RV Steps On 5th-Wheels & Travel Trailers
When RVs are sent off by the manufacturer, they’re often equipped with low-quality camper steps or stairs that fold out and hang in the air.
They’re usually unstable and make the whole trailer shake when someone enters the RV.
Related Product: Get better traction and make the RV steps more comfortable for your pets with Camco RV step rugs (click to view on Amazon).
Luckily there are better options out there.
Today companies are making RV steps that look more like stairs. They fold down from the entry door and make contact with the ground.
Many high end travel trailers and 5th-wheels already have this style of RV step because it’s so much better than the old style.
Lots of RVers are choosing to put this new style of RV step on their campers.
The installation of a new RV stair style step is pretty straightforward. You just need to make sure the RV stairs can fit in the entry door of your RV.
If the entryway of your camper is too small for the new style there are lots of folding RV step options that are more stable than the ones put on by the manufacturer.
In this review, I’ve listed of some of the best RV steps and stairs available. I’ve included some classic options and an RV stair with a handrail.
If you want to replace or upgrade the steps on your RV, this is a great place to start looking.
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Easiest Install
Best For RV Park
Best Overall
Most Advanced
Last update on 2024-04-24 / Affiliate links / Images from Amazon Product Advertising API
Best RV Steps Reviews & Info
1. Lippert Components Folding RV Step
This RV step will most likely be a direct replacement for what is on your camper right now.
It’s not necessarily an upgrade but if you are looking for an easy install the option is available.
Lippert Components makes these folding camper steps with textured grips to make it easier and safer to enter your RV.
Depending on how many steps you need, there are different sizes available.
The amount of steps available are: Single Step, 2 Steps, 3 Steps, and 4 Steps (click links to view products on Amazon).
You can easily extend and retract the folding camper steps with one hand which is a great feature, making it easy for anybody to do it.
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Each trailer step is 24 inches wide and has anti-slip skid tape on the top.
Anti-slip skid tape is excellent when the steps are wet or dusty as it will prevent slipping and accidents.
The weight capacity of these steps is 300 pounds.
They’re the second most simple camper steps after the non-collapsible kind, but they do a great job and pack up easily.
There is no handrail, and the stairs don’t sit on the ground for stability, but if all you’re looking for is some camper stairs that fold and in out with ease, these are a great choice.
Most trailers come with the Lippert Components Folding RV Step style of stairs.
That means if you are looking for a direct replacement part for the steps your camper has now these might be the best choice.
PROS
- Multiple Step Options Available
- Anti-Slip Grip Tape On Each Step
- Easy To Fold Up Or Down
- Direct Replacement For Many Trailers
- Easy Install
CONS
- Not As Stable As Grounded RV Steps
- No Adjustable Step Height
2. Stromberg Carlson RV Platform Step With Handrail
If you’re looking for RV platform steps with a handrail for outside your camper or truck when needed and possibly use for other purposes as well, the Stromberg Carlson RV steps will be a great choice.
These come in two sizes, 2 Steps (click to view on Amazon) and 3 Steps (click to view on Amazon).
They also come with a railing that you can install in just a couple of minutes which will make it even easier and safer to get into your RV or trailer.
Each step has anti-slip skid tape to make sure you can enter your RV or truck safely in all kinds of weather.
So why would you want portable platform RV steps?
Well, for one if you’re parked more permanently or maybe two weeks at a time, it will be convenient to have sturdy steps with a handrail that aren’t connected to your RV.
If you have older pets that need a little help getting up the tall stairs or steps of a camper or trailer this style of RV steps can be really helpful.
They aren’t as scary for animals to walk on and the bottom step will always be close to the ground making it easier to start walking up.
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At 20 lbs, they’re not very heavy either, so it will be easy to store them inside the trailer or in the truck bed and place them on the ground when needed.
The total height of the 2 step version is 20.5 inches. It’s 27 inches wide and 33.5 inches deep. It can handle up to 350 pounds.
The Stromberg Carlson RV Platform Step With Handrail are the only ones that come with handrails in this review.
There are a few others that you can purchase a handrail for separately, but these platform stairs come with the rail and are much easier for people with knee problems to walk up.
The only downside to them is they aren’t adjustable which means they aren’t super great for unlevel ground or if the trailer door is a little high because you had to drive up on leveling blocks.
