Replacing the step

jkjenn

My step is showing signs of wear and some sag and I plan to replace it this spring. Due to ourseemingky ongoing wet weather combined with my massive springtime allergy attack, I have been unable to crawl underneath to see if it is a simple replacement. Has anyone done it? I am thinking it make sense to find one that drops a couple if extra inches (I have the boo dock axle) but I am not sure if that would just make the step from the step to the trailer more awkward. Any thoughts?

Homebodyatheart

Jenn, I’m using cedar steps I got at a rummage sale last fall and love them! Many have used hot tub steps, too. I find having two steps is easier on my aging knees. 

Verna

@jkjenn, I highly recommend the new step used on the 400’s. It doesn’t flex and bend and no rust. I think Austin has figured out how to get the nice light above the step on the 320’s. Ask Jasper Pendry, as I think he was the first to get the mod on his 320.. 

jkjenn

Verna said:

@jkjenn, I highly recommend the new step used on the 400’s. It doesn’t flex and bend and no rust. I think Austin has figured out how to get the nice light above the step on the 320’s. Ask Jasper Pendry, as I think he was the first to get the mod on his 320.. 

Thanks, will do!

Homebodyatheart said:

Jenn, I’m using cedar steps I got at a rummage sale last fall and love them! Many have used hot tub steps, too. I find having two steps is easier on my aging knees. 

Thanks, but the last thing I need is one more thing to pack!

Photomom

Two steps might be nice for your puppo.

jkjenn

Photomom said:

Two steps might be nice for your puppo.

He does really well with just one. He likes to jump...thankfully, he us light enough (15 lbs) to pick up as he ages. 

4ncar

I’ve I’ve toyed the idea of getting the new aluminum step(s)...

Bayliss

I got my dealer to agree to switch out the standard step with the new aluminum step on my 2019 320S BL.  Unfortunately, after they removed the standard step, they discovered that only two of the four bolts line up with the mounting holes on the aluminum step.  Thus, despite my successful negotiating for a better step, I had to leave with the standard version.  I wrote to nuCamp at the time and suggested that they should make the aluminum step standard on all their campers, or at least figure out a way that a purchaser can select whichever version they want.  It was a total bummer for me, because as @Verna noted, the aluminum step is much better.

jkjenn

Thanks....I might be sending Austin an email tomorrow for a quote. Thankfully, I am just a couple of hours from Sugarcreek.

ChanW

Does anyone have a photo of the aluminum step?

And dimensions of the mounting holes? (@bayliss,  Frustrating!)

Travelin3D

The new step is shown near the end of Mandy Lea's video of the 2020 320.

jkjenn

This is not a cheap mod and I probably will not make it this year. When I have some time, I will check out the existing step and if it is easily replaced.

Marceline

I hated the original step. I took it off and bought a standalone aluminum step. It's a huge improvement. 

Dalehelman

A us year or so ago I enlarged the stock step with a piece of 3/4” plywood. Bolted directly to the original step. Cost less than $10. An added benefit is that when retracted it still extends about 6”. So when traveling and we make a quick stop it’s easier to enter and exit without pIllini out the step. When parked I do support the step to reduce stress on mounting points.

DenisP

Does anyone have an idea of how much the new aluminum step cost for the parts?

Marceline

This might be worth having a look at:
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Hickory-RV-Steps/951243EXTALC1.html

The guys at etrailer are pretty responsive, and you might be able to get the bolt pattern details from them.

Verna

ChanW said:

Does anyone have a photo of the aluminum step?

And dimensions of the mounting holes? (@bayliss,  Frustrating!)

@ChanW, here are the measurements:
7 7/8” wide
20 1/2” long
 And I do not know how to measure for the bolt pattern. That may be a question for tech@nucamprv.com. 

If you need different photos, tell what you need to see.   

The first photo is looking up at the step from the front of the step.

Towards the front from the left side of step as facing 400
From front of step, looking down the passenger side at my folded chairs


Looking downward at the step

jkjenn

Marceline said:

This might be worth having a look at:
https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Hickory-RV-Steps/951243EXTALC1.html

The guys at etrailer are pretty responsive, and you might be able to get the bolt pattern details from them.

Yeah, this is one that has been on my list. Thanks

jkjenn

The good news is that upon further inspection it appears that I do not need a new step, just a can of PB Blaster and a box wrench. It appears that the nut holding the step up on one side is lower than the other side. That should be an easy fix.

ChanW

Thanks for that @Verna! And the photos!

Verna said:

ChanW said:

Does anyone have a photo of the aluminum step?

And dimensions of the mounting holes? (@bayliss,  Frustrating!)

@ChanW, here are the measurements:
7 7/8” wide
20 1/2” long
 And I do not know how to measure for the bolt pattern. That may be a question for tech@nucamprv.com. 

If you need different photos, tell what you need to see.   
............

3leggedRoz

Dalehelman, that is exactly what I've been trying to design.  Would you be willing to share the specs on it?  And what are you using to hold it up?  

Dalehelman

@3leggedRoz
3/4” plywood cut 15”x 22 1/2” bolted to existing step. Because of the added lever you should use 

Quick Products QP-JSS-4 RV Step Stabilizer (4.75" - 7.75")  Quick Products $10.17 The one I used required some cutting and welding to make it short enough.

Camco Self-Stor Step - Mounts Under RV Steps to Stabilize Steps and Prevent RV Movement and Swaying, Lifts Up For Easy Storage After Use , One Time Installation (43671)  Camco  $17.56