Out side step

[lindadoglady@aol.com]

Hi, does anyone have an inexpensive idea for a step out side the rear pass. Side door. For a rt.190 pop..double door. Thanks

[markopolo]

Would it be in addition to the molded in ground effects step or a replacement step altogether?

[markopolo]

Also, is this for the back of the van? If so there area variety of hitch steps available. I have one that can be rotates 180 degrees and it also extends. I know it didn't cost much on sale.

[lindadoglady@aol.com]

Side door, in addition to molded step already there.
Step is too narrow.

[markopolo]

What year RT?

Would a few grab rails in suitable locations permit exiting the van backwards?

Anyone know how much clearance there is between the existing step and the bottom of the door? Could 1/4" thick aluminum plate with countersunk flat head bolts and non slip adhesive fit for example?

[briancummings]

I used 1\4" aluminum on my side step, works great and surprisingly strong, had a 300 lb guy step on it, no problem. You can see it in my photos on the Community page, it's the 1986 Econoline.

[Tiki Hut]

Our dog was starting to have difficulty jumping up from the ground and scampering over the two steps in the side door of our 2000 RT 190 without slipping backwards. I decided to build and outdoor step using 2x4 lumber on three sides, half inch plywood on top and indoor outdoor carpet on the plywood. The dog does great using the extra step up and the raised platform gives us an additional dry step at muddy and sandy sites.

Where to store it? I made it wide enough to fit between the fridge and water closet and store it upside down in the shower tray against the dinette step with the open edge facing forward when traveling. It does not block the fridge or bathroom doors. To make it toe friendly when stored, I tapered the two side 2x4's slightly. Just remember to point the tapered edge towards the van to keep it from tipping when deployed at the campground!

I will post a picture if it sounds like something that you were looking for. It was a real simple project.

[lindadoglady@aol.com]

Thank you for answering. .I have a 08 not room to store...good idea though.

[gregmchugh]

Would one of the standard folding RV steps work? Many available in various heights that fold up pretty flat for storage. Something like this?

Robot Check

[lindadoglady@aol.com]

Think I'll try that

[MsNomer]

Mark, could you give us more info on that step?

[markopolo]

The hitch step I have looks like this one:




link: Pilot Automotive - Hitch Mounted Step: AS-551

It rotates left or right and extends. I can't tell if the one I linked to rotates.

Edit: Here's a better photo:

prod_3349076714.jpg

There are lots of options for rear steps. Google "hitch pet step" for example. There are not too many for side steps. The step Greg linked to looks nice and stable. I wonder if you could haul it aboard with a tether?

A note attached to the steering wheel would be a helpful reminder to not leave the step behind.