Destroyed my steps

[Akfishman]

Had a rookie moment when pulling up onto the road from a steep driveway.
We have a double step on our 21c and the edge caught on the pavement and bent the step assembly to where it’s unusable. I’ve been hesitant to take it anywhere for repair as the steps are spot welded to the frame not bolted on, and very close to the fibreglass. We’ve been using a folding portable step to enter the trailer but I’d really like to have the step relpaired.
Hindsight I wouldn’t install a two step stairs again as it has the lowest clearance. A single step will work fine even tho we have the optional lift kit.
Has anyone run into this problem and if so how was it fixed? Sure would have been an easy fix if the step had been bolted on not welded.

[Iowa Dave]

Can you cut the step brackets with a sawzall or hackzall? This would eliminate the sparks and or fire of a cutting torch or grinder. If you use a grinder, try to throw the sparks rhe esmsaq loop la I’d use some cutting oil on the blade as I worked . Then If you decide to weld the new steps on its easiest to make it a two man job by having the welder lay down the bead while someone else has a big wet towel and a squirt bottle to keep the fiberglass from igniting air even getting scorched. The weld would not have to be laid down as one continuous bead so the welder could stop more often than usual and the cooling person could do their work. That’s how we did the mending plate install on our 19. I had a professional do the welding and I kept the fiberglass nearby cool. That would be my suggestion, others may have better ideas

[Ron in BC]

Good suggestions Dave.

Yes, and the re-welding required is a lot less than the mending plates needed.

Ron

[Jane P.]

Originally Posted by Akfishman

Had a rookie moment when pulling up onto the road from a steep driveway.
We have a double step on our 21c and the edge caught on the pavement and bent the step assembly to where it’s unusable. I’ve been hesitant to take it anywhere for repair as the steps are spot welded to the frame not bolted on, and very close to the fibreglass. We’ve been using a folding portable step to enter the trailer but I’d really like to have the step relpaired.
Hindsight I wouldn’t install a two step stairs again as it has the lowest clearance. A single step will work fine even tho we have the optional lift kit.
Has anyone run into this problem and if so how was it fixed? Sure would have been an easy fix if the step had been bolted on not welded.

Just today, I repaired both my steps & the frame which were damaged due to clearance problems.

Because the trailer frame is involved, my recommendation is to use a professional welder. You can ask for recommendations. You’ll know the work is done correctly and will be at a fair price.

I used a mobile welder to do this work. I’ve used him before & he does excellent work, and does not charge very much.

After reading this thread, I fear that I should have installed one step as well. Or replaced these steps with the Lippett steps used by Bigfoot.