mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 6, 2013 15:19:25 GMT -8
Non-connected steps can be very dangerous. I've witnessed a few people go down stepping in and out of a trailer on something like a bucket turned up side down or a smaller plastic step thats too small for it's height. So be careful when you choose an exterior step so you don't end up on your butt with a concussion from your head hitting the thresh hold. An exterior step if not connected to the trailer should be as wide as you can get it and have as low of profile as you can use. The higher the step the wider the stance should be. I've seen some very expensive light weight low profile fold up steps with feet that stick out at an angle in all four corners providing a very sturdy surface for even the drunkest trailerite to safely crawl into the trailer.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Sept 6, 2013 18:16:36 GMT -8
Here's our vintage wooden step, it really is the perfect height AND it echoes the shape of the wooden table leg. I have no idea what it was originally, but the age is just about right. It is very sturdy, and the wide stance makes it very stable. Just got lucky, I really do like it though.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 6, 2013 20:09:49 GMT -8
Actually that's exactly the type of step I was talking about. Too small and when you come out if you don't place your one foot in exactly the right place, it will tip to the front and down you go and your head hits the thresh hold. Just happened to Cindy. Same exact type of step.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Sept 6, 2013 20:35:04 GMT -8
Actually that's exactly the type of step I was talking about. Too small and when you come out if you don't place your one foot in exactly the right place, it will tip to the front and down you go and your head hits the thresh hold. Just happened to Cindy. Same exact type of step. Used this one through the entire rebuild and never had any problem with tilting. (I'm definitely thinking a non-slip surface might be a good thing, though...) We will be careful. Promise. (x)
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cowcharge
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Post by cowcharge on Sept 7, 2013 5:55:32 GMT -8
I would want one without legs (or with a board to set it on), for those campsites that aren't paved.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 7, 2013 7:03:45 GMT -8
I would want one without legs (or with a board to set it on), for those campsites that aren't paved. And there in lies the problem. Wide stance, low profile. That's the ticket.
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Post by bigbill on Sept 7, 2013 7:42:16 GMT -8
You guys just don't understand it is way more fun to break an arm,leg.or head in the middle of a vacation. Anyway "That could never happen to me"
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 7, 2013 9:54:30 GMT -8
Well if you are carrying a tray or something in front of you while stepping out of the trailer it's hard to see the step and if you put your weight on the edge of the front of the step, down you go. And you want to think about other people who are as clumsy as I am going in and out of your trailer as well.
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Post by bigbill on Sept 7, 2013 11:03:10 GMT -8
Yes Larry that is very good advice, even here on my concrete driveway I keep 3 cement blocks in front of the Shasta door just to insure a safe step and I still am very careful carrying things in or out. I have discovered that I don't bounce as well as I did years ago.
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 7, 2013 11:32:20 GMT -8
The most absolute worst thing to use is a milk crate.... That one I know about personally.
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hoosierpoet
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Post by hoosierpoet on Sept 7, 2013 13:39:26 GMT -8
Well if you are carrying a tray or something in front of you while stepping out of the trailer it's hard to see the step and if you put your weight on the edge of the front of the step, down you go. And you want to think about other people who are as clumsy as I am going in and out of your trailer as well. I could do that with the metal steps that are actually built in to the camper. Easily. I can almost guarantee I will be the clumsiest person going into my trailer. (Or into anyone else's trailer, for that matter!) Unless my sister comes to visit...
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mobiltec
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Post by mobiltec on Sept 7, 2013 13:46:35 GMT -8
I worry more about bumping my poor head most of the time. I hate it when that happens.
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brendaleeoc
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Post by brendaleeoc on Sept 7, 2013 14:57:58 GMT -8
I use one of these I got at a friend's yard sale. for free! Works just great and is period correct too!
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shastabear
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'66 Model 1500 Shasta
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Post by shastabear on Sept 7, 2013 15:09:13 GMT -8
HA! Try being about 300# (which I am working on. I'm down from 390#) and try getting into a 22" doorway...LOL....its a careful process...specially when having to step up into the camper. That's why I built a box as a step. I will post pics as soon as I can friggin figure out how to get them from my camera into this laptop. I HATE WINDOWS 8 !!
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65callie
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Post by 65callie on Sept 7, 2013 15:17:08 GMT -8
I use one of these I got at a friend's yard sale. for free! Works just great and is period correct too! I have this exact step, same color too. No way sturdy enough or big enough for us, you must be very graceful We use the built in steps and ALWAYS hold onto the grab handle. Son's compact doesn't have a grab bar so I hold onto the door frame. Slow and careful is the plan.
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