Camper Step Recommendation?

[h2opup]

I will be collecting my new ATC Ocelot soon (hooray!) on a RAM 1500 and am still trying to figure out what steps will work best for me and my older 50lb dog.
Older posts have shown a few options namely:

Hitch receiver-mounted steps
Small foldable stepstools (one or two steps)
Single step/ aluminum work platform
Small step ladders
Removable scissor-style folding steps

Because I will also need something to reach the camper clasps, canvas window covers, etc., I'd prefer to go with a multi-purpose option so have pretty much ruled out hitch or scissor steps for that reason. Problem appears to be that the step stools are not very tall for these other tasks. The single step aluminum platform option seems like it may not be enough steps (for me or the dog) getting in and out of the camper. The small step ladders would be hard/impossible for my dog to navigate given the angle and size of the steps.

I am looking at the Lil Giant (2 or 3 step version) that seem great in terms of stable, large, protruding steps for me and the pup (more like a staircase than a ladder), and for reaching the outside of the camper. However their size and weight are clear disadvantages when storing.

Are there other options that I am missing? With tailgate removed, what is a comfortable distance to be stepping down out of an ATC camper and onto a first step?

Many thanks in advance.

 

[CPT Davenport]

We run these: Portable Folding Step

Have worked well on a variety of terrain, are really light weight, easily deployed and affordable. They are the perfect height and stride to enter and exit our rig. Wide steps, that are easy to aim for, non slip and did I mention very light. Holding up well and when/if they fail I will get them again. Great for off the beaten path, to the beach or just loading groceries in a parking lot or making a quick sandwich at a rest stop. Guaranteed to not rust, bust, collect dust, crack chip or peel. Works for us.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

The Otto Step is a good option for dogs, I’m over 200 pounds, and it works for me, too.

Edit: I forgot to mention, these are made in Oregon. The folks live in Albany.

 

[h2opup]

I like the Otto but would then still need something for the side clasps. Maybe get the portable folding step for that task!

 

[drumwood]

If you are agile enough, and your camper is not too high, that two step portable folding stepstool would work. It would not work for my wife because she has bad knees and our camper is pretty high. So we use a four step little giant stepstool. It works great for us.

Little Giant Ladders, Jumbo Step, 4-Step, 3 foot, Step Stool, Aluminum, Type 1AA, 375 lbs weight rating, (11904), Gray
a.co/d/6bNluvy.

It is very sturdy and surprisingly lightweight. I removed the swing up handle which helps keep the weight down. I carry it on the back wall of the camper, but it could fit inside, laying down. I like to carry it outside, so if it is dirty, I don’t have to clean it off. You could get a three step if your camper is low enough.

 

[h2opup]

Thanks Drumwood.

Was it difficult to remove the swing up handle? I hadn’t considered that but its a smart way to keep the weight and size down on the Little Giant options.

 

[drumwood]

Thanks Drumwood.

Was it difficult to remove the swing up handle? I hadn’t considered that but its a smart way to keep the weight and size down on the Little Giant options.

I don't remember exactly what I did to remove the handle. I had to cut off (with a hacksaw, I think) the pivot bolt inner head. It wasn't too hard.

 

[Jon R]

I have the same white plastic Rubbermaid one as shown above. It’s great if the ground is level, but in danger of collapsing or tipping if it’s sloped or uneven.

 

[drumwood]

Thanks Drumwood.

Was it difficult to remove the swing up handle? I hadn’t considered that but its a smart way to keep the weight and size down on the Little Giant options.

I should mention something else that applies especially if you get a taller stepladder, like my four step. At first, I couldn’t get it close enough to the camper door, because the camper just barely overhangs the bumper. The swing up handle (when flipped down) hit the bumper and prevented the steps from moving closer. When I removed the handle, it helped, but the steps were still a little too far away. The horizontal brace between the back legs still hit the bumper. So I drilled out the rivets on the brace and moved it down to a different position on the back legs. That gave clearance for the center of the bumper and I was able to get the steps close enough. Depending on the overhang of your camper, the shape of your bumper, and the height of your steps, you might have to make similar adjustments.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

A thought about grips/handles… give Marty a call and see if he would install one of the folding handles instead of a fixed version. Some of them extend a foot or so.

 

[h2opup]

I should mention something else that applies especially if you get a taller stepladder, like my four step. At first, I couldn’t get it close enough to the camper door, because the camper just barely overhangs the bumper. The swing up handle (when flipped down) hit the bumper and prevented the steps from moving closer. When I removed the handle, it helped, but the steps were still a little too far away. The horizontal brace between the back legs still hit the bumper. So I drilled out the rivets on the brace and moved it down to a different position on the back legs. That gave clearance for the center of the bumper and I was able to get the steps close enough. Depending on the overhang of your camper, the shape of your bumper, and the height of your steps, you might have to make similar adjustments.

Very helpful - Thank you.

 

[h2opup]

A thought about grips/handles… give Marty a call and see if he would install one of the folding handles instead of a fixed version. Some of them extend a foot or so.

Do you mean a handle on the camper itself? Because I don't have the camper just yet, it's difficult to picture what will work best. Thanks.

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Yes, the handle beside the door. Now might be the time to add something like that.

 

[h2opup]

Yes, the handle beside the door. Now might be the time to add something like that.

Will ask Marty, thanks!

 

[ckent323]

After trying several different step stools we now use a Little Giant Ladders, Safety Step, 3-Step, 3 Foot, Step Stool, (Type 1A, 300 lbs Weight Rating). Sturdy and works great. The handle folds down so we just left it on.

We carry the camper with tailgate on (and down obviously) it serves as a nice landing. Makes closing and opening the rear latches easy. Also serves a s shelf when standing behind the truck.

I have purchased a Stromberg Carlson AM-200 Lend A Hand Assist Rail that folds against the camper but I have not installed it yet. Our friends have installed one on their FWC camper and it works quite well.

​

 

[h2opup]

Going to ask Marty this afternoon which handle he recommends/uses. I’ll mention this one. Thanks.

 

[h2opup]

Just checked with Marty who said the camper comes with a small handle so I’m going to see if that is sufficient otherwise will keep this in mind. Thanks!

 

[ski3pin]

Is this perhaps your new Ocelot? Julie and I noticed it this morning during our stop at ATC.

 

[h2opup]

That’s exciting! It could be, but I don’t know. I haven’t seen any pics of mine yet. However, I know mine had the ‘new’ lighter colors inside (cushions, wood paneling, counter top), and this one looks like it might be the older darker colors but hard to tell.

So, this one might be an older one in for some work(?). I’ll send some pics after I collect it on the 10th Oct