Scissor steps

    Just fer grins-Im adding to this as I go-when finished Ill clean up this page

    We have the aluminum scissor steps, they work pretty good especially on flat level ground. I've read some folks really don't like em-I don't know if there are some out there that ardent up to snuff or just cheap-we've had no problems as far as stability. I like em...except

    They will compensate for a bit of elevation differences, depending how far you unfold, but they don't have anyway to adjust side to side/uneven ground. If front of truck is facing uphill the steps are too short by the time you get camper level.

    I've used wood and stuff for leveling, 1" or 2" ok but once bout 8" worth and steps were still over extended (sloping) just really not safe-but we managed. It was a beautiful campsite.

    Been on the rountuit list. I came up with a simple solution that appears might work. I started but the rain stopped me so thought Id go ahead and share what I've got so far.

    preliminary check close up

    02/26/07
    I started out thinking somehow i was going to add a step that could be taken on & off. Then figured if I just raised it I could use our portable step, well for testing. Stepping off a set of stairs onto a loose step is DANGEROUS. The action creates an outward force and the step wants to slide or roll.
    Yup that simple. Looks kinda shaky but amazingly its not. I actually stood on it and tried but it doesn't wobble. I still am going to stitch weld a piece of strap to the bottom of the step hoop to insure it stays square.
    Also I'm making some 4" disks with a hoop to capture bottom of J- bolts (I may switch to eye bolts). This will work great for just leveling, which is most of the time. the disks will pivot to match ground. It will also work, fully extended (as shown) when we need that 'extra' step.

    Ok night 2- 02/27..work in progress, changes
    I managed to heat and straighten out 1st bend in the j-hooks. Also cut 5" bases, I had some 3/16"x5" flat bar. Then it started raining as I ran out of oxygen, looked at the gauges, I'm also out of acetylene. errr. I have a small shop-I don't metal work least other than drilling in it. Anyway I'm going to run thread all the way down and cut off end of hooks so when fully screwed in they will only raise the step bout and inch, as they were was about 3" as pictured. I may end up with all thread as I m not sure I can run thread that far.
    I'm also going to slot the bottom cross brace so I can remove without unbolting everything when assembly isn't screwed out. I've realized that the bottom brace is a problem, its even with the leading edge of the steps, will be a 'toe' catcher. The only thing that comes to mind is making a hoop so its behind, not sure -see what works out. It really is what keeps bolts steady,hmmm. Im going to cut a link off chain in half to capture the j-bolts, drill the bases a plug weld them.

    This is different-documenting as I go-out. I have a general plan but its loose.

    Here again 03/01- welded chain hoops to feet, added flat bar to bottom of step hoop to stiffen. To do: The angle brace I need to cut back the downward leg a little at the ends-hits the feet hoops, minor. Got a bit of grinding to clean it up and alum. paint it. Think Im going to glue some rubber to the bottoms of feet. On rock they may slide.

    I assembled and tested, works pretty good. The piece of alum on ground is "tree root" that I adjusted step to level on. I was thinking that Id have to remove adjuster assembly for normal use but I've always used a plywood base that has feet and fully adjusted up the new assembly is no thicker. The step fully folds up with new adjusters on, Which I didn't think it would, so its going to be easier to use than I anticipated. Great-so if I need to level or raise-its there. Added weight is bout 5 lbs.

    Adjusted fully retracted,
    adjusted fully retracted

    and fully extended
    adjusted fully extended

    I did get lucky-an oversight I didn't catch until I fully raised adjuster's. When I drilled holes in bottom step hoop I didn't get as close as I could have-but luckily I screwed up. The jbolts just touch the cross arms, if I had drilled holes where I wanted they would have hit and steps wouldn't fold up with out removing- (see adjusted up pic).

    I was going to notch angle so it could be easily removed but decided against it for strength. Also ran the flat bar fully across step hoop, was going to just catch corners, but I couldnt go up any higher on the sides due to folding of arms. If I note any flex in step hoop I can add a piece of flat bar to outside but I dont think it;ll be needed. Steps are pretty rock solid-needs to be put to real world testing (campin!).

    Though the ability to raise steps may not be utilized that much, seems like they're always off an 1" or 2" side to side, never trusted 'shiming' them. Easy fun project

    link to drawing/parts list STEPADJST.pdf

    On to page 2 pics of finished project AND new landing step

    Back to original step install page

    Update 2013 Replaced these scissor steps with Torklift Glow steps, was able to retro fit adjusters
    Update 2017 10 years later... Added Torklift Stow N' Go bracket and Landing Gear legs which replaced my adjustable legs. Bracket allows storing stairs on bumper.

    Back to Ourelkhorn Camper Modifications page