New steps
Printed From: R-pod Owners Forum
Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=10855
Printed Date: 07 May 2024 at 2:11am
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: New steps
Posted By: Uncle Hamish
Subject: New steps
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2017 at 3:43pm
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I have a 17 rpod 180
Absolutely love it but the steps make it difficult to get in and out of. The 18 model now comes with a 2 step instead of a single step. Can they be purchased and switched out? |
Replies:
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 29 Oct 2017 at 7:34pm
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I did that on my 2016 RP179. You can see it in my mods (link in signature). I had ot modify the new steps by notching out the sides so it would sit far enough back. It make a big difference for us.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2017 at 4:04pm
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There are two main step models that will work. One is made by Lippert and the other by Stromberg-Carlson under the Flexco brand. We've had both on our 2016 179 (14" wheels, no risers) and I've been much more impressed with the Lippert.
The Flexco has long slots on the sides for the step slide that leave very little metal for structural support. We managed to bend them at the weak spot. Also, the lower step was too close to the ground to be of much use. The Lippert has solid sides and the steps are at a better height. With either one, you'll need to make modifications to the rear holes and add some spacing washers. My wife has a bad knee and has no problem on the Lippert steps. She struggled a little more with the Flexco, but not too badly. The factory step was far too much of a step up into the camper. |
Posted By: Craneman
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2017 at 7:57pm
Do you have a link to the lippert steps,we are looking into replacing our single step do to bad knees ------------- Jo and Gary, 2010-174,2011 F150 
Jo and Gary 2010 174 2011 Ford 150 |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 30 Oct 2017 at 10:26pm
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I've seen Stromberg-Carlson ones both with the slot and without. Same for Lippert. This one looks like the one I installed, although the part number is different. https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-STROMBER-Tread-Manual-Double/dp/B01KR7BS7Y/ref=pd_sbs_263_9?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=MV91CBX3G01ZC4JNXJSY - 24" manual radius folding step This one from Lippert looks the same, but is significantly more expensive: https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-432682-Double-Manual-Radius/dp/B00JMHHFVE/ref=pd_sbs_263_5?_encoding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=GMQQA3C19FP6NH938S8H - - Lippert 432682 RV Double Entry Step 24" Manual RadiusI saw some reviews on Amazon that indicate the picture may not reflect the item you would receive. Hope this helps. I looked on Camping World, but could not find the item number for the one I ordered and installed. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 11:20am
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It looks like Lippert has modified their steps to have the slot. The ones we have are almost identical to these:
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Hickory-RV-Steps/952240RXWAC1.html - https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Hickory-RV-Steps/952240RXWAC1.html |
Posted By: Uncle Hamish
Date Posted: 31 Oct 2017 at 2:09pm
| I guess what I need to know is, can I buy the 2 step from forest River and simply bolt it on? All these mods look great but Im not handy enough to do the mod myself. If it was as simple as bolting it on (direct replacement) then maybe. I'm handicapped so this is going to be difficult enough without adding in bending this or cutting that. |
Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 22 Jan 2018 at 11:13am
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I asked FR what to replace our single step 26" wide step with to get a double step - here is their reply ... 10F12113A - $76.16 plus freight - 24" DOUBLE RADIUS STEP They also said it would take some drilling to install, since the original step in my 2017 mod 178 is 26" wide. Probably won't be buying from FR. ------------- Teddy |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 01 Jul 2021 at 8:59pm
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After adding the riser kit to our 177 5 years ago (which only took 1 hour using basic hand tools) it was necessary to add a 2-step replacement. That took much longer to complete. Purchased the Stromberg-Carlson step, which seems sturdy enough for us, but took me about 2.5 hours by the time I removed the old step, used a hack saw to cut some notches in the new step, and then drill a couple new holes so that it would pretty much set in under the door just like the original one stepper. I am not aware of anyone who offers a 2-step unit that is basically a bolt-on add w/o making some modifications. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2021 at 7:38am
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I don't recall it taking me quite that long with the steps I bought but it did require some modifications and fiddling to get the mounting right.
------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2021 at 7:22pm
That is why it took me so long, I am a slow fiddler  ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 02 Jul 2021 at 8:20pm
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I also had to make a couple of shims to fill the excess space between the new steps and the existing brackets. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: GlueGuy
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2021 at 10:08am
I would first need to learn the fiddle.  ------------- bp 2017 R-Pod 179 Hood River 2015 Ford F150 SuperCrew 4WD 3.5L Ecoboost |
Posted By: offgrid
Date Posted: 03 Jul 2021 at 12:32pm
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I can fiddle with drills, saws, and angle grinders, but I'm way too ham fisted for violins... ------------- 1994 Chinook Concourse 1995 RV6A Experimental Aircraft 2015 Rpod 179 - sold |
Posted By: Thin Air
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 3:50pm
| Is the Lippert product quieter than the steps that came on our 2017 Model 180? I get up early when we are camping and the stock steps make so much creaking and rattling noise that I am afraid it will wake neighbors in adjacent camp sites. |
Posted By: TEDDY
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 4:08pm
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I use spray lube on mine - makes them quiet for about a week. ------------- Teddy |
Posted By: jato
Date Posted: 09 Sep 2021 at 5:27pm
Any simple lubricant should take care of that. We simply use straight silicone in a spray can. Multiple uses: steps, hinges on door as well as for waterproofing the r-dome. We spray our r-dome every other year with straight silicone, keeps us dry with no leaks. ------------- God's pod '11 model 177 '17 Ford F-150 4WD 3.5 Ecoboost Jim and Diane by beautiful Torch Lake "...and you will know the Truth and the Truth will set you free." |
Posted By: RFrog
Date Posted: 12 Sep 2021 at 4:57pm
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While my poor little Frog is stuck in Southern AZ with the slide out, I have asked the repair place to install the steps for me. It will run about $500 including steps, install, and removal of the existing steps. Having priced the Sturdy Steps online and finding they are upward of $400, figured this would be a good addition. Even with our steps braced, I still feel like they will bend/break, so for me the Sturdy Step is a good investment. I hope you can find something that works for you. ------------- ~dani~ 2019 RP180 purchased 5/15/21; towed by 2014 Willys Jeep Wrangler Unlimited |