Coast Resorts Open Roads Forum: Truck Campers: Folding Hitch Steps

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Topic: Folding Hitch Steps

Posted By: woodhog on 12/11/16 04:08pm

Does anyone have any experience with these steps, they look like a good
design.

Hitch Steps

2004.5 Dodge 4x4 SRW Diesel, 245/70R19.5 Michelin XDS2, Bilstein Shocks
Torklift Stable loads, BD Steering Stabilizer Bar, Superchips "TOW" Programed,Rickson 19.5 wheels

2006 8.5 Northstar Arrow, 3 Batteries 200 Watts Solar,
12 Volt DC Fridge.

Posted By: WNYBob on 12/11/16 04:14pm

IMO they would not work with the tail gate down on a pickup!

Didn't see any pitunes with the gate open.

Posted By: Artum Snowbird on 12/11/16 04:44pm

Ouch that first time you drop the tail gate on it. Having said that... with a hitch extension out to allow a bit further back three step setup, it might work with a camper that is longer than 8 feet. Camper in, nobody has their tailgate in anyway.

Mike
2012 Winnebago Impulse Silver 26QP
2005 16.6 Double Eagle
2018 Jeep Wrangler JK
previously Snowbird Campers,
Triple E Motorhome and Fifth Wheel

Posted By: adamis on 12/11/16 05:52pm

Unless they have a different surface type I'm not certain you would want to use this for a camper. The expanded metal is great for heavy duty work boots and muddy conditions but if you happen to be barefoot for some reason then stepping on that metal is going to hurt.

If they don't offer custom surface options you could probably show these pictures to a local metal fabricator who could weld you something up pretty easily.

1999 F350 Dually with 7.3 Diesel
2000 Bigfoot 10.6 Camper

Posted By: work2much on 12/12/16 01:56pm

It blocks the license plate. That could be an issue.

2022 Ram 3500 Laramie CTD DRW Crew 4x4 Aisin 4:10 Air ride.

2020 Grand Design Solitude 2930RL 2520 watts solar. 600ah lithium. Magnum 4000 watt inverter.

Posted By: GeoBoy on 12/12/16 02:12pm

Did everyone watch the video? It clearly shows that the tailgate can be opened without hitting the step and there is a place to mount the license plate also.

Posted By: work2much on 12/12/16 02:26pm

GeoBoy wrote:

Did everyone watch the video? It clearly shows that the tailgate can be opened without hitting the step and there is a place to mount the license plate also.

You're right. Missed that regarding the license plate. Looks like something I could have used when I worked out of my truck and had bed mounted tool boxes.

Posted By: jimh406 on 12/12/16 03:33pm

Looks like a pretty good design to me. Could work with a extended camper if it's in a hitch extension.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

Posted By: TxGearhead on 12/12/16 05:50pm

Looks pretty good. That 3 step could work for me I think. The website is a little light on descriptions.
Does it look to y'all that the 3 step adjusts up and down?

2018 Ram 3500 CC LB DRW 4X4 Cummins Aisin Laramie Pearl White
2018 Landmark Oshkosh
2008 Bigfoot 25C9.4
2014 NauticStar 21 ShallowBay 150HP Yamaha
2016 GoDevil 18X44 35HP Surface Drive

Posted By: jefe 4x4 on 12/13/16 01:15pm

I like the idea, but have reservations about it. First, my Dodge RAM has a 3 inch lift, 35 inch tires and is already the highest elevation bed of the big 3 even without that stuff.
So, I think the first step would be a deal breaker. No qualms about using our 20 inch hitch extension. The departure angle of the TC is important to me and these folding steps would reduce that angle, which is only a problem about 1% of the time when off road. Maybe just remove them when clearance is needed. About the surface: why not just attach some rubber traction pads the same size as the step? Yes, the website is a bit low on specs and whether there is any variation. Also, I had a problem trying to find pricing.
My bro John, an off-road racing vehicle fabricator

made something like this about 10 years ago, but it had smaller 6 inch round off-set step pads. It was foldable.
Our latest steps for our rig is a cut down version of the 4 step Little Giant. It works well when stealth camping in the city as it is just hanging on the hook when we're inside.

'01.5 Dodge 2500 4x4, CTD, Qcab, SB, NV5600, 241HD, 4.10's, Dana 70/TruTrac; Dana 80/ TruTrac, Spintec hub conversion, H.D. susp, 315/75R16's on 7.5" and 10" wide steel wheels, Vulcan big line, Warn M15K winch '98 Lance Lite 165s, 8' 6" X-cab, 200w Solar

Posted By: pcoplin on 12/14/16 09:51am

work2much wrote:

It blocks the license plate. That could be an issue.

My entire camper blocks the license plate. Not sure that's an issue.

I got an extended Super truss and made a small step for it, so I could ise it with the trailer on, and also the rear cargo basket when the trailer is not on it.

2005 F350 CCLB Dually 6.0/5R110
2009 Adventurer 950B

Posted By: TxGearhead on 12/14/16 06:06pm

^^^I searched around looking for prices too. Finally decided to "buy" or "add to cart" whatever it was, and found the prices there; unfortunately.
I have scissor steps and am not too crazy about them. Back in the 1980's when I had my first TC, I had steps made from plywood and covered with astroturf. Worked real well. Open the door, store the steps inside the camper. Open the door and remove the steps and put them on the ground.

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