Electric Steps

[tommy_z]

Here ya go, have a laugh on me.....

I store my trailer under a sturdy steel car port. Of all the things I forgot when prep'ing for a trip, I didn't retract the trailer steps. As I started to pull out, they hung on a carport post and bent the bejesus out of the bottom one.

I couldn't retract them to leave, so I had to drill/pound the rivets out to remove the bottom step. Anyway, when I got back I was able to bend and hammer until I could bolt the bottom step back on. Not perfect, but it's perfectly sturdy.

My question is, anybody upgrade to automatic electric steps on a trailer? I've seen them on motorhomes and thought they were nice.

[JRTJH]

Electric steps are more expensive and usually not as reliable as mechanical steps. They are a "necessity" on motor homes (you're inside and need the steps down to get out or up to depart). Most trailer manufacturers don't even have the option of electric steps for several reasons, first is cost, second is that most motorhomes have one or two steps, most trailers have three or four. Three or four step folding electric step systems are difficult to find and very difficult to maintain.

I suppose it's generally accepted that mechanical steps are a part of the "KISS" technology found in most trailer entry systems.

Besides, if you "forget, left them down and pulled out of the carport" with electric steps, you'd be looking at an insurance claim, not a drill for the rivets....

ADDED: As an example, a 3 step electric system costs $1118.97 http://www.delcity.net/store/24-Series/p_799458 while a 3 step mechanical system costs $225.90 http://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/r...mper-steps.htm

[chuckster57]

I thought about adding them as I have access to stuff cheaper than the average bear.

Glad all I did was think about it. Too much to go wrong for what I consider a minor improvement.

As for retracting them and missing the carport uprights, there is a switch that makes them extend and retract automatically when the door is opened/closed. Just that much more to install and go wrong.

[JRTJH]

To add to Chuckster57's comment about the switch. Most electric step switches have a "off/on" function as well as the "step in/out" function. When you're parked in a campground (motorhome or trailer) you don't want the wear and tear (and electrical battery drain) of constantly opening/closing the steps every time you open the RV door. So, there is a switch function that allows the steps to remain "out" (or down) when camping. The potential to "forget to turn on that switch" is just as great as the potential to forget to "fold your manual steps"..... So, with manual steps, a repair that you can probably do, with electric steps, a call to your insurance agent if you bend/warp them. Yes, I speak from experience, our motorhome had electric steps and I pulled out with them extended, well, until I heard the scraping as we crossed the curb. Expensive lesson learned the "wallet way".....

If you haven't guessed yet, I'm not a fan of electric steps.

[tommy_z]

You've both convinced me. I'll K.I.S. and stop being Stupid about my pre-flight checks.