If you mostly camp in RV parks and level campgrounds these RV platform stairs are a fantastic choice.
PROS
- Portable
- Lightweight
- Stable
- Railing Included
- Anti-Slip Tape On Each Step
- Multiple Stair Options
- Platform Top Step
CONS
- Need Place To Store
- Not Good For Unlevel Ground
- Not Height Adjustable
3. MOR/ryde RV Stairs
If you have been to an RV dealership lately, there’s a big chance that you have seen these MOR/ryde Step Above RV steps.
They’re steps that fold down with adjustable feet that make contact with the ground.
It makes them very stable and reliable. You can walk on them without shaking the trailer.
What I have noticed is that they even help make the trailer more sturdy which is always nice.
The feet are adjustable and pivot to ensure a stable and safe position on all surfaces and angles.
They’re great for boondockers who often camp at unlevel campsites.
You should visit an RV dealership and check them out before buying, but I really like them a lot and am planning on putting these on my camper soon.
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The MOR/ryde Step Above comes in lots of different sizes and styles depending on what kind of RV, travel trailer, or fifth wheel you have.
You need to make sure you buy the right model that fits your specific RV or camper.
Some of the sizes available are, , 3 Steps, and (click links to view products on Amazon).
If you want a handrail, MOR/ryde sells one that can be attached to its RV steps (click to view on Amazon) to make it easier to enter or exit the RV.
The handrail is easily attached and removed. This makes it a great choice for campers who have a hard time with RV stairs.
All mounting hardware you need to install the RV steps is included with purchase.
Each step has anti-slip skid tape pre-applied so rain or dirt won’t make you slip. The weight capacity is a robust 500 lbs.
The three-step model weighs 35 pounds, and since it’s mounted on your trailer you won’t have to lift all of those 35 pounds.
The way these RV stairs fold up into the camper is both a good and a bad thing.
It’s good because the steps won’t have to deal with rocks, dirt, and weather while going down the road.
But it’s bad because any stones, dirt, or water that are on the steps when it’s time to fold them up will go into your camper.
The best way to prevent this is to sweep off the steps before you fold them up, but that’s another chore to do before packing up, so it’s something to think about.
For me, the added stability you get from the MOR/ryde RV Stairs is worth it on its own.
Latches lock the steps when in an upright position and can be unlocked with the handle below the steps.
PROS
- Adjustable Feet
- Multiple Sizes Available To Fit All Camper & Trailer Types
- Very Stable
- Anti-Slip Tape On Steps
- High Weight Capacity
- Handrail Available
- Protected Inside RV During Travel
- Great For Unlevel Ground
CONS
- Folds Into RV (May Make Floor Dirty)
- Must Fold Down To Enter RV
- Complicated Install
To see how to install this style of camper stairs check out the video below.
Another kind of steps I have seen on a lot of newer trailers and RVs at RV shows and dealerships are these more standard style steps made out of aluminum.
It makes them very durable, lightweight, and easy to open/collapse.
The aluminum RV steps Elkhart makes will be an upgrade from your trailer’s old steps.
They come in several sizes: , , and 4 Steps, Steel Version Only (click links to view on Amazon).
Each model has anti-slip skid tape on each step to stop you from slipping when the steps are wet or extremely dusty.
The Elkhart RV steps have an impressive weight capacity of 500 pounds, so they’re exceptionally well made even though they’re lightweight.
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Each step is 24 inches wide, and there are about 7 inches between each step with a 19.25 inch total drop.
So is the the best option for your camper?
They’re definitely a good choice and a nice upgrade from the standard RV steps.
More lightweight and more comfortable to extend/retract might be everything some are looking for.
The big selling point is the aluminum material, which makes them extremely light and durable.
The installation should be very simple as well since the style most likely matches what’s already on your travel trailer or 5th-wheel.
PROS
- Aluminum
- Lightweight
- Durable
- Anti-Slip Tape On Steps
- Multiple Size Options
- Easy Install (Direct Replacement)
CONS
- Not As Stable As Grounded RV Steps
- No Adjustable Step Height
5. Lippert Components RV Stairs
Next up is another product from Lippert Components. This is a more modern, stable option compared to the Lippert Components Folding RV Step.
These are called the Solid Step.
The best things about the Solid Step are the size of each step and the fact that they have adjustable feet.
