Step Above vs Solid Step vs GlowStep Revolution (Battle for the best RV step)
Do you struggle to climb the steps in your RV? Or are you tired of feeling the whole camper shake when someone enters or exits? RV entry steps have evolved over time, but the latest fold down RV steps from LCI and Mor/ryde are a dramatic shift from anything else out there. Torklift’s GlowStep Revolution takes a more traditional approach, but with some major tweaks to make it better. These 3 are the most stable steps out there and they are some of the only RV steps with a handrail to make getting in and out of your RV easier than ever.
While I was at the 2018 Ohio RV SuperShow I had a chance to try both the Lippert Solid Step and Mor/ryde Step Above out and compare the similarities and differences. If you are looking to replace your steps, I would pick one of these options. I’ll compare the function, installation process and features of both models to help you determine which is the best RV step for your camper.
Which one is the best?
Read on or just jump to the bottom if you can’t wait!
[toc_plus]What’s wrong with RV steps?
Since RV manufacturers began installing steps on campers they have all basically been the same. 1, 2 or 3 steps that flip and fold up under the entrance door.
Over time they have improved and added aluminum treads to make them lighter, but they still suffer from the same problems.
Problems with traditional RV Steps
- Unstable, they bounce because they do not contact the ground and can shake the whole camper when entering or exiting.
- Tall, larger travel trailers and 5th wheels have tall steps that may be hard for people who are older or physically challenged
- No Handrail, the handrails on RVs are now larger and fold out, but they still leave room for improvement.
- Exposed, they steel frames are exposed to rain and road grim causing rust. This can make the steps difficult to pull out and fold up.
How do these new steps solve these problems?
Now that we agree on the problems with RV steps let’s look at what these new steps do to solve the problem. After we look at how they solved the problems above I will compare the differences between the 3 models and let you know which I recommend.
Creating a more stable RV step
RV steps are naturally unstable. They are attached to the frame of the trailer and fold out hanging several feet below and out to the side of the camper. Climbing onto the bottom step creates force on the camper just like using pry bar to move an object.
Others have attempted to solve this problem by connecting the bottom step to the ground by stacking wood under it or using a device like the Camco Sav-A-Step. The Sav-A-Step is a brace you attach to your bottom step and fold out and adjust to touch the ground.
These new generation steps have solved the problem by adding 2 adjustable feet that make contact with the ground. All 3 models have feet that are easily adjustable for uneven ground. By connecting the bottom of the steps to the ground the lever effect is eliminated. This means that even when you jump up and down on the bottom step the camper doesn’t bounce like it hit a pothole (trust me, I tried it at the RV show).
Smaller rise makes them easier to use
Factory RV steps have up to a 9-inch rise between steps, this can be difficult to climb for some people. The Lippert, Mor/ryde, and Torklift steps are available with 8” or less rise height. While 1 inch may not sound like a lot it can make a huge difference in usability.
RV steps with a handrail
Going right along with a lower rise, the addition of a handrail makes these RV steps much easier to use. RVs have always had more of a handle, than a handrail. The handle is usually mounted right next to the door where it is difficult to reach from the ground and useless when exiting.
The Step Above use a solid stringer in place of a folding design. This means a handrail that goes from top to bottom can be permanently attached. You do need to make sure you have enough clearance inside to fold the steps up with the handrail, otherwise you will have to remove it when folding the steps in to travel. I’ll cover the amount of clearance required in the installation section below.
The GlowStep Revolution also has a handrail option, but it has to be removed before storing the steps.
Unfortunately the Solid Step does not offer and handrail, so you will have to settle for one that attaches to the side of your RV.
Protecting your RV steps when not in use
The last problem with traditional steps is that they have many moving parts that are always exposed the elements and to anything flying up off the road. If you have an travel trailer that’s more than a few years old I’m sure you have noticed the steps are much harder to open and close than they used to be.
Even the best coatings will eventually wear away allowing the steel below to start to rust. The pivot points get rusty and dirt gets packed in the joints making them tight and stiff.
The Step Above and Solid Step store inside your camper. So, if you are traveling or not using your camper they are protected. They also have far fewer links and moving parts, this means less pieces to potentially get stuck.
