A Major step up

[ondaroadagin]

As full timers, we have little observed the process of passing into and out of our "Silver Submarine" until the bounciness of the steps became more noticeable. Upon closer examination of the step assembly, I saw two cracks in the support assembly of our four year old International Serenity, and set about researching alternatives over and above a simple Airstream replacement. I discovered the company, Torklift, found their model "Glowstep Revolution, liked what I saw that I will describe in just a moment, and then found in an Air Forum series of stair postings, someone who had just had this company's brand stairs installed at Jackson Center.

I called the T.L. company representatives, explained our need, and sent them complete measured specs of our stair opening and attachment bolt positions. They proceeded to manufacture brackets that would allow me to remove our existing floating and bouncy stairs and install their much more stable system.

The strength of the Torklift stair system lies in its ability to adjust the stair positions relative to the ground in three positions, and then allow feet to be adjusted in five positions independently to stabilize to an uneven ground. Now, when we enter and leave, the "trampoline effect" is gone! The set up and break down is child simple, and a bonus is the glow in the dark squares framing both sides of each stair. Their system allows the addition of more stairs if needed, but I suppose most of us Airstreamers share similar height dimensions.

I was able to self install in about an hour, with my wife helping support the stairs while I ratcheted them snugly into the brackets. In my humble opinion, we now have a stair entry system the envy of every Airstream, or for that matter any RV owner.

Check out these pics. (If one of the pics is flipped, I apologize. I've tried every possible flip to no effect.)

[nvestysly]

Sounds like an interesting alternative and a very good long-term solution for your Airstream.

If I understand the design correctly... depending on how low (or high) the surrounding terrain is relative to the trailer the "rise" of the step system adjusts to the overall rise from ground to trailer. Depending on the terrain, the first step (from ground to step) might be higher or lower than the remaining "risers" but that's true with the existing steps too.

Good to know the step manufacturer is so accommodating.

[UncleBad]

Very nice! Which version fit your AS? Can you share the cost as well as that does not seem to be published on their site. Thanks!

[majorairhead]

Very nice, could you post some pics of the attachment points, and maybe the steps in their stored for travel position?


thanks!

[Foiled Again]

Interested in these. My old steps (2012 - not the Airstream Flip and fold) have had a couple of close encounters with rocks and snow load... could use a replacement. Definitely would like to see installation points. Thanks.

Paula

[Adventure.AS]

Do these need to have the feet on the ground - even for a quick entry/exit at a rest stop while travelling, for example?

[Dexterpix]

Hi,

Looks good. I'll ask what everyone is thinking, How much $$$$?

Thanks
Joe D

[PatLee]

Following . . . .

[SteveSueMac]

Guessing over $500?

You can find them on etrailer here: https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camp...t/TLA8102.html

Double check sizing and stuff....

[Firemanram]

Very nice!

[tbashin]

I need these.

[57Vintage]

I installed a Tork Lift when we rebuilt our 58. Been in use for over 2 years. Suggest a little lubricant on the pivot points once in a while. No issues with not adjusting feet when opened for a short stop.



My frame rails are only 4" tall so the unit extends below the belly pan. I lifted our trailer by using a straight axle and larger tires. The belly pan has 18" ground clearance and the stairs have 10".

[ondaroadagin]

Yes, you are correct. Because the stairs connect to a 3 position cam, they pretty much stay equidistant, and the bottom feet adjust in five positions to make this easier.

[ondaroadagin]

Here is a direct link to Torklift

https://www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution

with more details, and links to Youtube video tours. I spent right around $500.

[ondaroadagin]

The process of deploying the stairs is quite quick and the feet naturally come into a down position. I never tried to use them without landing the feet which might require a second or two more :^)

[ondaroadagin]

There are four existing bolts supporting our Airstream stairs, two on each side fore and aft. The "L" brackets that Torklift supplies for us match up perfectly with these Cap Screws (bolt holes), and the stairs fit into them in turn.

For those interested in ordering these stairs, a call to their sales team, after doing some measuring as mentioned on their website, will clarify any questions.

Note the placement of the stairs closed. There is a lever on each side of the stairs to enable deployment, if you are left or right handed. Upon releasing the safety pin on the left side, when you lift the release lever you choose one of three cam lock positions for the stairs to land depending on the terrain. The Youtube video shows this in action. Again, I apologize for the improper rotation of this pic. I've tried saving it in four 90 degree positions, and the Air Forums site won't take it.

[rmkrum]

Thanks for the information. I need to replace bent steps as well.

[Mollysdad]

Help? (I just resized it from 1600 to 1550 and voila'. That seems to solve forum rotation issues.)

[Mollysdad]

I've been using this since my MH days.
Super sturdy, I leave the legs out and store it inside the door while underway.
I use the stock steps but don't flip the second step down.

[Tin Diesel]

Originally Posted by Mollysdad

I've been using this since my MH days.
Super sturdy, I leave the legs out and store it inside the door while underway.
I use the stock steps but don't flip the second step down.

Exactly what we do...
I'm 6'2" and weigh 230lbs. I don't like the pressure my weight puts on the steps if I use on that second step.