They look and function a lot like the MOR/ryde RV Stairs but they have bigger steps.
Just like with the MOR/ryde, latches lock the steps in place while folded up into an upright position in the trailer.
The latches are controlled with a handle that can be pulled with one hand.
When folded down, the feet are adjustable and have a pivoting feature to ensure a stable and safe position.
This is a fantastic feature for unlevel campsites and adjusting the first step so it is the perfect height from the ground.
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Lippert Components SolidSteps can handle up to 400 pounds and come in different sizes.
You can choose from 2 Steps, 3 Steps, and 4 Steps (click links to view products on Amazon).
Each model comes with anti-slip skid tape installed on each step to prevent slipping and accidents. The weight capacity is a high 400 lbs.
All mounting hardware needed to install the steps is included with purchase.
You can’t go wrong with either the Lippert Components RV Stairs.
They’re excellent grounded RV camper steps that will be a huge improvement to your old ones.
The design is not only super stable and safe it also counts as another stabilizer for your trailer.
There’s a reason this version of RV step has taken over the camping world and is becoming the standard on new campers, travel trailers, and 5th-wheels.
If you would like a handrail for your new RV steps Lippert makes them for its model of RV stairs (click to view on Amazon).
PROS
- Adjustable Feet
- Multiple Size Options
- Very Sturdy
- Anti-Slip Grip Tape On Each Step
- Security Latches
- Large Steps
- High Weight Capacity
- Handrail Available
CONS
- Folds Into RV (May Make Floor Dirty)
- Must Fold Down To Enter RV
- Complicated Install
Check out the video below to see more about how this style of RV stair works.
6. Torklift Folding RV Stairs
Last up are the folding Torklift RV Steps. These might not look as sturdy as the options above, but trust me, they are.
The fact that the weight capacity is 375 pounds should tell you that Torklift guarantees stability.
Both the 3 step and 4 step versions have big steps that will help you enter your RV safely.
These have the most robust-looking feet in this review, and they’re adjustable with a big foot pad on the bottom.
The steps fold out in a pretty genius way while not taking up much space at all.
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Torklift trailer steps weigh about 63 pounds but aren’t hard at all to extend and retract.
When retracted, they lock in place and won’t move while traveling down the road as seen in the video below.
The guide will also let you know whether you’ll need some additional hardware to get the steps installed correctly.
The weight capacity is a decent 375 lbs.
So are the Torklift Folding RV Stairs for you?
It’s an intuitive product that is safe and stable. Very easy to extend and retract.
They’re the best steps in this review when it comes to camper steps with feet that take the least amount of space to extend.
Sometimes the Morryde and Lippert Components stairs that fold out won’t have enough space if you’re parked very close to a neighbor.
The Torklift steps don’t have that problem.
Since they collapse, they will always take up less space than the other options and they are stored outside of the RV.
That means you won’t have to clean them before folding them up.
If you would like a handrail for these RV stairs you can get one here (click to view on Amazon).
PROS
- Adjustable Feet
- Multiple Size Options
- Sturdy & Stable
- Large Steps
- Don’t Take Up A Lot Of Space
- Fold Up Outside Of Camper (Helps Keep Inside Clean)
- Handrail Available
CONS
- Heavy
Check out the video below to see how to install the Torklift folding RV stairs.
Conclusion & My RV Steps Recommendations
Having great steps on your RV, travel trailer or fifth wheel can make the whole camping experience greater.
And it’s not just for safety reasons. The old style of RV steps that make the entire trailer bounce can start to feel like a lot when kids run in and out of the camper over and over.
For this reason, I recommend getting RV steps with feet that make contact with the ground.
They will not only stop the trailer from moving when someone walks on them but they also act as an additional stabilizer for the entire camper.
It also makes it feel more like you’re stepping into a tiny house than an RV when the trailer and steps are sturdy and don’t rock.
That being said, any upgrade is an upgrade, and you should go with what you feel will fit your situation the best.
It’s not a necessity for everyone to have RV steps with feet.
Here are my recommendations based on certain needs and camping styles.
Easy Install (Direct Replacement For Most Campers) – Lippert Components Folding RV Step
Chances are your travel trailer or 5th-wheel already has this style of RV steps.
If you just need a replacement or want to add another step to make it easier to get in and out of the RV this will be one of the best options.
