Scissor steps mounted permanently or not?

[john cotterman]

Having just returned from a 5k mile trip to Wyoming and back on my maiden voyage with my new (modified) Fleet shell, my wife and I have only one upgrade to consider. We got a small 2-step ladder for entry and exit (see profile pic) and while this might have been adequate for us in our younger days, we soon realized that getting out 60-something bodies safely in and out that high and small door is going to require more.

I've searched this forum and saw various discussions re steps and am wanting to go with either the Brophy or Torklift aluminum scissor steps. What confuses me is that the Torklift promos and users all seem to say, yeah, go ahead and permanently mount the steps, whereas the Brophy info (primarily the folks at e-trailer.com) say, no don't leave these on full time.

Are these different enough steps to warrant these divergent opinions or am I missing something? I would like to just fold 'em up and leave them attached -- one less chore of taking them off (sometimes they're wet and muddy) and then back on. I understand the possible limitations of theft (lock em on) and damage (from too much bouncing or unmindful backing up?).

Any Brophy or Torklift owners with an opinion?

 

[RicoV]

We intended our aluminum 24" wide 3-stepper from Brophy to be portable, whereby the top bar just 'drops in' to its own (supplied) bracket mount which I installed along the lower rear (overhang) edge of the camper. The 18-lb stepper takes no more than 30 seconds to remount and super-secure with a couple short strips of wraparound velcro, and simply accordian-folds into a compact unit that stores easily just inside the door for travel. It all works like a champ. Good luck with whatever you choose to do; you're correct in thinking that the steps are a great way to go, regardless of how you might mount them.
Rico

 

[buckland]

Home from a two m month trip with the new mod of Brophy steps and I can not over state how good they are. easy on and off. Drop them on the floor at the door. for traveling .... they do not move. one of the best additions to the camper.

 

[popRoid]

This is what I'm considering on my FWC Hawk: https://www.easyhitchstep.com/index.php

Might be an option for you.

Cheers....

 

[Jim49]

This is what I'm considering on my FWC Hawk: https://www.easyhitchstep.com/index.php

Might be an option for you.

Cheers....

Started with the Brophy and replaced them with the easy hitch step-2 step, very happy.

 

[Cayuse]

Not sure what brand mine are as they were purchased used off craigslist but they come off while traveling and go right inside the door. The steps are the last things I pack up and the first things that are unpacked. I use a couple of cloth grocery bags to sort of contain any dirt/mud that might be on them but that hasn't been much of an issue.

 

[Durango1]

We permanently mounted the Torklift A7504 (6" x 20" actual step size which is plenty) on the back of our slide-in Hawk. I through-bolted stainless steel eye bolts through the door frame and then used cables and carabiners to hold the steps up (so they wouldn't obscure the license plate) while traveling. Worked like a champ! Super convenient!
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I would do the same for my hawk Flatbed model but can't figger out how to do this without it sticking out too far to the side.

 

[john cotterman]

Durango, does there seem to be an option with the Torklifts to either leave it on or take it off? In other words, once one makes the decision to leave it on "permanently" and there arises a situation where it might be nice to have them off, how difficult a transition is that? Would it need to involve taking bolts out??

And also, do you have any pix of what the steps look like when folded up and cables and carabinered?

 

[Mickey Bitsko]

Fortunately I have a platform under my Eagle, was using every kind of step stool thingy then sprung for 4step 20" brophy and mounted the step bracket on the face of the platform.
I leave it on full time just bungee up out of the way.
I'm not against drilling into my camper but if I don't have to I'd rather not.

 

[Wango]

Late reply I know, but I have the torklift steps for my camper. I undue the pins when I break camp and put them by the back door(side).
Didn't want the wait bouncing around, or have them hit something.
w