Community Forums

happytravels · 07-26-2013, 09:40 AM

Have a 2005 Holiday Rambler Vacationer. When the steps are out for an extended period of time, can we put a block under the bottom step to keep it sturdy or will this interfere with retraction of the steps.

Thanks

Muddypaws · 07-26-2013, 09:51 AM

We have a dog that keeps injuring herself jumping down from the door so I put a ramp up to the middle step. I've had the steps retract several times with the ramp installed and it seems that the little window regulator motor they use has plenty of torque. But I think I would put one of these under there and keep it just tight enough to help and just loose enough that the step will still retract without jamming.

Stabil-Step Jack - 8" - 14" - Stromberg Carlson JSS-7 - Steps - Camping World

tedgard01 · 07-26-2013, 10:03 AM

Welcome to the sight!

I would not have any issue doing that myself, but maybe others will reply, they usually have good feedback.

As an alternative option, look at Camping World or other sights and you will find that they have some step braces that attach to the bottom of the step to provide step stability. I don't have them, but have seen them advertised. [Oh, I see muddy paws just posted about those before I could finish my post]

I purchased an adjustable step (all four legs can adjust separately). This helps when there is a longer gap from the last step to the ground. Not that this is what you asked about, but it may be another thing to consider if that was the purpose for the block.

Happy camping!

jerichorick · 07-26-2013, 04:13 PM

If you put a step or platform adjacent to your step there should be no problem. Most of the power steps I have seen will stop retracting if an object is forgotten on one of them. When you open the door the step will open. If you have something under the step it may cause damage if the coach weight should shift onto it: ie the jacks loose level.

We have a Belgian Shepherd, Dawson, traveling with us. We have a fold-up aluminum step that we put off center of the coach steps and close to the front of the bottom step to prevent his feet from jamming between the two. This arrangement lets him enter and exist more steady and with greater ease, especially when the front is high.

Muddypaws · 07-26-2013, 05:05 PM

I don't have hydraulic jacks so I didn't even think of that.

jerichorick · 07-27-2013, 09:18 AM

Good point. Experiment, use common sense and find the workable solution for your situation. Sharing it on the irv2 forum just might help someone else less clever.

Happy trails!

Rick