Double 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=6334
Printed Date: 17 Jun 2025 at 10:44pm
Software Version: Web Wiz Forums 9.64 - http://www.webwizforums.com
Topic: Double steps
Posted By: TigerPawd
Subject: Double steps
Date Posted: 30 May 2015 at 5:55pm
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We have a R-179 with the riser blocks. The drop from Pod floor to step is 11", a little too much for our old knees and hips. I'm just wondering if anyone has replaced the original equipment step with a double step. Since the chassis is from Lippert I ordered a Lippert double step from Amazon but they are too big, front to back and left to right. I see a set from Stromberg Carlson that might fit, but I don't want to go through the return process if I don't need to. In the meantime, I made a step topper from a 2x10 sitting on 1.5" spacers. It works, but it's kind of clunky and it takes up space that I would rather not give up. It's functional but not satisfactory unless I can't find a real double step that will fit. ------------- Joan, Jerry and the two Pugs 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Replies:
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 30 May 2015 at 11:05pm
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Somebody here did do that some time ago. Would take a search to find it. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: Fly Pod
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 7:57am
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Are the steps different on a 179 versus a 178? I got a new 178 and replaced my single step with the Lippert 24" double step model #341500. I did have to notch the back of the step cradle to clear the frame rail to get it positioned right and add some washer shims to bolt locations. Used the existing front bolt location and drilled new bolt holes to the rear. Wasn't a big deal. Numerous postings about the steps on the Facebook site if you search for them.
------------- 2015 R178 R-Pod 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 2005 Ford Escape |
Posted By: Podster
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 8:10am
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Yes, several have done this, mine is on the way. All of them have to be notched out to clear the frame and allow the proper fit so the steps don't stick out to far. ------------- Cliff & Raelynn Ranger 4.0/178 (1/2 ton 5,800lb tow capacity) |
Posted By: Grandpa Hiker
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 9:20am
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I put the Stromberg double steps on my 179. I also notched out the back of the step cradle & added several washers as shims at the bolts. DW says it is the best mod so far!! ------------- Rob & Becky 2014 Ford Explorer 3.5 SOHC V6 2015 R-179 Pod aka Piddle Pod "Life is not about waiting for the storms to pass, it is about learning to dance in the rain!!" |
Posted By: TigerPawd
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 6:54pm
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Thanks, Flypod. I had searched both forums and had come up blank. That's good information - the stock numbers are identical. That's the Lippert step that I was getting ready to return because the frame is in the way. That looks like pretty stout stock on the step support, plus a small right angle turn. Does it take a torch to make the notches? ------------- Joan, Jerry and the two Pugs 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 8:22pm
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I've done one with a sawzall, and one with a side grinder.
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Posted By: TigerPawd
Date Posted: 31 May 2015 at 10:03pm
Thanks Furpod. I have a Sawzall and several new blades. I guess I'll give it a try. The worst thing is that I waste $110 - not a trivial amount.
------------- Joan, Jerry and the two Pugs 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: funks
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2015 at 6:03pm
I also have a 179 and found the step was just a little too small. We had a Coleman tent trailer and we liked the design of there step. I added on to the existing step to make it larger.  It still folds-in. 
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Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 01 Jun 2015 at 6:15pm
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Nice work! ------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2015 at 9:01am
You would have to try very hard to actually mess it up. You are just cutting a notch in the back of the step to clear the frame. remove the factory step, hold the new step in it's place, mark how far down the frame comes, then measure how far you want the step to slide back.. as I remember, it was about a 3x4 notch.. ------------- |
Posted By: Fly Pod
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2015 at 10:04am
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I just used a hacksaw with a metal cutting blade.
------------- 2015 R178 R-Pod 1998 Chevy Silverado 1500 2005 Ford Escape |
Posted By: TigerPawd
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2015 at 11:18am
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Many thanks for all the feedback, Furpod, Flypod and Funks. I went ahead with the Sawzall and cut back enough to clear the frame. That gave me enough room to raise the top step about 4" and decreases the drop from the Pod floor to about 7", It also reduces the risk of dragging on steep driveways and it's lots easier on our old joints to climb up and down now. The only shortcoming I can see is the amount of torque when we use the bottom step. I plan to get a couple of angle braces and attach them from the frame rail to the back of the step braces. That should help. I think I have see small braces that can be placed under a step - if it's stressing the mounts. Maybe I'll check those out too. ------------- Joan, Jerry and the two Pugs 2015 R-Pod 179 |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 02 Jun 2015 at 12:19pm
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Probably the easiest solution is an old car jack under the last step. The ground will be at various levels so a fixed brace will often be too long or too short. ------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual
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