Choosing the right Travel Trailer Steps might seem like a minor detail, but for RV owners, it’s a daily interaction that can significantly impact convenience and even safety. Our ATC Gamechanger toy hauler came equipped with Lippert SolidStep RV steps, marketed as the epitome of stability and ease of use. However, from the outset, online forums presented a mixed bag of reviews, leaving us intrigued and slightly apprehensive about our own experience. This article delves into our journey with the SolidStep, the challenges we faced, and ultimately, why we transitioned to the Torklift GlowStep Revolution Uprising steps, offering insights for anyone considering upgrading their travel trailer steps.
Lippert SolidStep RV steps folded and stowed inside the travel trailer entryway
Initial Disappointment with SolidStep RV Steps
Our initial week with the travel trailer, driving it back from North Carolina to Massachusetts, quickly revealed the shortcomings of the SolidStep. The primary issue arose when parking on uneven terrain – a common occurrence in the RV lifestyle. We discovered that if the ground wasn’t perfectly level, the SolidStep RV steps wouldn’t fully extend. This resulted in the base plate, designed to fold over the door threshold, failing to lay flat. The immediate consequence? Our RV door wouldn’t close properly.
The problem escalated when we parked at my parents’ slightly slanted basketball court. Despite our efforts, one leg of the SolidStep consistently hovered above the ground, about a quarter of an inch in the air. While the legs are adjustable, the notches were spaced approximately an inch apart, making fine-tuning impossible. Adjusting the leg further would overextend it, exacerbating the door closure issue. Our makeshift solution involved folding rubber drawer lining to wedge under the leg, a far cry from a stable and elegant fix. Even with this workaround, the door continued to catch on the baseplate, requiring excessive force to open and close, shaking the entire trailer and creating a loud slamming noise. This less-than-ideal introduction to our RV steps prompted us to question their suitability for our travels.
SolidStep RV steps with one leg hovering slightly above the uneven ground
Level Campsites Aren’t Always Level for RV Steps
Hoping that level RV park sites would alleviate the SolidStep issues, we were quickly proven wrong. Our very first campsite at a Philadelphia/Clarksboro KOA, despite being a pull-through site designed for ease, presented further challenges. The site was narrow and featured a raised concrete pad for the picnic table. The SolidStep design requires a landing surface at or below the RV’s level. The elevated concrete pad interfered, preventing the steps from extending correctly. To deploy the steps, we had to maneuver the trailer precariously close to the utility hookups, highlighting the space constraints imposed by the SolidStep even in supposedly level environments.
Travel trailer parked very close to hookups to accommodate SolidStep RV steps deployment on a partially paved campsite
Close-up of SolidStep RV steps extended in a tight campsite with limited space due to concrete pad
The difficulties extended beyond designated RV parks. Overnight stays at Cracker Barrel locations, often chosen for their convenience during long trips, became another source of frustration. Many Cracker Barrel parking lots are far from level. While minor unevenness might be acceptable for an overnight stop, the SolidStep’s sensitivity to level surfaces meant we couldn’t simply park and relax. If the passenger side was lower, the steps would extend too low, again preventing door closure. This necessitated deploying leveling blocks even for a brief stop, negating the convenience of a quick overnight. Furthermore, the SolidSteps extend a considerable distance, often encroaching into adjacent parking spots at Cracker Barrel, raising concerns about damage and neighborly RV etiquette. Reflective strips became a necessary addition to warn other drivers of the protruding steps.
SolidStep RV steps extended far out, potentially obstructing adjacent parking spaces in a Cracker Barrel parking lot
Adapting and Hacking: Life with Problematic RV Steps
Despite the consistent challenges, we adapted to the SolidStep’s quirks over a year of extensive travel. Setting up the steps became a mandatory part of our campsite checklist. Parking involved assessing step deployment space and ground levelness. Often, seemingly suitable spots revealed themselves as problematic upon unhitching, requiring trailer repositioning. “Hacking” became our norm. Digging gravel from under step legs became a routine to achieve levelness. Ironically, this made us appreciate gravel and dirt sites, which offered more flexibility compared to paved surfaces. However, even nature-centric campsites weren’t without their SolidStep struggles. A muddy experience at Fairview State Park in Louisiana, during flood-related displacement, exemplified this. Narrow pavement and potential ground level issues meant the steps were unusable, forcing us to place leveling blocks directly in the mud. Adjusting the SolidStep legs themselves was cumbersome, involving pins that were difficult to remove and reposition, especially in muddy conditions.
SolidStep RV steps leg sinking into mud at a campsite, requiring makeshift leveling solutions
Seeking Solutions: Exploring RV Step Alternatives
The ongoing frustrations with the SolidStep prompted us to research alternative travel trailer steps. Our ideal solution was steps that didn’t stow inside the RV, eliminating door interference and preventing dirt from entering during travel. While many RVs have under-frame step wells, our ATC trailer’s frame seemed incompatible. Among ATC owners, two main alternatives emerged: custom slide-out steps or Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps. We examined slide-out steps on other ATC trailers, but frame differences raised concerns about compatibility. Furthermore, considering our aging dog Tanner’s arthritis, step stability and ease of use were paramount.
Various configurations of RV steps, including slide-out and under-mounted options
Different types of RV steps, highlighting the need for pet-friendly and stable options
Our encounter with Torklift Glowsteps at Boondoctor Ranch proved pivotal. Seeing them firsthand, we appreciated their door-frame mounting, robust build, and potential for pet-friendliness. The accordion-style hinges offered superior adjustability on uneven ground, eliminating the base plate interference issue of the SolidStep and preventing encroachment into neighboring spaces. The option to add or remove steps and the adjustable legs that didn’t affect the door further solidified their appeal. Glow-in-the-dark strips added a safety feature, and despite their sturdiness, they were manageable to lift and stow. While Torklift offers under-mounted Glowsteps, the door-mounted Uprising model seemed better suited for our needs.
