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Old 06-03-2016, 03:02 PM   #1
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Thumbs up New Model Step Replacement

Hi,
So for the recent past few years Airstream swapped out their traditional folding steps for the black, (not so well made), steps except for the Classic.

I'm seeing the 2017's that Airstream has reintroduced the steps in most of the models, (above Sports).

So, for the years that have the, (not so well made), steps can they be retrofitted with the traditional steps that the 2017's and older models have?

If so, it's a DIY opportunity, dealer install or mothership?

thanks

Dave
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Old 06-03-2016, 03:19 PM   #2
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I replaced the flimsy single step on our Bambi with a nice Lippert aluminum double step. The holes underneath lined up, though I made support brackets to stiffen it up. This was a really nice upgrade. The steps are wide and smooth and the casing is much more substantial than the stock step.

I wanted to do the same on our 23FB however the bolt holes do not line up. The Lippert is 24" wide which is what the Bambi was and seems to be the industry standard.but the stock unit on the 23FB is just shy. its like the holes are about .25" off. This slight difference has complicated the installation of the new step on the 23FB. Not only do I have holes that are not aligned but I will have to trim about .25" off of the belly pan to make the Lippert fit.

I may have a professional do the install. I don't think I want to get involved with trimming the bellypan.

I would suggest you measure the existing step and the opening. The Lippert step is 24".
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Old 06-03-2016, 10:06 PM   #3
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Davcarv on another thread it was noted that a retrofitted 2017 step would cost 1200 dollars
Steamy1 do you have a picture of your steps you'd like to share with us?
Thx
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Old 06-04-2016, 09:29 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by subfan1 View Post
Davcarv on another thread it was noted that a retrofitted 2017 step would cost 1200 dollars
Steamy1 do you have a picture of your steps you'd like to share with us?
Thx
Yes; will post tomorrow or Monday. Thanks
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Old 06-05-2016, 07:10 AM   #5
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you may find this post helpful. See my post #19:

http://www.airforums.com/forums/f475...-141899-2.html
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Old 06-05-2016, 10:30 AM   #6
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Airstream service has a direct aluminum replacement step for the steel step. You remove the 4 bolts from steel step and replace with the aluminum step and reinstall the 4 bolts. I believe the retail cost is $499It has three adjustments depending on your terrain.


To add the classic step to a trailer that had the steel step you would have to drop the underbelly and replace two outriggers. A lot of labor involved.
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Old 06-05-2016, 01:04 PM   #7
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[QUOTE=Schu;1802154]Airstream service has a direct aluminum replacement step for the steel step. You remove the 4 bolts from steel step and replace with the aluminum step and reinstall the 4 bolts. I believe the retail cost is $499It has three adjustments depending on your terrain.


Do you know what the Airstream Service Part Number is??

Thanks
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Old 06-05-2016, 01:15 PM   #8
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And any pictures would be appreciated. Thx
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Old 06-06-2016, 05:11 AM   #9
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Can you send me your email? I can never get pics to upload here
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:15 AM   #10
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Part number is 380002 for Torklift Glo Step
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Old 06-06-2016, 07:07 AM   #11
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We used two 24" X 9 1/2 pieces of aluminum boat dock steps ,worked fine.
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Old 06-06-2016, 07:15 AM   #12
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Isn't Airstream using the Thule aluminum step on some models?
I wonder if its.less expensive outside the AS network? Ive seen one on a friends sob and it looked good!
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Old 06-06-2016, 06:49 PM   #13
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Steps

[QUOTE=davcarv;1801358]Hi,
So for the recent past few years Airstream swapped out their traditional folding steps for the black, (not so well made), steps except for the Classic.

I'm seeing the 2017's that Airstream has reintroduced the steps in most of the models, (above Sports).

So, for the years that have the, (not so well made), steps can they be retrofitted with the traditional steps that the 2017's and older models have?

If so, it's a DIY opportunity, dealer install or mothership?

thanks

Dave[/QUOTEjust spent week at factory and asked the same question.
Answer. Yes . If you have close to a grand to spend!
Replaced my black original steps at a little over 150.00 plus half hr.labor.
To do the aluminum one requires welding support brackets and cutting a slot for the aluminum ones to fit into plus other stuff.
They certainly look good. Go for it if you got the $!]
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Old 07-11-2016, 01:53 PM   #14
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I sent Airstream an email regarding the new aluminum steps as I would like to remove my steel steps and Craig Weir with customer relations replied and said that the new step part number is 400962. I followed up and asked if it was a direct replacement and his response was "the step should bolt in where the old step is located". I'm going to look into this in the fall for our trailer. Thought I'd pass this along however.
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Old 02-18-2020, 09:13 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by subfan1 View Post
I sent Airstream an email regarding the new aluminum steps as I would like to remove my steel steps and Craig Weir with customer relations replied and said that the new step part number is 400962. I followed up and asked if it was a direct replacement and his response was "the step should bolt in where the old step is located". I'm going to look into this in the fall for our trailer. Thought I'd pass this along however.
Please give me an update as I’d like to do the same��
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Old 02-19-2020, 09:35 AM   #16
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FYI to go from the bolt on steel steps to the current aluminum steps requires changing the outriggers for the aluminum step arms to slide in. The change is not just bolting on
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Old 02-20-2020, 10:15 PM   #17
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Please give me an update as I’d like to do the same��


Agree with shu below. It was not a easy bolt on step. I abandoned the idea due to cost.
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Old 02-22-2020, 07:36 AM   #18
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Agree with shu below. It was not a easy bolt on step. I abandoned the idea due to cost.
I think it’s Torklift for us then... a bit on the spendy side, but a good solid step.
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Old 07-14-2020, 09:11 AM   #19
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single or double step replacement

Hi, I see a few posts on this, but I have a 2016 19ft flying cloud Bambi with the original blacks steel step. I'm interested in replacing it with the single aluminum step that is used on later models. I'm seeing a lot of conflicting info on this and can't seem to get a clear answer on where to find the updated step and if it truly is a simple swap-out. (no holes to drill, etc)

Any help on this would be greatly appreciated..
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Old 07-14-2020, 10:27 PM   #20
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We had the same exact problem and was looking for the same exact fix as you. The single step that you’re talking about that comes on the newer units is made by Thule and is made overseas. They will not ship or sell to a private party. After spending literally months of research trying to find the solution that I wanted that made our trailer look like factory, I came up empty-handed.

The very next best solution is Torklift glow steps The bad thing is that kit that they sell that supposedly allows the steps to be mounted from the bolts on top instead of on the side will not work and you will have to use some heavy angle iron to make your own brackets, it took me about two hours to fit mine perfectly and I couldn’t be happier.
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