Skip to main content ↑ ↓
Topic: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier? (Read 706 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from Another entry step re...

Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

The design of our U295 is such that when the door opens - the one step pops/opens out.  Works fine.  No issues.  The problem is the wife, with her short legs, finds it very difficult to go from the exterior step to the first step inside the coach.  It is 13 inches up from the exterior step the the first step in the coach.  Surely others have had the same issue.  Greatly appreciate any help in fixing this.  Thank
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Entry step height from ground - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #2 –

On one of our trips, we decided we needed an additional step.  We went to a local hardware store that specialized in RV supplies.  We didn't find an RV step, but we found this.  It has worked well.  A friend saw it and was so impressed, he bought one too!

Amazon.com : Storm Drain FSD-120-6 6-in. Deep Riser Sprinkler Valve Box :...

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Matt B
1998 u-320

Re: Entry step height from ground - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #3 –
If I'm reading correctly, it's not the height from ground to first step that's the issue, but first step to coach.
An I right?
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Entry step height from ground - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #4 –
Do you have a picture of this exterior step? I just measured mine and it's at about 10 inches. I haven't seen a step that is different than mine.
1999 U320 WTFE #5586
2014 Subaru Forester 6sp
4000 watts of solar
650 aH @ 24v

Re: Entry step height from ground - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #5 –
13" does seem high according to my mental ruler that's known for being highly inaccurate. There's not much magic to the steps, they're just wood boards that can be repositioned with a bit of elbow grease. Lot's of good pictures here to show you what it looks like under the covers: Another entry step rebuild
1987 Grand Villa ORED
2001 U320 4010

Not all that wander are lost... but I often am.

Re: Entry step height from ground - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #6 –
Not aware of anyone facing this, but because the outside flip down step is a fixed height and the first inside bottom step is fixed from the steel frame, I could see placing something permanently placed on top of outside step that does not interfere with step closing to decrease the distance between top of outside step and first inside step.

Then follow up with one of the common ideas others have had to make it easier to step up onto folding step.

FYI the oem design is when ignition is off, outside drop down step stays down all the time. When ignition is on, step is up until door is opened, then while door is open, step is down.

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Moby –
If I'm reading correctly, it's not the height from ground to first step that's the issue, but first step to coach.
An I right?


After re-reading the post (it was a reply to an older topic on entry step rebuilding that I split into its own discussion), I believe you are correct.  I've edited the title I gave this new topic to remove my initial misreading of the question.
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #8 –
After reading this several times I wonder if the OP coach has had a step upgrade and the center step section isn't extending. On some of the step mods that has 2 steps that distance would be about rite.

Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #9 –
Thanks for the replies - yes, it is the height of the first step.  Try stepping up 13" every time you get into the coach.  It gets old really quick.  I have included a picture to help illustrate.

 



 


2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #10 –
Wel the pic. shoots the step upgrade theory. I have never measured our step height.

Mike 
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #11 –
You can just add a 2x8 plank on top of the swing out step.
Wrap in carpet to make it look better, remove from step when not needed.
My SO is a double amp and this is how we help her climb in.
In restless dreams I walked alone.
Narrow streets of cobblestone.


'93 U225
Build 4337
'14 CRV Toad

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #12 –
Check the angle iron bracket holding the air operated step assembly.  When I bought my coach the original air operated steps had the problem you are now having.  The angle iron bracket had sagged and made the step approximately 13 inches to the entry.  I made a carpeted block similar to as described above to lay on the step so Willie could get into the coach until I changed out the steps at Extreme to their electric replacement.  Not a cheap fix, but we are well pleased and love our new steps.
Herb and Willie
Escapees 90802
2014 IH-45 Build 6581
2002 U320 40' AGDS Build 6021 Sold
1999 U320 36' No Slides Sold
2007 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV Sold
2005 Discovery 39 Sold
1986 20' Wilderness TT,  Died a natural death after floods, etc.
Walldog's Journeys
And Willie Said

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #13 –
Thanks Herb.  No the step does not sag.  It opens level.  The hardware (brackets,etc.) seem to be normal. The picture is a little deceiving. Every coach we have had - 13 inch rise is a two step system.  Maybe previous owner changed it. We have no way of knowing. As Senior's, who are not tall - this is becoming a real ordeal. The fun part is stepping down 13 inches onto a narrow step without losing balance. 
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #14 –
Well I took our coach to Extreme and  told them we had to have near code steps around 10.5 inch maximum.  Both of us ar 5' 4" and we would not want a vehicle with 13 inch steps.  We are pleased with Extreme.  We also carry a sturdy adjustable 4 legged platform stool if we have to have the front higher to level.
Herb and Willie
Escapees 90802
2014 IH-45 Build 6581
2002 U320 40' AGDS Build 6021 Sold
1999 U320 36' No Slides Sold
2007 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV Sold
2005 Discovery 39 Sold
1986 20' Wilderness TT,  Died a natural death after floods, etc.
Walldog's Journeys
And Willie Said

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #15 –
Thanks Heb.  But who or where is Extreme?  Was MOT unable to help?  We are in Central Florida.  Thanks.
2002 U295
Build  # 5989
Former:  Alpine Apex (2006 Prototype), Fleetwood Discovery LXE, Berkshire 40 XL

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #16 –
Xtreme is in Nacogdoches. Many (including us) feel they do amazing body work and paint.
1993 U300 40ft GV SE
Build # 4344

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #17 –
Xtreme Paint and Graphics, 7515 North St, Nacodoches, TX 75965, 936/560-5888.  The very best body and paint repair especially for Foretravels.  Outstanding upgrades for several things such as headlights and steps.
Rudy Legett
2003 U320 4010 ISM 450 hp
2001 U320 4220 ISM 450 hp
1995 U320 M11 400 hp
1990 Granvilla 300 hp 3208T
Aqua Hot Service Houston and Southeast Texas

Re: Entry step height - any tips for making it easier?

Reply #18 –
Extreme Paint and Graphics step conversion:

Xtreme Paint & Graphics Home



Herb and Willie
Escapees 90802
2014 IH-45 Build 6581
2002 U320 40' AGDS Build 6021 Sold
1999 U320 36' No Slides Sold
2007 Monaco Dynasty Diamond IV Sold
2005 Discovery 39 Sold
1986 20' Wilderness TT,  Died a natural death after floods, etc.
Walldog's Journeys
And Willie Said