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11-15-2015, 09:11 AM
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#1
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Central KY
Posts: 79
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Portable trailer steps, sort of
We use our trailer as a winter home in Florida and spend about 4 months a year in it. Last season we felt that the fold out steps were a bit unsafe. Even with a support jack under them they would shake when we went up and down and they seemed too steep and narrow. I searched the web for another solution that could be disassembled to pack away when we left. I found one idea that was essentially a series of boxes that stacked.
Since I was building them on site and didn't have access to a good saw to rip the lumber so I couldn't get a consistent step height when the boxes were stacked. So after further thought I came up with this design that has worked perfectly. I used 2x10's as the vertical supports with 2x4 and 2x6 cross members with 1" trex treads. I then tied the vertical sections together with door hinges on each side. When we pull out in the spring all I have to do is pull the pins from the hinges and stow each step away.
This setup gives me 5 steps, counting the step into the trailer, instead of 4. Each step is 7 inches. They are sturdy and you can go up and down without holding to the hand rail when you are bringing in groceries with your arms full. And the dog likes them too. Attached are my plans and a photo of the finished product if you have any interest.
Dennis
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11-15-2015, 09:39 AM
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#2
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Site Team
Join Date: Jul 2014
Location: Modesto
Posts: 20,351
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Very nice! You did an excellent job.
__________________
2012 Copper Canyon 273FWRET being towed by a 1994 Ford F350 CC,LB,Dually diesel.
Airlift 5000 bags, Prodigy brake control, 5 gauges on the pillar.Used to tow a '97 Jayco 323RKS.
Now an RVIA registered tech. Retired from Law enforcement in 2008 after 25+ yrs.
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11-16-2015, 07:36 AM
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#3
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Senior Member
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: New Smyrna Beach, FL
Posts: 129
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Very Nice job. I especially like the hinge idea to make them come apart. Where do you winter in Florida? I'm a full-timer in New Smyrna Beach area.
__________________
Joe & Terri
2005 Raptor 3612DS ToyHauler "the Pearl"
2001 Ford F550 4X4 (or is that 4X6!!) 7.3L Crew Cab - "Jack Sparrow"
2010 Victory CrossCountry
2012 Bushtec Spartan trailer (behind Victory)
2006 Suzuki DR650
Trek EX8 Mountain Bike
Trek 7100 Hybrid
48" Penny Farthing Bike
Haro Sonix International Mountain Bike
Haro Sanford Road Bike with a B.O.B Trailer
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11-16-2015, 08:28 AM
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#4
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Central KY
Posts: 79
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We're on Hutchinson Island between Ft Pietce and Stuart.
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11-17-2015, 03:54 AM
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#5
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Member
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Southport
Posts: 33
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Nice work Sir.
__________________
2015 Cougar XLite 33RES
2011 F-350 Turbo Diesel
From Southport Indiana
Miniature Schnauzers supervise out trips
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12-08-2015, 07:59 PM
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#6
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Senior Member
Join Date: Aug 2013
Location: Oregon
Posts: 783
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From one wood worker to an obvious other.... that looks great!
__________________
Jeff & Jan - Retired & Full-timing since 2013
2019 Ram Big Horn 3500 Aisin 4x4
2012 Alpine 3450-RL
Double Coin 235/75R-17.5/16 J rated 125lb
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12-09-2015, 07:36 AM
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#7
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,037
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are hinges pined?
like a door at your house that you can tap them out and remove?
thanks,
randy
__________________
Randy "Camp On"
2011 Cougar 327RES
2014 Ford F-350, 6.7L 4X4, CC, SRW
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12-09-2015, 09:48 PM
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#8
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Central KY
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Originally Posted by byrdr1
are hinges pined?
like a door at your house that you can tap them out and remove?
thanks,
randy
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Yes, the hinges are standard door hinges from Lowes. Just pull the pins to separate the steps.
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12-11-2015, 12:11 PM
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#9
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,037
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wayfun
Yes, the hinges are standard door hinges from Lowes. Just pull the pins to separate the steps.
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Thanks one last question.
parts list?
2"X8"X?
2"X6"X ?
2"X4"X?
8 hinges
Screws or nails?
See I want this at my house while the camper is resting for the winter.
randy
__________________
Randy "Camp On"
2011 Cougar 327RES
2014 Ford F-350, 6.7L 4X4, CC, SRW
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12-11-2015, 01:59 PM
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#10
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Member
Join Date: May 2014
Location: Central KY
Posts: 79
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Quote:
Originally Posted by byrdr1
Thanks one last question.
parts list?
2"X8"X?
2"X6"X ?
2"X4"X?
8 hinges
Screws or nails?
See I want this at my house while the camper is resting for the winter.
randy
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The vertical end pieces are 2x10
The horizontal pieces are 2x6 and 2x4. 2x6 at the bottom and rear with 2x4 across the front and in the center at the top. If I were doing it again I would use all 2x6 to close up the space in front of your toes.
The treads are 1x6 composite deckboards.
6 hinges and all fasteners were stainless steel screws.
You can find the cut dimensions on illustration.
Good luck
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12-12-2015, 04:01 AM
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#11
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Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2009
Location: North Carolina
Posts: 1,037
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Quote:
Originally Posted by wayfun
The vertical end pieces are 2x10
The horizontal pieces are 2x6 and 2x4. 2x6 at the bottom and rear with 2x4 across the front and in the center at the top. If I were doing it again I would use all 2x6 to close up the space in front of your toes.
The treads are 1x6 composite deckboards.
6 hinges and all fasteners were stainless steel screws.
You can find the cut dimensions on illustration.
Good luck
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Thanks again. I have a holiday project now.
The wife will be happy.
Randy
__________________
Randy "Camp On"
2011 Cougar 327RES
2014 Ford F-350, 6.7L 4X4, CC, SRW
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