The GlowStep Revolution stores in the same place your factory steps do. The treads and most of the moving parts are made from aircraft grade aluminum so rusting isn’t a problem.
Differences: Solid Step vs Step Above vs GlowStep Revolution
Now that we have looked at what sets these steps apart for their traditional counterparts, lets see what makes them different from each other.
Basic Design
- The Solid Step and Step Above use a fixed stringer design with a hinge that attaches the floor inside your RV. They both have a latch mechanism that uses the door frame to hold them in place when stowed.
- The GlowStep Revolution attaches in the same location as traditional steps, below the door. These steps us a unique scissor mechanism to deploy and retract.
The fixed stringer design is slightly stronger and may be more durable in the long run, but the downside is if you are in a tight space you may not have enough room to fold them out. If you store your RV in a garage, or near other campers or buildings, make sure you will have enough room to get in.
Stair Rise
Typical residential home construction allows a maximum of 7-3/4” rise for stairs. Most homes have a rise of about 7”. Now let’s compare that to the rise on these RV steps.
When it comes to rise height, the GlowStep wins hands down. With a 7.5” step height and models featuring up to 6 steps. These steps will feel the most like the steps in your home.
The Lippert Solid Step comes in second place with an 8” rise on all models.
Lastly the Step Above has both 8” and 9” options depending on the height of your RV.
Use the table below to determine how many steps and what the rise height would be for your RV. To determine the Step Height for the Solid Step and Step Above you need to measure from the ground to the top of the door threshold. For the GlowStep Revolution measure from the top of the step opening (the cut-out where your steps fold up into) to the ground.
Number of Steps and Rise Comparison Table
| Step Height | Solid Step | Step Above | GlowStep Revolution |
| 18.5” – 24” | Not Available | Not Available | 2 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 25” – 27” | Not Available | 2 Step
9” Rise |
3 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 27” – 29” | 3 Step
8” Rise |
2 Step
9” Rise |
3 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 29” – 32” | 3 Step
8” Rise |
3 Step
8” Rise |
3 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 32” – 33.5” | 3 Step
8” Rise |
3 Step
8” Rise |
4 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 33.5” – 36” | 3 Step*
8” Rise* |
3 Step
9” Rise |
4 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 36” – 40” | 4 Step
8” Rise |
4 Step
8” Rise |
4 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 40” – 42” | 4 Step
8” Rise |
4 Step
8” Rise |
5 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 42” – 44” | 4 Step
8” Rise |
Not Available | 5 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 44” – 48” | Not Available | Not Available | 5 Step
7.5” Rise |
| 48” – 56” | Not Available | Not Available | 6 Step**
7.5” Rise** |
* Between 35” and 36” the 3 or 4 step model of the Solid Step can be used.
** The 6 step GlowStep Revolution can be used down to 46.5”
Stair Height Range
As you can see in the table above, the GlowStep Revolution covers the largest range in stair heights from 18.5” all the way to 56”. The most limited size range comes from the Solid Step, only ranging from 27” to 44”. The Solid Step also has the fewest configurations only coming in 2 and 4 step models.
In addition to the adjustable feet, the GlowStep Revolution frame has 2” of adjustment. This allows for more adjustability when you are on an uneven campsite.
Stair Tread and Platform Size
Another factor in the ease of use is the depth of the stair tread. Again, I will use residential construction as a reference point. The minimum tread depth allowed in most residential construction is 10” with most closer to 11”. Smaller treads will feel more like a ladder than a set of stairs.
Tread Depth
- GlowStep Revolution – 8”
- Solid Step – 8.5”
- Step Above –
The Solid Step has added a larger tread at the top to create a platform that is 13” deep. If you are wet or muddy this gives you the perfect place to remove your shoes before entering the RV. The Solid step also has a threshold panel behind the platform to protect you RV and prevent anything from falling behind the steps.
Stair Width
I am sure most people would prefer the widest possible steps for their RV. If your RV has a narrow doorway then GlowStep will almost always win. Because the LCI and Mor/ryde steps swing through though the doorway and don’t store in the space below for larger doorways they can be wider.
