Step Modifications 16’ Sprt

[waninae39]

many models have the same size opening for the steps. thus the AS model is not that relevant. Some As are higher off the ground thus some need 2 or 3 steps

our 22FB just needs 2 steps

[Silvr_Bullet]

16’ Sport has one step and that’s what we’re talking about on this thread, why are you choosing to hijack it, start one for 22 ‘ Sports.

[waninae39]

we have the 3" lift kit

the 2 step is perfect

one step was too high up

[Silvr_Bullet]

I understand Airstream doesn’t approve of Lifts, I know many use them but not recommended by Airstream.

[MCM78LC]

I participated in this thread last fall and wanted to provide my insight in installing my own aluminum double step with 7" drop in case it is helpful to others.



I purchased the Carlson-Stromberg 7" drop stamped aluminum steps as their width was the same as the original single steel step. I also prefer the rounded step design as it fits with the curvature of the Airstream. It has been a great mod! For those who had concerns about scraping with a lower step and no lift, I have no lift, and have had NO ISSUES with scraping. It sits higher than the spare, so I used that to judge. Our driveway has a significant grade so I feel I have tested to our satisfaction.


Here is the link to the step model I have (still currently available):
https://factoryrvsurplus.com/collect...t-tape-surface



and here is the link to the outriggers I modified and used to sturdify the installation:
https://www.amazon.com/Trailer-Outri.../dp/B00MJUOUEG


1. After I removed the steps, I modified the outriggers by installing them in reverse (carriage bolt on outside/nut on inside), redrilled holes, and shortened the length of each outrigger. Comment: I had to shear off the extra threads on the nut side of the carraige bolts for the step action to clear--I used red threadlocker when I did the final install (you could spot weld, too)



2. I took plate steel to create "backing plates" to act as a strengthener along the 90 degree channel for the front and back original mounting points. The backing plates sturdified the steps from moving side to side and gave more strength to the mount locations.



3. I swapped the original AS hardware and opted for Grade 8 hardware as I am eternally paranoid. Red thread locker was used on the hardware.



4. Any exposed metal and the flat steel backing plates were appropriately shot with semi-gloss black paint to eliminate any moisture/rust entry points.



Comments: No surrounding plastic or bellypan areas were trimmed or modified in anyway. I also used the exact same mounting holes on the Airstream--the step and outriggers were instead largified as the steel on these were much more sturdy and of higher gauge than the AS mounting points.


Photos included with descriptions. Our experience has been that these steps are SOLID! You can run up them without any wiggle whatsoever. And, we have found the drain holes are very strategically located so they always stay dry and clean when pulled out, or when folded in.

[waninae39]

IMHO, all As model have the same size opening.
thus these mods are good for any modern AS

[jsmall01]

Originally Posted by waninae39

yes

we added 2 step aluminum model.

my spouse loves it

waninae39, I saw a post from 2019 and you showed pictures of the double step you added to your 19. We want to do the exact same thing since we lifted our 19 3". However I can't figure out how you installed the new step. The brackets are 12" long and the two existing brackets on the Airstream are only 6" apart. It seems I'd have to weld another support bar on the frame to make this work. Is that what you did? Any help would be greatly appreciated.

Jim

[civeng99]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

This is very interesting because this thread is titled Step Modifications for 16’ Sport, so is there something so generic to include many other models. ( ? ) I don’t think so. This is not at all helpful for me with a 16’ Sport. Why not try to stick to a threads original intent.

I hope you are towing your trailer with a minimum 3/4 ton diesel truck. No other vehicle can possibly tow.

(This is the only allowable topic here...)

[civeng99]

Originally Posted by Silvr_Bullet

16’ Sport has one step and that’s what we’re talking about on this thread, why are you choosing to hijack it, start one for 22 ‘ Sports.

Yes. We can’t possibly discuss 2 things at once. The horror.

[Danamr]

Originally Posted by weismans

Has anyone considered the Thule brand step. It’s a single step but looks nicely made from aluminum. It comes on the Bambi 19. I called colonial airstream and they said it would fit on the 16.

Thoughts?

Is there a model or where to find this? I don't see it on the Thule web site.

[doughtys]

Did you ever solve your 16RB Sport stair issue? I am looking to go from a single step to a double step and finding the search for the correct stair is difficult.