I noticed the Ambassador that Phaedrus listed for sale in another thread has two steps leading up to the door. His top step looks exactly like the top step on my Overlander. At six feet tall, it did not occur to me I may be missing a step, but it probably has to my 5'4" wife
It appears the second step is rigid, and does not fold up with the top step. It must slide into the two square holes on the top step. Is this accurate?
Does anyone have a closeup picture and/or general dimensions of the second step? Is there any reason I should not build a replacement step?
The second step was an option. it folds, or actually, flips over to sit on top of the first step. I have a diagram in my service manual, but I don't have it right here handy.
The PO of my trailer gave me a reinforcing bar, that looks like it may have been home-made. its just a metal rod, about 3' in length, with a couple of angles welded on the ends (looks like a capitol "I"). this is used as a brace behind the lower step; one end cradles the back of the step, and the other is simply jambed against the trailers frame. without this, the lower step is not very stable. However, I see no mention of this part in the diagram in the service manual. I'm wondering if the lower step is missing some part that makes it rigid, or if its just a poor design, or what.
Hmm.. I wonder if I'm missing a piece? my lower step will swing back and forth like a pendulum without that "accessory" that I mentioned. I'll have to take a closer look. The vertical support from which the lower step hangs from the top step: there's nothing in its way to prevent it from swinging in toward the trailer.
the other problem with them is that when they're retracted for traveling, the latch that holds them up is not very secure. doesn't take much of a bump for them to drop down. so some PO installed this rinky-dink external hasps that dont' hold very well, either, but they help...and they rust, too. I'll have to take a closer look and compare with your pics.
That piece you refer to is an aftermarket part.
You can often find them at Airstream Flea Markets for around 5 bucks a set.
If you cant find one, you can make a set out of flat 1/4" aluminum
It is very easy to do. I will try to post photos of a set tomorrow.
I have installed them on Airstreams before. They work great and they are a cheap fix.
The upper step is notched to allow the "down arm" to sit aginst the upper step. This "Slot" wears over years of repeated use and it gets a little sloppy.
I cannot say for certain that AS never resolved the problematic wearing of the steps. They may have.
I just know that these devices are common as an aftermarket product.
yeah, its just a 3' long metal stick, with a couple of cross pieces on the ends that stabilize it. I store it by sliding it into the space that the pull-out table slides into when its stowed. so when I'm setting up camp, if the second step is needed, I can just reach inside the door and grab it.
I'll see if I can concoct a diagram. don't have any pictures of it.
The solution is simply jamming this rod in place. The angle iron welded on each end fits snugly against the frame and the floor, and on the other end, fits along the top rear edge of the lower step, and prevents it from sliding backward when someone steps on the step. without it, you'd likely lose your balance when that step starts moving, fall, and break your neck.
I appreciate all the responses, and I would really like to have a set of steps like smily's, but my top step does not appear to be compatible with the bottom steps discussed so far.
It does not appear that my step ever had any linkages pinned on the sides. Does anyone have a top step that looks like this composite image, AND a lower step?
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I'll have to take a closer look and compare with your pics.
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