Stair Widths Comparison Table
| Solid Step
(door width from label) |
Step Above
(door width from label) |
GlowStep Revolution
(width between mounting brackets) |
| 26” | 26” | 25.5” |
| 28” | 30” | 27.5” |
| 30” | ||
| 32” | ||
| 34” | ||
| 36” |
* Stairs are narrower than width listed so that they fit inside. Example; a 26” door has an inside width of about 23.75”. Actual stair width in this case would be closer to 21.5” to account for clearance and the width of the stair stringers.
You can see that the Solid Step has the most choices when it comes to width and offers stairs up to 6” wider than the step above.
Weight Capacity
Another concern when comparing these models is the weight capacity of each. To simplify the comparison, I have again included a table of weight capacities.
As you can see the fixed stringer design has a much higher weight capacity with the Step Above at almost 1.5 times the capacity of the GlowStep. If you are looking for the strongest step, I would lean towards the Solid Step of Step Above.
Stair Weight Capacity Table
| Number of Steps | Solid Step | Step Above | GlowStep Revolution |
| 2 -4 | 400 lbs | 500 lbs | 350 lbs* |
| 5-6 | 330 lbs* |
* Capacity increases by 25 lbs when the GlowGuide handrail is used.
Installation Process Comparison
Solid Step and Step Above
The installation process for these 2 steps is very similar. One advantage these steps have is you don’t have to remove that factory steps to install them.
To install the Solid Step you place the steps in open position center them and install 2 screws. Then the steps are folded and the remaining self tapping screws are installed. The Solid Step also includes a backing plate that can be used to reinforce the floor where they are connected.
To install the Step Above you place the stairs in the folded position, set the distance from the threshold, center them up and install the self tapping screws into the floor.
Both steps use a latch that pushes against the door frame to secure the steps in the folded position. If your door has trim around it, you will have to notch the trim so the latch pushes directly against the frame.
GlowStep Revolution
The first step in the installation is to remove you existing steps. On a new RV this should be a fairly easy process. If your RV is older and the steps and hardware have a significant amount of rust on them plan on using some WD40 and working at it for a while.
To make the installation process easier for 1 person, the installation instructions suggest removing the stairs from the frame. This is done by removing 1 bolt from each side.
Once the existing steps are removed the new steps should bolt up using holes that are already there. Depending on the size of the existing steps an additional mounting bracket may be required.
After the frame is mounted the stairs can be re-attached.
Solid Step and StepAbove Pictures
While I was getting some supplies at Camping World I went out to on the lot and took some pictures of the steps on some new RVs. Take a look to compere the Solid Step and StepAbove for yourself.
GlowStep Revolution Extended 
GlowStep Revolution Stored 
GlowStep Revolution Handrail 
StepAbove Mounting Plate 
Solid Step Folded Inside 
Solid Step Latch 
Solid Step Leg New Style 
Solid Step Leg Old Style 
Solid Step Mounting Plate 
StepAbove Latch 
StepAbove Leg
Options and accessories
Each of these steps have accessories available to enhance their function. Here is a quick overview of the available options.
Solid Step Options and accessories
- No accessories are currently available for the Solid Step
Step Above Options and accessories
- Handrail, 3 step and 4 step versions can be permanently attached if you have clearance inside the RV.
- Storage Box, lockable storage box that installs in place of factory RV steps (can also be used with Solid Steps).
GlowStep Revolution Options and accessories
- GlowGuide Handrail, the handrail attaches without tools, but must be removed to stow the steps.
- DirtDestroyer, Brush that attaches to bottom step to clean shoes before entering.
- SafeStep, Fabric riser panels that install to keep pets and other items from falling between steps.
So, what is the best Aftermarket RV Step?
As much as I wanted it to be one of the solid stringer models, the Glowstep Revolution beats the other 2 in almost every category except weight capacity. That is what makes it my pick for the best aftermarket RV step.
Aftermarket RV Step Feature Comparison
| Top Pick Torlift GlowStep Revolution | Runner Up LCI Solid Step | 3rd Place Mor/ryde Step Above | |
| Height Range | 18.5” to 56” 2-step to 6-step versions | 27” to 44” 3 and 4-step versions | 25” to 42” 2, 3 and 4-step versions |
| Width Range | 25.5”, 27.5” | 26”, 28”, 30”, 32”, 34”, 36” | 26”, 30” |
| Stair Rise Height | 7.5” | 8” | 8” or 9”* |
| Wight Capacity | 330 lbs** | 400 lbs | 500 lbs |
| Optional Handrail | Yes | No | Yes |
* Rise height is dependent on overall stair height, section above for more details.
