I've noticed in many pics of other people's camping sites that they have stepstools around. Are they needed for setting up camp? Do I need one? Or is it something that's just nice to have and it can wait? (I'm doing the shopping for our trip to pick up the Bambino and the long drive back from almost Toronto to Denver, and we'll be staying in the trailer on the way back, so I'd like to be prepared for normal setup situations.)
I found a 13" folding stepstool and an 18" folding stepstool. I'm 5'7". Obviously neither is going to get me to the roof, but I thought perhaps an 18" stepstool could act as an extra chair as well. I do wonder if it's actually too tall, depending what people use the stepstools for.
Ah, ignorance.
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"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." - Catherine Aird
Yes, everybody carries a stepstool. I also have the 18" folding model plastic, that is used for many, many tasks. I would not be without it.
Good luck on your trip.
Dave
Quote:
Originally Posted by zlee
I've noticed in many pics of other people's camping sites that they have stepstools around. Are they needed for setting up camp? Do I need one? Or is it something that's just nice to have and it can wait? (I'm doing the shopping for our trip to pick up the Bambino and the long drive back from almost Toronto to Denver, and we'll be staying in the trailer on the way back, so I'd like to be prepared for normal setup situations.)
I found a 13" folding stepstool and an 18" folding stepstool. I'm 5'7". Obviously neither is going to get me to the roof, but I thought perhaps an 18" stepstool could act as an extra chair as well. I do wonder if it's actually too tall, depending what people use the stepstools for.
We recently found a two step folding stool at the big orange box store that wieghs literally nothing and seems very sturdy. Im not particularly vertically challenged but I really like the idea of being able to reach my awning latches and tightening down wheel thing-a-ma-bobs without having to rely on the vagaries of the awning tool slipping and putting scratches or gouges in DW's Airstream.
I also use a folding, metal 2-stepper that fits nicely in my rear "boot". It's a little heavier than I like, but it's sturdy on all surfaces, and that's a good feature. It's handy for the awning knobs mentioned by Goal15, or anything else where you might like to be 15" or so taller. It's not a big help in washing the coach. For that I use one of those 6' collapsible ladders that collapse in both directions down to about the size of a 4x4.
We used to carry a small ladder ... 4 or 5 steps ... that folded reasonably flat, but we never used it so we stopped carrying it. (Our available "stuff space" is very limited.)
We now carry a portable RV step for those times when we have to level and the single stop on the Bambi is a little high...it collapses and stores easily....and an EZ Fold stool that folds flat and fits in the back compartment. When we need to tighten the rear awning lock wheel by hand (much easier/better than using the awining rod) we put the stool on top of the step and that gives us enough height. (for the forward awning, we stand in the doorway to tighten the awning lock wheel).
The only time we have actually needed a taller ladder to do something on top in a campground, we borrowed one...there's always someone with a ladder (or campground host)...and they are more than willing to let you use it.
Pic #1: the EZ Fold stool...
Pic #2 the collapsable step we use...very sturdy and has a skid-proof strips on the top...
Pic #3: a newer version of the collapsible step with adjustable legs (more $)...we would have got this one if they had had it when we bought ours.
All were bought at Camping World, but are available elsewhere no doubt.
I have carried a two-step step ladder in the back of my Suburban since I acquired it in 1998 as it is impossible to climb into the back as the tailgate is so very high (3/4-ton with 4x4). This little ladder is indispensible when camping as it is just the right height to reach the locking mechanisms for the Zip Dee awnings and is wonderfully stable for washing the windows on longer trips.
Kevin
P.S.: I don't recall where I purchased my ladder, but Lowes is one place that handles them today . . . see link.
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Kevin D. Allen WBCCI (Lifetime Member)/VAC #7864 AIR #827
1964 Overlander International
1978 Argosy Minuet 6.0 Metre
I have a two step folding plastic stepladder that can double as a seat. Very handy for lots of things. I find the plastic step less dangerous (scratches) around the AS and TV. Fortunately I can reach the awning crank downs from the ground easily without a step!
That thing's pretty cool - gonna go have a look! You guys pretty much rock. That step looks really good. My space is also very limited - I may go with an EZ Fold for this trip, and get something shorter or taller depending in how the EZ Fold does at the awning...
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"If you can't be a good example, then you'll just have to be a horrible warning." - Catherine Aird
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