For a more upgraded version that will also be easy to install.
I recommend the .
The design is almost the same but the steps are made with Aluminum that is more durable and lightweight while still being very heavy duty.
Best For RV Park (Stationary RV Living) – Stromberg Carlson RV Platform Step With Handrail
If you have your camper in a permanent spot at an RV park or campground or you only move every couple of weeks the Stromberg Carlson RV Platform Steps with Handrail is one of the best options out there.
It’s like a small patio that is not only stable and easy to walk up or down it also has a larger top platform step you can move around on it easier when opening the camper door.
It’s true this style of RV stairs isn’t the most portable but if you have some space in the truck bed or even inside the camper they are still a great choice.
The best part is they require no installation and you can leave the RV steps your camper came with on to use as a backup.
Best Overall – Lippert Components RV Stairs
When it comes to my top pick, it was between the Mor/ryde and the Lippert Components RV stairs.
My choice fell on the Solid Steps from Lippert Components due to the size of the steps. Especially the top step which is huge.
That together with the anti-slip skid tape, long adjustable feet that pivot, security latches for traveling, and different sizes to choose from, make this my top pick and the best RV steps available on the market.
They might be a bit more difficult to install if your current RV steps are the standard fold out kind.
But once they are in place you won’t regret upgrading to this safer, more stable style of RV steps.
Most Advanced RV Steps – Torklift Folding RV Stairs
The Torklift folding RV stairs are exceptional steps that are loved by many.
They are basically a mix of the traditional folding RV steps and the newer RV stairs with feet.
They stay outside of the camper which helps keep everything clean and they still have adjustable feet that are grounded to stop the trailer from moving every time you walk on them.
They can be used on a wide variety of campers and the installation should be easier if your RV already has the traditional style of RV step on them.
The only reason they are not my top pick is they are very heavy and not quite as stable as the Lippert RV stairs reviewed above.
Frequently Asked Questions About RV Steps & Stairs
How to install/upgrade my RV steps?
How you install new RV steps depends on what product and model you’ve purchased.
The product should come with an installation guide that will go through each step.
When it comes to whether the camper steps you’re looking at will fit your specific RV or not.
You’ll need to get a measuring tape out and follow the guides that most companies have posted online and recommended following before making any purchase.
If you’re planning on getting the new style of RV steps that are installed inside the entry door you will need to make sure you don’t get RV steps that are too wide to fit.
I even recommend contacting the company to be 100 percent sure that you’re getting the right steps for your specific trailer and setup.
The anti-slip skid tape on my trailer steps has worn out, what can I do?
I recommend purchasing the Slip Guard non-slip stair tape made for outdoor use (click to view on Amazon) if the anti-slip skid tape on your trailer steps has worn out or you want more of it.
It’s a waterproof grip tape that can easily be cut and applied where it’s needed.
It’s certified for high traction so it can handle being stepped on a lot without losing its grit.
How do I make my RV steps more stable?
In addition to installing your RV steps correctly, there are a couple of things you can do to make your stairs more stable.
The first thing if you have RV steps with feet on them is to make sure that the feet are standing flat on the ground and covering as much surface as possible.
If one foot needs to be lowered more than the other, do so until both are touching the ground.
Another way to make your RV steps more stable and also last longer is by purchasing a Camco Save-A-Step Brace (click to view on Amazon) that is made to stabilize your RV.
It can be adjusted from 7-5/8 to 14 inches depending on how high your steps are.
With a weight capacity of 1000 pounds, they’ll be a safe and sturdy investment for your camper.
How To Manually Retract RV Steps?
If you have the traditional RV folding steps on your camper you can easily retract them by first folding the first step onto the second one.
Then grab the bottom of the second step and lift.
All the steps should lift together and neatly fold into the storage box under the camper door.
If your RV or trailer has the newer RV stairs that have feet on the ground all you need to do is lift them until they are fully inside the RV.
You will know when the steps are in place because the safety latches should automatically lock into place.
Who makes the best RV steps?
The brand of RV step you see the most in campgrounds and RV parks is definitely Lippert.
Lippert makes a lot of fantastic RV parts and gear and its RV steps and stairs are no different.
The company knows what it’s doing and Lippert makes some of the best RV steps on the market today.
Have any more questions about RV steps and stairs? Leave a comment below.