** Some configurations have higher weight capacity, see above section for more details.
The GlowStep Revolution is more adjustable, has the lowest rise height, the most accessories, and still solves the diving board affect that plagues traditional RV steps. Not to mention, is has those cool glow-in-the-dark decals so you can see them at night.
Why not the Solid Step or Step Above
While they are both great options and have their advantages, here are the main reasons they didn’t make the top spot.
Solid Step, this one was initially my favorite. The Solid Step has a nice 8.5” rise height. It has a great weight capacity, is easy to use, and is available in greater widths than any of the others. The main reason it didn’t make the cut is the lack of a handrail. If Lippert had offered a handrail this model would have been the winner. If the handrail isn’t a concern for you, then this is still a great choice.
Step Above, with the highest weight capacity the is no question that this is one sturdy set of stairs. The optional handrail also makes it a great choice if you aren’t so steady on your feet. The problem with the Step Above is with some stair heights you still have a 9” rise. This is make them much less friendly to people with limited mobility or who have a hard time with stairs.
Two final thoughts on the Solid Step and Step Above. In wet or dirty conditions, they could really make a mess when folding them up into the camper. Imagine lifting the feet off the ground dripping with mud, how do you clean them before securing them in place. My other concern is ease of access to the inside of your RV. Many times, I have opened the door and reached in, or climbed in without deploying my steps. With these steps you must fold them out to gain entrance to the RV.
Manufacturer Comments
I reached out to each manufacturer to see if they had any additional information they wanted to share about their product. Here are the highlights of what they told me.
Torklift about the GlowStep Revolution
- I asked about the weight of the steps. To deploy the 4 step model you have to lift about 13 pounds, for the 3 step it’s about 10.
- Asked about handrail installation. The handrail kit includes 3 brackets. 2 get attached to the side of your RV and the 3rd installs on the bottom step. Once installed the first time the handrail should only take a minuet or so to setup at your campsite.
Mor/ryde about the Step Above
- Pointed out that they have a stronger mounting plate compared to the Solid Step. Because of this they don’t need the reinforcing place that installs under the floor on the Solid Step.
- A new model is coming soon that will pin in place and completely detach. This is designed for motorhomes and or applications where you don’t want the folding steps.
- I was also told that because the Solid Step has the large platform at the top the lower steps have a larger overlap making them more like a ladder. When I was testing out these steps I didn’t notice it being a problem though.
LCI about the Solid Step
LCI didn’t reply when I reached out to them, but a representative did post a comment on this article. Please take a look in the comments at the bottom for what they had to say.
Where can you get them?
GlowStep Revolution
First, use the tables above to determine the width and number of steps needed for your RV.
Click here to see pricing on eBay
If you don’t want to measure, the Torklift website has a great tool to help you find the right steps .
Solid Step and Step Above
Both models can be found on Amazon, although some of the less common sizes aren’t available. While on Amazon you can check out the reviews to get more information.
Solid Step
Click here to see the Solid Steps by Lippert Components available on Amazon
Mor/ryde
There is a qualification guide to the Step Above Available here.
Click here to see the Mor/ryde Step Above Models available on Amazon
Wrap Up
To make sure there isn’t any confusion, this is a comparison of the Best RV Steps. That means that any of these options will outperform the factory steps that come on most RVs. My Top Pick may not match up with yours and that’s fine, but if you are on the fence about which one to Choose I would go with the GlowStep Revolution.
If you have any questions about these steps you would like answered, or if you own one of them. Please leave a comment below.
Thanks for Reading,
Jason
This is a really informative write-up, and it’s clear that you put a lot of effort into researching these steps. Great article
Solid Step rise 8″ (the “Why Not Solid Step or Step Above” section mentions 8.5″), with aftermarket offerings in triple step and quad step configurations. However, the company does also produce double step configurations (step height range 22″ – 28″), but they are not currently available for aftermarket purchase (OEM only).