Jessica and David's RV step solution, showcasing alternative step types for travel trailers
Close up of Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps, highlighting the accordion hinges and adjustable legs
The Switch: Installing Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising Steps
The Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps emerged as the clear frontrunner. Other internal-stowing step options were essentially variations of the problematic SolidStep. Gilbert Ray Campground in Tucson, AZ, became the final catalyst. A particularly tight site with uneven terrain and limited step deployment space highlighted the SolidStep’s limitations. Digging into the hard ground just to get the door to close was the last straw. This experience coincided perfectly with our Torklift step demonstration, solidifying our decision to switch.
Tight campsite at Gilbert Ray Campground, Tucson, AZ, illustrating the difficulty of deploying SolidStep RV steps
We ordered the Torklift steps to a KOA in Williams, AZ. Ordering from eTrailer was our initial plan, but stock issues led us to eBay. Upon arrival, installation commenced, but not before one last SolidStep demonstration at the KOA, showcasing persistent leveling issues even on a seemingly level gravel site.
[SolidStep leveling issue demonstration video (hypothetical placeholder, as video embedding is not directly supported in markdown)]
Removing the SolidSteps revealed further grievances. The bottom step’s minimal ground clearance was unnecessary and problematic. Grooved undersides made cleaning nearly impossible. Drive day step cleaning became a dreaded routine.
Close-up of dirty SolidStep RV steps, highlighting the difficult-to-clean grooves and low ground clearance
Underside view of SolidStep RV steps, showing the grooved design that traps dirt and debris
Dismantling the SolidSteps was far from regrettable. However, closer inspection revealed damage to the door frame caused by the constant friction and pressure from the SolidStep baseplate.
Image of removed SolidStep RV steps, symbolizing the end of frustration
Our initial Torklift order, unfortunately, was for the wrong size (28-inch instead of 26-inch). Despite careful measurements, unclear instructions and website ambiguities led to this error. Returning the oversized steps became an unexpected hurdle. A temporary solution involved resting the SolidSteps (not re-bolting them) for interim use. The correct 26-inch Torklift steps were then sourced from Johnson’s Surplus, arriving just in time before our campground departure. The cost of Torklift steps is significantly higher than SolidSteps, raising the question of value for money.
Installation of the 26-inch Torklift Glowsteps was straightforward, although aligning brackets and drilling into the door frame required precision. Missing hardware from the damaged packaging was resolved by borrowing parts from the returned 28-inch set.
Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps bracket installation on the RV door frame
Completed installation of Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps on the travel trailer
Torklift Glowsteps: A Real Improvement for Travel Trailer Steps
Immediately, the Torklift steps felt significantly sturdier and quieter than the SolidSteps, contradicting the “no bounce” claim of the latter. The smooth hinge action and sleek design were further positives. Initial sturdiness tests confirmed their superior stability, even before complete securement.
However, the base plate issue remained a concern. Initial door closure tests revealed sticking, albeit less frequent than with the SolidSteps. Examining the door revealed protruding screws on the bottom frame, which were scraping against the threshold. Replacing these with flatter screws improved the situation considerably, though minor sticking persisted. A hardware store visit and brainstorming session yielded further potential solutions for complete door stick elimination, a work in progress. Despite this minor lingering issue, the Torklift Glowsteps proved to be a substantial improvement, leading us to confidently discard the SolidSteps.
Close-up of RV door threshold and Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps baseplate, focusing on potential sticking points
Image of SolidStep RV steps being discarded, symbolizing the upgrade to Torklift Glowsteps
Humorous image of Anthony seemingly effortlessly throwing away SolidStep RV steps
We anticipate a significantly improved campsite setup experience with the Torklift Glowsteps and will provide updates on long-term use and further door-sticking solutions.
Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising Steps: Pros and Cons
Pros:
- Sturdy and Stable: Eliminates bounce for secure entry and exit.
- Quiet Operation: No more noisy steps during use.
- High-Quality Materials: Durable and built to last.
- Well-Spaced Steps: Comfortable and easy to climb.
- Adjustable and Extendable: Adapts to various terrains and step number needs.
- Glow Strips: Enhance nighttime visibility for safety.
- Reputable Brand: Torklift is a trusted US-based company.
- Easy Installation: User-friendly setup process.
- Versatile Options: Suitable for diverse RV types.
Cons:
- Higher Price Point: More expensive than standard RV steps.
- Base Plate Intrusion: Door-mounted design still has a base plate that can affect door frame.
- Narrower Steps: Slightly less wide than SolidSteps.
- No Grip Tape Included: Can be slippery in some conditions.
Conclusion
Upgrading to Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising travel trailer steps has proven to be a worthwhile investment, transforming a persistent source of RVing frustration into a more convenient and stable experience. While the initial SolidStep RV steps promised stability, their real-world performance on uneven terrain and in various campsite scenarios fell short, leading to constant adjustments, door closure issues, and overall inconvenience. The Torklift Glowsteps, despite being a more expensive option, offer significant improvements in stability, adjustability, and ease of use, making them a recommended upgrade for RV owners seeking reliable and user-friendly travel trailer steps. If you’re tired of wrestling with unstable and finicky RV steps, the Torklift Glowstep Revolution Uprising steps are definitely worth considering for a smoother and more enjoyable RV journey.
