Aluminum vs. Steel Steps

[4RXLA]

I'm not a fan of the generic SOB steel steps on the most expensive trailer on the road. It is cheap and looks cheap (just like plastic and steel covers instead of chromed or stainless) on trailers with rear entry doors is a dragging accident waiting to happen with the steel frame of the steps hanging under the frame. The aluminum steps used for the last 40 years still are the most functional, good looking and practical in my opinion.


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[Steamy1]

Originally Posted by rugjenkins

Ok off subject- how did you lift your trailer and how high. Curious minds want to know��

I used the Dexter lift kit and installed it myself. Not particularly complicated but it was hard work tightening the bolts to proper torque.

Added 3" of lift as measured from the ground to the bottom edge of the wheel well. Increased from 24" to 27". Note that I have 16" wheels.

Below is picture of the lift bracket installed. there is a recent thread on this. Search Dexter lift.

[Pongo]

You mention SS panel upgrades are available outside of Airstream. I just ordered a 2017 International Serenity 27FB last week with these, which cost about 900 installed. Where did you find them outside of the mother ship store?

[amaier7771]

just following

[FCloud9]

Just saw the Aluminum Airstream steps at Jackson Center Service Center priced at $499.00
Very nice but we are not ready to replace our 2014 steel steps.

[carl2591]

is this the same stuff you saw..??

http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=204

we have a 2005 classic 31D

Originally Posted by FCloud9

Just saw the Aluminum Airstream steps at Jackson Center Service Center priced at $499.00
Very nice but we are not ready to replace our 2014 steel steps.

[Floatingair]

I agree the steel steps do look cheap
and take away from the unique styling of Airstream. But, those SOB steel steps can be upgraded to be electric automatic steps.


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[m.hony]

Originally Posted by Pongo

You mention SS panel upgrades are available outside of Airstream. I just ordered a 2017 International Serenity 27FB last week with these, which cost about 900 installed. Where did you find them outside of the mother ship store?

At this time I cannot find them online any less expensive than from Airstream.
For example, the stainless steel furnace cover is $123.95 no matter where you buy it- same price as Airstream store. I saw some online for about $100 each about 4 years ago. I cannot find them now. Airstream Supply and Ebay are the exact same price as Airstream.

[Lyman]

Just talked to a guy today who come in campground. Has a 1977 trailer owned for 30 years his brother had it first 10 years. His steps looked good as my 2017 Classic. He uses a small rod under bottom step that goes to frame. Said got at a rally years ago. So maybe these new steps are built with better material than old ones. Time will tell for me. I just need 28 years on mine as will be 100 than and am going to quit camping.

[m.hony]

I put a step support under my steps on my 2013 Classic.
The steps are the same in all model years. Same material . Same quality.

[PDXcamper]

I have the same question as the original post: Can the factory steel steps be removed and replaced with the factory aluminum steps by removing the steel and bolting on the aluminum?

There was lots of great discussion of the pros and cons (and cost) of each. That's helpful, but I didn't see an answer to the compatibility of one vs. the other. We currently have the aluminum steps on our Excella and love them but are thinking of buying another model (International or Flying Cloud) and most of them have steel steps which we don't like. So, even though the aluminum set might be more expensive, I'm wondering if I can unbolt the steel steps and bolt on a set of Aluminum steps. Please let me know if you have had experience with this and what it was like.

As an aside, we've seen the steel steps so rusted out on other airstreams that we were afraid to step on them because we thought they would crumble. They look and are cheap. Aluminum is much more durable and higher quality.

[Seanlb]

It’s not exactly a cheap, easy, drop and swap scenario.

The factory aluminum steps are mounted on slots cut into the frame outriggers.

So while not impossible, most people would probably say it’s totally not worth it.

[GCinSC2]

Anyone have a pic of the mounting area and outriggers on the steel version?

I have aluminum but never looked at steel step attachment system.

[waninae39]

we replaced the steel with alum two steps.

The wife loves them as they are much lighter and easier to move

[Foiled Again]

Originally Posted by waninae39

we replaced the steel with alum two steps.

The wife loves them as they are much lighter and easier to move

If these are not Airstream aluminum steps, could you please give a link to the brand? Also did you need to.drill new mounting holes or were they plug and play?

[waninae39]

they came from amazon, easy to find.

they used the same holes. BUT, i made it stronger and less twisting by also bolting the steps on the side. this is something that AS does NOT do but SHOULD DOT also

AS made it easy to add these steps as there is a lot of room to add steps underneath

on my sport 22 , these steps were 1/2" wider, thus i had to triM the outer plastic skirt trim(EASY)

[panamerican]

Originally Posted by ltorgy

Anyone have any experience with replacing the steel double steps in a new AS with the aluminum steps? Are there any advantage over the steel besides weight and rust resistance? Are they interchangeable? I have a 25' Flying Cloud (2015).

Just curious. I recently bent the steel outriggers a bit going over a hump in the road. I unbolted the steps and bent them back in place. They should work fine, but it got me thinking about a possible replacement if needed. I know Camping World carries a replacement for about $90.00.

Lyle

When I was at the factory I talked to the service folks about the alum vs steel. They told me that the alum step requires (on most models) a outrigger and that using either is possible, but retrofitting to alum from steel- at the time, not inclusive of the actual alum steps was about $400 10-15 years ago.

[waninae39]

This is what i installed

Stromberg Carlson Product SMEX-24-29 Hickory Springs Extruded Aluminum Step

• Double step
• Extruded aluminum treads for strength
• Top end OEM equipment
• 24″ wide with multiple rises to meet your needs
• Double step design
• 9" rise per step

It was C$315, thus cheaper in US$

[GCinSC2]

Originally Posted by PDXcamper

I have the same question as the original post: Can the factory steel steps be removed and replaced with the factory aluminum steps by removing the steel and bolting on the Aluminum.

PDXcamper

Take a look at this link showing the outrigger design that looks just like mine with aluminum steps. http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...roducts_id=207

Do you have this style outrigger? Note the track for the step arm to slide in.

Gary