For Glowstep due to the accordion design, doesn’t the rise (listed as 7.5″ flat) and run actually change depending on the total height of the step? For example, a 3-step at 25″ step height will have a shorter rise than the 3-step at 32″. (Correct me if I’m wrong)
Nate,
Thanks for clearing up the information on the Solid Step. Will the double step configuration be available as an aftermarket product in the future?
With regard to the rise of the Glowstep, you are right it would be impossible to have 3 steps at exactly a 7.5″ rise with different total heights. The 3 fixed steps are at exactly 7.5″, but from the ground to the first step is adjustable (just like all the others) and the Glowstep’s top step is also adjustable changing the rise on the last step into the camper. In some situations you could end up with one or both of these over 7.5″.
Thanks,
Jason
The problem with all three of these is that none will work on a motorhome. There is no driver’s side door so once you enter, how do you stow them and clise the door? Once you manage to enter, somehow stow them and miraculously get the door closed, how do you open the door and deploy the steps? Going to the gas station would be a nightmare. I really would like something like a Step Above for my motorhome but as designed, I just don’t see it working. They’re missing a huge market here.
Karla,
I get your concern. When speaking with someone at MorRyde they told me a new product was in the works that would detach instead of folding up. These steps were designed with motorhomes and seasonal site owners in mind. The downside for you would be that you have to store the steps in one of your storage bays when traveling and hook them up after you arrive at your campsite. I was told the process to attach and remove the steps is going to be a simple pin connection.
Thanks,
Jason
I am concerned that the Gloster has many pivot points and may require at least periodic lubrication. Also I saw no mention of the lethal (side to side) stability or strength. Could there be a potential problem if they are bumped from the side?
Frank, I agree with your concern regarding lubrication of the pivot points. Since the glowstep is not made from steel, it shouldn’t have an issue with rust like traditional steps making lubrication less of concern. As far as the side strength, I haven’t come across complaints about any catastrophic failures. That could be a possibility, I will look into it and update the article if needed.
Thanks,
Jason
The prices on the top rated steps are stratospheric! $500 to $600+ is ridiculous. I am still in shock.
Chris, I feel your pain, the prices are very high. Even a standard set of replacements steps can be over $150 and if they are the aluminum tread style some are over $300.
Jason
I don’t see how much space is needed to deploy these steps. I store my fifth wheel in my garage and could really use this information
George,
The distance needed to deploy the steps is not published by the manufactures. If you know the model you are interested in, I may be able to help figure it out. Let me know.
Thanks,
Jason
This is my question too…wondered if you came up with the answer in the last 6 months? Thanks for all your great information!!
Debbie, GlowStep reached out to me and asked me to review their steps on my 5th wheel, so I will have a full review of them soon and will cover that.
The Solid Step and Step Above are becoming common from the factory. So the best option might be to take a tape measure to a dealer and find an RV with the right size steps to measure.
Now that I said that I should probably do it myself and add that info to the article.
Thanks for reading,
Jason
We have an Arctic Fox 5er that’s pretty tall at the entry…thinking that might mean the GlowStep might extend out quite a bit. My knees are screaming for better steps, so we gotta do something!! Thanks again for all the info! I’ll check for a dealer too.
Thanks, Jason
You missed the Port-A-Step from RV-Co. Extremely stable, has foldable handrail, and does not mount to the RV. That way, when you are on the road and make a quick stop, you can use the original steps on the coach without having them stick out into a sidebank, or fall off over the roadside. I have had mine for about 5 months and they are great. Well made and the they fold quickly and easily to go into your truck. If you are going to evaluate aftermarket steps, you need to check them out. Also, very personal service. I damaged mine by dropping my 5th wheel on it while in the back of my truck, and they were extremely quick to send me parts. Even offered to replace it when it was my fault.
Paul, I will look into the Port-A-Step. It sounds like a nice option and good customer service is a great benefit too.
Thanks,
Jason
Thanks for the thoughtful review, Jason. I’ve been wrestling with this stair decision. The Port-a-Step is my frontrunner, so I was excited to hear a comment from someone who uses them. My husband is a stroke survivor with a weak leg, foot drop, and a paralyzed hand. He can get up the steps on our class B+ , rear door, R Vision motorhome with maximum assist from me, but it’s frightening for him. Luckily the cab is easier for him to get into, with relatively low step-in and a wide running board. Then, though, he needs me to pull his feet past the console so he can get into the living area.
