Community Forums

Tuquala · 08-07-2020, 10:14 PM

The steps on our early '16 280RKS are "falling off"!!!! Not literally, but are flexing excessively. At start of 4 week trip, one of the upper step hinge pins broke and was temporarily fixed with the expert application of a tent peg. But found when inspecting that the box that the steps bolt to is cracking on both sides. Forward side crack is aboot 6" long, rearward side is aboot 3" long. The metal of the box is fairly thin in my opinion for the weight and forces placed on it. Will be starting some kind of repair this weekend.

Considering a piece of angle steel to back up the box. Can't see where it can be welded due to the box being right up against the floor and poly fabric. Think I can HD epoxy into the angle along cracks and bolt and maybe rivet the additional steel to the existing box after cleaning up. May consider an extra "strut" on each side to the bottom of frame for more support.

Another owner reported this also on Facebook (Outdoors Owners Forum), so I'm wondering if this is a problem that will be showing up on older models, and also newer ones if the same box construction is still being used. Have emailed Todd at ORV with pics, so will see what he has to say aboot this and maybe verify that they have seen it happening already!!

brulaz · 08-08-2020, 05:38 AM

Hmmm, thanks.
We usually pull ours out and let them drop with a bang. Maybe that's not such a good idea. Will try to remember to be more gentle with them. And give them a good look-over.

ktn1966 · 08-08-2020, 09:13 AM

I had this issue with our 2018 280RKS. It flexed when I stepped on it carrying a bunch of water, the mount broke. I just replaced the steps with moryde 3 step. One of the best upgrades especially for bigger people.

egwilly · 08-08-2020, 01:53 PM

Removed our steps and installed a Lippert Solid Step system.

Solid, much better, and I gained more space for a storage area. The main issue is that the folding steps are in the tire spray area when it rains or sleet/snow.

Bob_C · 08-08-2020, 02:30 PM

Revolutionary Glow Steps......take a look....at their website...Try opening those solid steps in tight quarters.....

Bob_C · 08-08-2020, 02:31 PM

Here they are....

Quote:

Originally Posted by bob caldwell

Revolutionary Glow Steps......take a look....at their web site...

Here they are....

Click image for larger version

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Tuquala · 08-08-2020, 03:14 PM

As projects go, this one has gone to sh*t!!! Forward bolt through the outer floor lower member broke almost immediately!! Flush with fabric. Don't know what the bolt is, a carriage, std hex head, stud?? Hoping to talk to Todd on Mon AM aboot it. Gonna ignore until then!!!

In past, haven't considered the MoRyde or the Lippert, but may now if the repair turns to be rediculous. Also not in favor of the "Glow Steps" due to price and flimsy looking construction, although I'm sure that owners of them will disagree!!!

Bob_C · 08-08-2020, 03:30 PM

Suit yourself, but I wouldn't say they're flimsy till you've stepped on them....which you haven't.....

Tuquala · 08-08-2020, 03:36 PM

Bob, didn't say I had!!! Just my opinion which I'm entitled to!!! I knew you'd react!!!!

oh oh · 08-08-2020, 11:04 PM

Tuguala I think somewhere there is something about what i did to fix mine, I placed a angle on mine, its been so long ago cant say how i done it. Did not weld anything. Done it in 2014 or 15 and its still fine

Tuquala · 08-09-2020, 10:42 AM

oh oh, thanks for reply. Also was going to use angle and epoxy and bolt to old box sides. But now with a broken hanger bolt that comes down from floor side frame member, it complicates the repair!! If I can't make a repair on the worst side (front) that is better than new, then probably go to one of the new style steps (lippert or MorRyde). Hope to find out more from ORV on Monday.

fisher99 · 08-09-2020, 11:37 AM

The Torklift step costs too much and is a bit fussy to deploy/stow, but it will be the next major addition I make to my trailer. And it's not just because they used a Wind River like mine in this video either..

.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ccDt0YndXHE

This video gives a better look at the adjustability of the steps. I like that you can not only adjust them at the bottom but also at the top.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dBEIIWmQZCI

I think that the Lippert/MoRyde steps may actually be even more stable, but these appear to be way more stable than what I have now and I really don't like the idea of having the stairs fold up into the trailer doorway. I often just jump up into the trailer without deploying the stairs when I need quick access at my RV storage or on a quick stop to jump in and grab a bottle of cold water from the fridge and that wouldn't be possible with the Lippert/MoRyde. And I'm not even sure that I have room to deploy the Lippert/MoRyde step at my RV storage place.

Anyway, just my personal thoughts. Lots of good options and everybody needs to choose what rings their bell.

Bob_C · 08-09-2020, 11:53 AM

And they don't use rivets.....they have teflon washers between every moving point....and the moving arms can be loosened or tightened to suit one's own set-up...and you can add steps and their handrail...they also have a shim/spacer kit for different width step wells...

Tuquala · 08-09-2020, 12:31 PM

Yes, they're fantastic, but not what I'll decide on!!!! Youse guys should make a video for Torklift!!

Orig post was to inform/show that this is happening. NOT for suggestions for new steps. That's a given, and I'll do my research for what I will use after repairs or mods. Very glad I wasn't talking aboot tires!!!!!!!!!!!!

Thanks!!!