Best steps after axle flip

[Davehodgson2018]

Just did the axle flip today. Worked out perfectly gained about 5”. Now I need to deal with step. Any suggestions?

 

[JohnGB]

Hickory Springs (HS) made a good sturdy step. Like theses with the reinforced aluminum thread https://www.strombergcarlson.com/product/hickory-springs-extruded-aluminum-steps/

BUT, HS sold out to Stromberg Carlson who seems to be discontinuing them. Not sure you can still get them. Etrailer.com use to sell them but I cannot find them on there today.

What to look for, a good reinforced thread. If not, they flex so badly it is like a diving board on the bottom step. While the canter livered step has some wiggle, there are many brands worse then others.

Here are some Felxico at Etrailer. I have never tested that brand, but the at least look like they may fit the Sunline. Measure and make sure they will fit in the step opening before buying. Not sure how sturdy they are.
https://www.etrailer.com/dept-pg-RV_and_Camper_Steps-pc-2_Steps-pm-Stromberg_Carlson.aspx

Suggest this, if you have a local RV dealer, take a ride to there lot and look at the brand and style steps they are installing on new campers. This gives you a first hand look and feel to the steps. I did this years ago and Hickory Springs was still in business then making good quality steps. But, once the end neared, be careful which of products you pick. Some models are good and sturdy and some not.

Same goes to Lippert steps, I have seen and felt really good steps from them and some real cheapo ones. https://store.lci1.com/lippert-rv-s...teps&msclkid=f8fded1ff2021bc641e68dea4598bc31

In the step world, you sort of get what you pay for. Low cost can mean not great quality and you wish you paid more for the better step.

I just did this axle flip step conversion on my 2004 T1950. If you need any pics of how to cut out the old steps and install new, let me know. I left the original Sunline step side plates on the camper and then shimmed and bolted in the new step unit.

Hope this helps

John

 

[jim44646]

I went with the Hickory Springs (HS) about two years ago. I guess they aren't available now. What I did find out is that they don't make steps wide enough to fit the existing opening. I had to make 3/8" x 2" x 11-1/2" shim on one side of step and 3/4" x 2" x 11-1/2" other side of step. Another thing to look for that I did think of is step height. I got what they call double 9 ( that's 9" between steps). Should have went with double 7.

 

[Thad-SUN]

I am just making a wood step to go under it.

 

[j52wf]

Camco makes a nice, adjustable aluminum step. I used it after my flip. Amazon has it for around $60.