I, too, have the question about whether stretching the scissor unit out would reduce the step to step rise. I would think so. If I decide on the Torklift Stow and Go or Brophy scissors I would attach the Lend-a-Hand extended assist rail by Stromberg Carlson to the motorhome next to the doorway.
It sounds like you have some challenges, but it seems like you are making it work. I had some experience playing with the torklift steps, and I think the rise can be reduced a little bit if you they aren’t extended all the way. I’m not sure how you would accomplish that though, maybe buy a longer step than you need? The Lend-a-hand assist rail looks like it provides much more support than the factory grab bars.
Please let me know what solution you end up using.
Jason
We have a Rockwood Roo, and we got ours just before they switched to using the StepAbove as the factory steps. We are considering getting the StepAbove steps for ours, but I do have a question about them that I have not been able to find an answer to. If the ground outside the door is slightly elevated compared to the ground the camper is on, since the steps pivot inside the door frame, if the steps are slightly angled up vs flat against the bottom of the door frame would that prevent the door from opening or closing? If so, I could see that as an issue as you can’t always control the site you get when camping.
Brain, The bottom of the step has a short adjustable leg. If the ground is only slightly angled you should be able to shorten the legs and still have the steps level. After playing with the steps a little there seems to be a decent about of “wiggle room” where the door will still close. If the ground is more extreme, then you might get into a situation where the steps could interfere with the door closing.
I hope that helps,
Jason
After looking at both these products, installed on trailers ,one thing I can say was the Mor ride steps have a mechnesium that makes them super easy to lift up and bring down , you can do it with one hand , loved the bigger step at the top of the other ones , but the Mor ride was much easier to put in and out
Jerri,
Thanks for sharing you opinion of the steps. It’s great to get different points of view on a product.
Jason
Thanks for the review. I appreciated your unbiased opinion. I have looked at all three steps on line and pretty much decided on the MorRyde. I’m still leaning in that direction. Mostly because of the handrail. But I guess I’ll have to do more research and look at them in prrson.
Thanks Dennis,
Seeing the steps in person really is the best way to compare them.
Good luck picking one out. Please let me know which you decide on an why.
Thanks,
Jason
New camper with step above three step 9″ riser bad knees ha ha thinking about mods to this steps looks like I have enough room move top step up one to two in.leave bottom where it is then divide distance up and install another step going to call factory to see if they will sell me the parts to do that . good job see you on the road
Jesse, Sounds like a great way to decrease the rise between steps. I look forward hearing how it goes.
Thanks,
Jason
Jesse were you able to aquire an extra.step from the manufacturer to make the step rise a shorter distance? That is what I would need to do.
Thanks Chris
When measureing for door witdth is that from door jam to door jam? Or is it from the lip that the screen door rest against lip to lip?
Mike,
The Step Above calls for the measurement from the inside of the flange or lip as you call it. The SolidStep doesn’t specify which place to measure from.
I would suggest using the smaller dimension to be sure you don’t have any interference. Hopefully that helps.
Thanks for reading,
Jason
A very informative article, Jason. However, it did not cover the main reason that we must get the Glowstep Revolution rather than either the Step Above or Solid Step. We have an enclosed but decidedly narrow RV garage in our back yard. We could not make the garage wider because city codes prevented it from being any closer than 10 ft. to our rear property line. We do not have room in the garage to fold down either the Solid Step or Step Above while the trailer is inside, without hitting a vertical support beam or the metal side wall of the building. If readers will go to Torklift’s web site (manufacturer of Glowstep), and view the videos on the site of the Glowstep, the videos demonstrate that a person can even un-stow the steps from storage and use them vertically like a ladder, right next to the side of the RV, to get inside the RV, should that ever become necessary. The Glowstep is the only logical choice for those who store their RVs in tight rental facilities or private garages or RV ports, like ours. There isn’t room in many of these places to deploy the other 2 step units without hitting a wall, tree, adjacent RV, or whatever obstacle might be there. We don’t have quite enough room to fully extend the Glowsteps, in our garage, but as the Glowstep videos demonstrate, they can be used to gain entry safely and securely at any extension, or even NO extension, if conditions make it necessary. We have decided that the Glowstep Revolution is not only the best choice, but in our case, our only choice. With the Solid Step or Step Above, you CANNOT enter the RV without those steps fully deployed and resting on the ground, and if space is limited, either in storage or in use, the steps may NOT have room to be fully deployed. It did not seem that many of those who commented on the article had this disadvantage in mind about the Solid Step or Step Above, but having had our garage for almost 15 years, I knew immediately that we could not use either of them. We are about to order the 4-step Glowstep Revolution.
