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Old 02-12-2011, 09:56 PM   #1
toml-nm
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Modify interior steps

I recently purchased a Cougar 5th wheel, there are two steps from the living area to the bath/bedroom area, I would like to make three steps here, has anyone tried this. In checking the frame work I believe it can be done, will just take some work.
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Old 02-13-2011, 09:20 PM   #2
KanTC
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toml-nm

I wouldn't think that adding a step would be an issue as long as it doesn't interfere with your entry walk-way. If there's a vent or heat duct in the area of your steps, that's also something to consider.

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot [& DH Kevin]
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Old 02-16-2011, 05:12 PM   #3
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We too have a Cougar 5th wheel and the steps from the living area to the bedroom/bathroom area are very high. I would love to have 3 shorter steps so if you do this mod, please post pics.
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Old 02-17-2011, 01:14 PM   #4
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Originally Posted by Tom and Kelley Crawford View Post
We too have a Cougar 5th wheel and the steps from the living area to the bedroom/bathroom area are very high. I would love to have 3 shorter steps so if you do this mod, please post pics.
Same here..
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Old 02-17-2011, 06:55 PM   #5
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RE: Modify interior steps

Here's an idea for those of you wanting to *re-do* your interior steps.

http://www.rv-boondocking-the-good-l...agestairs.html

I remembered having it bookmarked... just had to locate it


The links to the rest of his remodel project are here:

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2082

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Old 02-18-2011, 07:53 PM   #6
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Originally Posted by KanTC View Post
Here's an idea for those of you wanting to *re-do* your interior steps.

http://www.rv-boondocking-the-good-l...agestairs.html

I remembered having it bookmarked... just had to locate it


The links to the rest of his remodel project are here:

http://keystonerv.org/forums/showthread.php?t=2082

Terri, the Chevy co-pilot
Interesting link KanTC. Thanks for posting. This unit looks like a complete overhaul, must be a complete interior remodel.

I've been thinking about this post, because I too think the stairs are mickey mouse. To be honest it doesn't bother me because I'm ridiculously tall, its just a poor design. For the rest of the family, it's pretty awkward especially my little guy.

I noticed in the brochure that some cougar 5th wheels have (or used to) come with a stair that flipped up and had a laundry shoot into the basement. Not the case with mine. It could have worked I suppose but they ran alot of wiring and what-not in this space instead.

My thought for a cougar RV (I have a 325srx 5th wheel) is to build a stairbox that I can finish outside the RV and then attach over existing. Essentially split the height of the first step in half by starting a stair tred on the main floor level. In theory (I haven't measured) First tred is on main floor 7" up and 10" deep. The stringer then rises up andhits middle of the existing "first step" where another 10" deep stair tred is. The third "step" is the top of the hallway. Again, dimensions might not exactly work like a house step but just have to see how it looks. I think it will look ok and not interfere with the walking area and access to the outside door. This RV carpet seems like it's in every unit so much be cheap. I would buy some to carpet the treds. The stringer I would make out of hardwood and stain cherry to match the cabinets.. So again, in theory I think it's better in my case to build on top of then have to open up and cut hallway back to achieve 3 stair cases.

I know whats below the stair because I cut into the basement to install a dirt devil vacuum and run my solar panel wiring back to the batteries. You could put new stairs in but a huge job plus to access the control panel you'd be standing on the stairs to use for sure...

Spring Project if I decide it will look proper and like factory finish.. I'll post further thoughts if I get motivated and get a template..
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Old 10-24-2011, 10:32 AM   #7
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Talking Cougar 318sab stair modification

This link to the you tube video shows what we did to solve the stair problem.

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Old 10-24-2011, 11:57 AM   #8
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Can you do mine? Looks very nice!
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Old 10-24-2011, 12:06 PM   #9
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Looks great ... well done, Hank
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Old 10-24-2011, 03:42 PM   #10
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Our friends have a 326 and modified thier steps to make it three. We have a 327 and by the looks of it where the steps come down the door would not make it possible. If you or anyone figures it out let me know.
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Old 10-24-2011, 05:35 PM   #11
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Our 07 244rls originally had one TINY step. A friend modified his step longer for better footing and to use as misc tool storage. I did the same to mine. There is a heater duct flex pipe that comes up thru the lower floor to the bedroom under the step. The placement of the duct precludes making mine a three step arrangement. As a side note, when I was making the longer lower step I removed about 2.5 feet of excess flex tube.
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Old 10-25-2011, 03:58 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by toml-nm View Post
I recently purchased a Cougar 5th wheel, there are two steps from the living area to the bath/bedroom area, I would like to make three steps here, has anyone tried this. In checking the frame work I believe it can be done, will just take some work.
Please view the video and see our solution. From start to finish it took about 7 hours.
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Old 10-25-2011, 04:29 AM   #13
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Originally Posted by mike395 View Post
This link to the youtube video shows what we did to solve the stair problem.

WOW! Nicely done!

Has the point of that oddball angle of the upper level given any problems? Or have you given any thought to changing it out?
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Old 12-06-2011, 08:57 AM   #14
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well after the last 2 week camping trip going up and down the 10 1/2 ''
stairs I now have the right stairs that keystone should have done in
the first place.
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Old 12-08-2011, 06:10 AM   #15
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Larry L

Nice job.
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Old 12-08-2011, 07:42 AM   #16
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well after the last 2 week camping trip going up and down the 10 1/2 '' stairs I now have the right stairs that keystone should have done in the first place.
Larry,

Where did you get the matching carpeting material?

Nicely done!!
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Old 12-08-2011, 09:15 AM   #17
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Thanks when I put the fireplace in the entertainment cabinet I cut the carpet out and used for stairs. that 10 1/2'' stair had to go keystone needs to do
this mod,I think most of there trailers have just 1 step.
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Old 12-08-2011, 02:52 PM   #18
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Stairs

Wow, watched that video... really nice workmanship there, looks nice. Lucky the SRX stairs don't bother us, gotta kind of figure if they do.... it's time to hang-up the 5Ver in the first place. Now, remodeling the back is a different story! Would love to remove the rear door to the bay as well as the rear wall up to the ladder, would open-up the unit dramatically and allow a bit larger golf cart! One of those projects that I keep thinking about.
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Old 12-08-2011, 03:22 PM   #19
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Its not about hanging up the 5er because I modified the steps
I like the look and the walk up and down is safer.
If you can live with the high step fine but don't put people down
for changing the steps. happy camping
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Old 12-08-2011, 03:53 PM   #20
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Steps

Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryL View Post
Its not about hanging up the 5er because I modified the steps
I like the look and the walk up and down is safer.
If you can live with the high step fine but don't put people down
for changing the steps. happy camping
Dude, at ease.... Sorry you took this post like that, not intended AND I MEAN THAT. I have read so many posts of people complaining of their layout... that's where my post was coming from. At any-rate, sorry and apologize for the insensitive post as you have taken it, please have a great day and nice holiday season.
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