Thule step replacement for Bambi 16 sport

[MikeL53660]

FINALLY got rid of the steel step on our 2019 Bambi Sport 16. Ordered the Thule step used on the 2022 models of Caravel. Not cheap but thought the end result was worth it. Thule is not as wide a frame as the steel step and Airstream advised that no "kit" was available to adapt. Seems silly on their part but we found a solution. 1/2" plate of aluminum to fit the existing mounting configuration. A local machine shop did the work for us on the plate and it bolted right up into the existing mount locations. Solid, looks way better and tucks up into the existing space. It can be done! Cost is about $600 in total with the step $400 from Airstream.

[PB_NB]

Looks nice!

Do you recall the step part number (that would make ordering from Amazon easier)? If so, can you post it for others please?

[Silvr_Bullet]

How much narrower are the new steps, hard to tell from phots but maybe 4”-6”?

[MikeL53660]

Hopefully I didn't just duplicate my reply. New to site.

New step is 21.5" wide vs. 24" for old steel step.

Thule step is ONLY available from Airstream in the US. I spoke with Thule several times and they will not sell the step direct. Internet advertisement for it from the UK but they will not ship to the US. UK Airstream owners can do the swap for less money!

[MrStreamer]

Originally Posted by MikeL53660

FINALLY got rid of the steel step on our 2019 Bambi Sport 16. Ordered the Thule step used on the 2022 models of Caravel. Not cheap but thought the end result was worth it. Thule is not as wide a frame as the steel step and Airstream advised that no "kit" was available to adapt. Seems silly on their part but we found a solution. 1/2" plate of aluminum to fit the existing mounting configuration. A local machine shop did the work for us on the plate and it bolted right up into the existing mount locations. Solid, looks way better and tucks up into the existing space. It can be done! Cost is about $600 in total with the step $400 from Airstream.

Repainted OEM steel steps on both my 2015 Bambi Sport 16' and 2017 22' with Black epoxy gloss

[MikeL53660]

The original steel step rusted so badly in just 2.5 years that it was unusable and dangerous. We live in Florida and rust is real issue.

[baggs]

i got rid of both my steps too for this reason..(i have 2 doors)

im lifting by xmas and going to go single thule manual step on one door and main access door will have the thule dual step electric

i too found out the hole patterns were different so big hi 5 for explaining how you got around it !

[Uke player]

Originally Posted by MikeL53660

Hopefully I didn't just duplicate my reply. New to site.

New step is 21.5" wide vs. 24" for old steel step.

Thule step is ONLY available from Airstream in the US. I spoke with Thule several times and they will not sell the step direct. Internet advertisement for it from the UK but they will not ship to the US. UK Airstream owners can do the swap for less money!

Thank you! I could not understand why i could not get that step into a shopping cart with Thule. We have wanted that step for along time. Our 2006 Bambie 19ft. step is rusting and so heavy too. These steps look great but are they solid built and user friendly?

[MikeL53660]

Have lived with the step for many months. Reliable, solid, super easy to deploy and retract. I think the key to that is having a really solid mount. I used a piece of aluminum about 3/8" thick mounted to the trailer then mounted the stair to the base.

[baggs]

gday!

i ended up with both manual steps in single and double...i reinforced c channel mount points with 3mm steel bar stock plate..she aint gunna move!
yes cant agree more with thule being a cracker product
i chose manual as there is a huge spare parts market for electric stairs motors and thought its not a good thing longterm being spray with crap and corruption behing rear wheel..its gunna fail
as for the lift...that happened too!

[MikeL53660]

That's great to hear. Looks nice and I am sure it will keep performing well even with the beating it will take from the rear wheels.