive me , where did you cut off the side ? If it is where I think then you just drilled new holes to attach step back ? Pat
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Old 11-09-2017, 11:45 AM   #18
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cut off sides

I cut the ears off down about 1 inch
I also cut off about 2 inches of the little tab sticking out the back for clearing the gray tank
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Then drilled holes in the side of the angle iron and step

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Old 11-09-2017, 10:52 PM   #19
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I cut the ears off down about 1 inch
I also cut off about 2 inches of the little tab sticking out the back for clearing the gray tank
Attachment 28141
Then drilled holes in the side of the angle iron and step

Attachment 28142
Thankyou Mr. B . I ordered one and wil have I soon . Thankyou, Pat
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Old 11-12-2017, 01:43 PM   #20
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Originally Posted by Mr.B View Post
I cut the ears off down about 1 inch
I also cut off about 2 inches of the little tab sticking out the back for clearing the gray tank
[ATdsTACH]28141[/ATTACH]
Then drilled holes in the side of the angle iron and step

Attachment 28142
Mr. B received the new step . Have another question for you . What is the best tool to cut the steel? I have many saws , grinders etc. I just don't work with steel very often . I want a nice clean straight cut so what is best for this project . Thankyou . Pat
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