Big step into trailer

[H@ppy c@mper]

Does anyone have any ideas on how to modify the step on a 21C so it isn’t 11 inches from the trailer door to the step?

[Rossue]

Topic search on your favorite browser is your friend.Many previous theeads on this.

[Centex]

Originally Posted by H@ppy c@mper

Does anyone have any ideas on how to modify the step on a 21C so it isn’t 11 inches from the trailer door to the step?

Just to be clear, you're talking about the step-to-door distance, not the ground-to-step distance, is that correct?

PS - maybe time to update your profile - the info under your username says your trailer is a "24.5rb passport"

[Ron in BC]

He also posted that he was looking for a 21C. Maybe he's just planning ahead.

But, yes, there's been several different threads on that topic.

Ron

[Oldtimer]

Originally Posted by H@ppy c@mper

Does anyone have any ideas on how to modify the step on a 21C so it isn’t 11 inches from the trailer door to the step?

Either carry a small step or change out the single step to a double step. I changed out the single to a double. One of the best mods I’ve done as both momma n me have knee issues. So much easier getting in and out of our home away from home. If you are ordering a new escape you can get the double step as an option installed.

David

[Donna D.]

Carrying an extra step isn't going to solve the problem. The OP's issue is the distance between the step into the trailer. That step needs to be raised, THEN maybe an extra step would help. But, there's the issue of the step retracting during storage and travel....

[Oldtimer]

We’ve had no more issues with retracting the 2 step versus the single but then this is us. For major difference and lack of pain getting into the trailer. Stepping up on the 5 inch first step then the 11 inch step then into the trailer is much easier than just the single step. It works for us. Others will have to decide own their own. Do a mock up simulating the 2 step and see if it works for you that what we did n found it works for us. Each to their own.

[Perry Butler]

We have the single step. Didn't realize that rise was 11". Around 2003 we purchased a 27' Jayco 5th wheel and a welding shop raised the camper 6". We purchased a large platform adjustable step after Terry fell and bruised herself. Lucky she didn't break or dislocate her shoulder.

We've been carrying that step through many campers since and it works great. We have the 90 degree door on our 5.0 so the step is slightly offset for a perfect landing.

Enjoy,

Perry

[Little Richie]

Originally Posted by H@ppy c@mper

Does anyone have any ideas on how to modify the step on a 21C so it isn’t 11 inches from the trailer door to the step?

I use a Morryde Quick Connect Step (2 step) on out TA 5.0. I looked at a lot of options. I was limited by: the narrow door; an angled weld on the step which made it impossible to replace the original step. For example the steps that flip into the door would not fit; I could not take off the old single step and replace it a with a double step without redoing the welding.

I attached a piece of 1-1/2 inch angle iron to the existing step using the front bolts. I then attached the step’s brackets to the angle iron. I had to elongate two holes so that the angle iron would be parallel to the camper. ( the actual step is not perfectly parallel to the camper).

The net result is a very stable step which my wife loves.

It is very age appropriate.

When traveling it travels in the truck bed; long term storage is in the camper.

[Carmel Clown]

Originally Posted by Little Richie

I use a Morryde Quick Connect Step (2 step) on out TA 5.0. I looked at a lot of options. I was limited by: the narrow door; an angled weld on the step which made it impossible to replace the original step. For example the steps that flip into the door would not fit; I could not take off the old single step and replace it a with a double step without redoing the welding.

I attached a piece of 1-1/2 inch angle iron to the existing step using the front bolts. I then attached the step’s brackets to the angle iron. I had to elongate two holes so that the angle iron would be parallel to the camper. ( the actual step is not perfectly parallel to the camper).

The net result is a very stable step which my wife loves.

It is very age appropriate.

When traveling it travels in the truck bed; long term storage is in the camper.

Wondering if the original step is still there and can still be used if you need to get into the trailer quickly. Nice job.

[Little Richie]

Originally Posted by Carmel Clown

Wondering if the original step is still there and can still be used if you need to get into the trailer quickly. Nice job.

The original step is still there and works. We use it when we stop on the road, in the storage lot, etc. I is too hard to get it off without chopping,etc. it is handy.

I attached the angle iron to the top bolts of the step. It fit.

[azjack]

We use the spa step from amazon and just set it inside while traveling. It is larger and splits the distance.
AZjack

[richardr]

We use a double step I installed. The top step was too far below the door threshold so I put short bolts with washers through the slot the step slides in to prevent it from sliding all the way to the bottom. This shortened the top step to threshold distance a couple of inches. The step doesn't slide out quite as far, so it is a little narrower, but we don't notice it.

[John in Santa Cruz]

we use this step/platform as its much sturdier than the pullout step. I just put it inside the door when we're traveling. but I just measured, its about 8" from the ground, and 11" to the trailer floor.

[cpaharley2008]

That is the same one we use, it helps if you have dogs in/out the trailer.....

[Ian and Sue]

Originally Posted by John in Santa Cruz

we use this step/platform as its much sturdier than the pullout step. I just put it inside the door when we're traveling. but I just measured, its about 8" from the ground, and 11" to the trailer floor.

We use the same one...great solution.

[H@ppy c@mper]

Yes we are talking about the distance from the trailer to the first step. We still own the passport but have ordered a 21c so are planning ahead. We have had knees so want to have a “fix” planned.

[H@ppy c@mper]

This is awesome and thanks for the pictures!

[Centex]

H@ppy c@mper, another option is to make an 'overlay' for the trailer step of 2x wood (1-1/2" actual thickness), thereby reducing the distance from the trailer step to the door threshold by 1-1/2" (or more if thicker material is used, e.g. built-up glued layers of desired thickness).

That 'overlay' can't be permanently affixed to the step (it won't fit under the crossbar when retracting the step) but can be located in place by pegs (e.g. inset/glued and projecting dowels) on the bottom which correspond to a few of the holes in the metal trailer step. If cedar 2x wood were used the overlay would be relatively light weight; non-slip tape on the overlay would probably be in order.

Such a removable 'overlay', used in conjunction with an adjustable step like the Camco 43676, would probably allow you to achieve a series of steps all the way from ground-to-door-threshold with each 'riser' being suitable for your needs (knees ).

Just for your consideration, Good Luck, Have Fun!

[cpaharley2008]

Since we are talking about steps, I have noticed that the stock step on Escapes have drain holes and some pets, one of our dogs, nails sometimes gets caught in these holes. I suggest covering the homes with an aftermarket cover to prevent this from happening to your pet dog.