Jim,
Thank you for clarifying one big advantage of the glowstep over the other options.
Jason
What is the difference between the Glow Step Stow and Go and the Glow Step Revolution?
Dean,
The Stow and Go steps were designed for truck campers and fold up behind the door instead of under the door like most RVs.
Jason
Hello. This post was extremely interesting, particularly because I was looking for thoughts on this topic last Thursday.
I have bought Lippert Components 26-inch SolidStep and It took me totally about an hour to install. I have a child with special needs and she was always a little shakey coming out of the camper with original steps shaking. Now its like having concrete steps outside my camper. Why I didn’t do this when i bought the camper I don’t know. I love them and my wife does too!
MOR/Ryde International is great steps for an RV. Our steps no longer feel like a trailer-side diving board. Very solid. The angle of the steps is much less steep and easier to go up or down than original steps; if you have knee problems these steps are much better. Very easy to lower for use, or raise up for travel.
Jason, we have now had our Torklift Glowsteps installed for several months on our 36′ Rockwood Signature conventional TT, and I thought I would write a follow-up. We LOVE the steps. Although the steps are super-easy to deploy or retract at a campsite (takes about 3-5 seconds), I do not have room in our RV garage to walk backward 3 steps to deploy them. I have to pull them out until my back is against the wall, then get on one side or the other and continue extending them using only my arms and hands, until they are about to hit the metal vertical beam opposite the trailer door. That is a little harder, pulling on them from the side, but I only have to do it once, until the next outing is over. Inside the garage, the steps lack about 1 1/2 ft. being able to extend fully, but there is no problem using them at partial extension. The back of the steps have an almost invisible slant towards the trailer when used in the garage, but that does not cause us any problems with balance, etc. I can climb the steps even if they are dropped straight down vertically, like a ladder. The height of our step well was only 1 1/2 inches shy of needing the 4-step unit, and I decided to get the 4-step anyway. Since in most of the campsites we use, the ground “falls away” from the trailer, and the point where the step legs hit the ground is lower than the level of the tires and jacks, the 4-step worked out great. The Glowsteps have not gotten any harder to extend or retract when out in the open, although we use our trailer at least once a month if we can. If we get a lot of mud, sand, etc. on them while camping, I spray them off thoroughly with a spray nozzle before retracting them. The way it worked out on the Rockwood, we have 7.5 inches rise on the first 3 steps, but with the 3-position top step adjustment, the rise from the top step onto the floor of the trailer can be as little as 1 1/2 inches, if we want it that way. I have bad knees (climbed too many utility poles), and my wife has a “trick” hip, and these steps have been a Godsend to both of us, especially when loading and unloading. Another benefit of the 4-step: either of us can stand on the bottom step and reach the door latch and fully open the door, without having to step down out of the way so that it can swing open. Although we have the usual extended grab handle at the door (not the handle with the extended “shepherd’s crook” at the bottom, like my wife’s sister and mother had installed), her 95-year-old mother has no trouble getting in and out of our trailer now (she can reach the grab handle from the bottom step) and loves the smaller “rise” between steps. So far, we have found no “cons” in our installation, only “pros”. We usually camp next to a lake, and often leave the outside lights off to keep from attracting a lot of bugs around the door. In that situation, the glowing tabs on the sides of each step really do make it easy to see them clearly in the dark.
I bought a new step for my RV last month and now I want to buy another step cover. However, I am not sure that Camco or Prest-O-Fit RV step covers are better than the other. Can you recommend for mr? Thanks so much!