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Osprey · 09-27-2014, 08:16 AM

A truck hit my steps in a parking lot. Of course it pretty much ruined them. When I took the steps off I discovered the bolts were severely bent and one even cracked. They are also now loose in the floor board so they are impossible to tighten.

I am told one must pull the door off in order to pull up the flooring and replace the bolts. Does anyone have any experience with this?

It being an 02 and probably will last me a lifetime I am not concerned as much about cosmetics. Of course I like it to look as professional as possible. I am thinking of having a piece of plate steel cut to fit in the entrance and then drill holes for some carriage bolts to extend to the ladder. This way the bolts will be exposed for future repair and should be solid and I think might look pretty good. What is your opinions?

The other fix I thought might work would be to drill through the floor to expose the bolts and then just plug the holes with some metal plugs. The issue with either repair is that the bolts which hold the steps align with the front door frame and so two of them might be really difficult to get too. That is why I am thinking the plate idea would be best. I would have a plate on the top (inside the trailer) and one connected to the steps via the original mounting holes. Then I can put the bolts where I please because I would really be bolting plate to plate.

Thanks

GaryKD · 09-27-2014, 10:31 AM

Hi Osprey,
My vote is the plate. When done, you'll have all new parts and support infrastructure.

"007" · 09-27-2014, 03:16 PM

You can have a welder weld the bolts so they do not turn , mine are running through SQ-D metal frame.
If its a 5th wheel remove the tread put in new bolts and drill holes around them for heads of bolts new piece of plywood than put tread back over new plywood.

vettenuts · 10-01-2014, 10:29 AM

I ran into a similar issue on this past trip, long story but one will not tighten but turns. I plan to use a stud removed (I have a Snap-On version) to grab the end of the bolt and tighten the nut on the stairs while holding the bolt by the end. Have't tried it yet, but that is my current plan. I don't want to rip up any flooring if possible.