5th wheel exit stairs need better choices

[Jimongee]

Ok so I get the compounded ‘oops’ award. 2nd time in 15 years of RV’Ing we have departed with our 2950 Monty -forgot to retract the steps and thus made the folding step assembly resemble a big chunk of distorted scrap! So, if any of you have knowledge of a retractable step that resides inboard of the doors instead of under the rv I would love to have that information. And in closing if any of you choose to indulge in this type of RV retractable step entertainment- make sure you do it when other RV’ers can observe and enjoy the activity. Makes for great outdoors memories. Jim n Kathy -Franklin, TN

[Ram Montana High Country]

MorRyde Step Above - you can also get a tool box to put in place of original steps

Also RV Glow Steps - more adjustable for ground variations.

Both can be googled

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Another vote for the MorRyde Step Above.

[Carl n Susan]

Any step, regardless of manufacturer, can be left down with the door closed. Driving away will hurt all of them. None of the 5th wheel step are automatic like on a MH. The Moryde inside steps might be easier to remember to fold up but they come with their own set of issues.

[Gubs]

I hate when that sort of things happens, but it has happed to all of us at one time or another. I cannot count how many tv antennas I've ruined over the years by forgetting to put them down before pulling away! Not good, but not bad either, there was no blood lost so that is always a good thing!! Enjoy and be safe out there!!

[rohrmann]

Part of my routine, and has been since starting RVing, and this was my routine at work prior to retirement, is the Walk Around. Once hitched up and the jacks are lifted, I turn on the four way flashers and do my Walk Around, checking for unlocked compartments, door closed and locked, jacks fully up, lights working, STEPS UP, side view mirrors extended, tires looking OK, satellite dish stowed, and anything else not normal. If this is done, bent steps will not be an issue, and it doesn't take all that long, but you should never rush either setup or getting ready to depart.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

Any step, regardless of manufacturer, can be left down with the door closed. Driving away will hurt all of them. None of the 5th wheel step are automatic like on a MH. The Moryde inside steps might be easier to remember to fold up but they come with their own set of issues.

With it being mounted to the floor and doorframe inside the rig I suspect the damage would be really, really, bad with the Moryde too.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

Part of my routine, and has been since starting RVing, and this was my routine at work prior to retirement, is the Walk Around. Once hitched up and the jacks are lifted, I turn on the four way flashers and do my Walk Around, checking for unlocked compartments, door closed and locked, jacks fully up, lights working, STEPS UP, side view mirrors extended, tires looking OK, satellite dish stowed, and anything else not normal. If this is done, bent steps will not be an issue, and it doesn't take all that long, but you should never rush either setup or getting ready to depart.

After some very close calls I've taken to the same. All by myself too so as to have zero distractions.

[RMcNeal]

Walk around with no distractions is key. I have also resorted to putting my hands on several points on the rig. This helps me not to forget things and also lets my wife know that I have checked. Just looking up or down isn't enough. Sorry, showing my age.

[steiny93]

Originally Posted by Carl n Susan

None of the 5th wheel step are automatic like on a MH.

I've wondered why we don't see the auto steps on the 5th's like the MH's. Guessing we will see those as an option soon.

[PSFORD99]

Originally Posted by Ram Montana High Country

MorRyde Step Above - you can also get a tool box to put in place of original steps

Also RV Glow Steps - more adjustable for ground variations.

Both can be googled

We have Glow steps, and both my wife ,and I dislike them. Some friends have the MorRyde, and we like going in ,and out of their fifth much more. Do you have a link to the toolbox you reference to plug the hole where the Glow steps store ,I will also google to see if I can find them . Thanks

[LisaC3500]

Originally Posted by rohrmann

Part of my routine, and has been since starting RVing, and this was my routine at work prior to retirement, is the Walk Around. Once hitched up and the jacks are lifted, I turn on the four way flashers and do my Walk Around, checking for unlocked compartments, door closed and locked, jacks fully up, lights working, STEPS UP, side view mirrors extended, tires looking OK, satellite dish stowed, and anything else not normal. If this is done, bent steps will not be an issue, and it doesn't take all that long, but you should never rush either setup or getting ready to depart.

Husband does all this as well. He caught the bedroom slide out not in all the way recently because I was trying to get the dogs corralled and didn't finish pulling it in.

Final step is a brake/turn signal check and I'm surprised at how few people we see check the rear lights of their rig.

We have MORyde steps and they're great. Only thing I don't like is the little pieces of rocks, gravel, dirt that hide in the crevices and show themselves when you fold the steps in.

[Ram Montana High Country]

Originally Posted by steiny93

I've wondered why we don't see the auto steps on the 5th's like the MH's. Guessing we will see those as an option soon.

I sure hope NO Auto Deploy steps are put in - hate to think of the maintenance on keeping them operating for the long haul. Assisted with struts are fine.