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There’s nothing worse than being on a camping trip, having a great time, and then all of a sudden have it ruined by a trip to the hospital from falling off your truck camper steps. Whether it’s the instability and shakiness of the steps at steep angles or the fact that you have to jump from great heights to get to the ground – you shouldn’t have to deal with these issues any longer. 

So, what can you do? With many aftermarket step upgrades available, what’s the best truck camper step to choose for you? Some of these upgrades include ladders or step stools for your truck camper. While these are certainly options to consider, there are also a couple of alternatives available to aftermarket steps that are a safer and more stable option. 

A typical scenario: truck camper step stool or ladder

With a camper step stool, it’s designed to sit underneath your current factory truck camper steps to give you an extra step.  Step stools help make it a little easier to get in and out, but the truck camper steps are still shaky because they don’t reach the ground. The only step touching the ground is the folding step stool. Step stools also usually come with a no-slip surface and have a wider platform than factory steps. But, when you’re on the move – you have to figure out storage for these steps since they’re not attached to your camper in any way. Also, if weight isn’t applied evenly, it can be dangerous and add to the potential of tipping over.

Also available are RV step ladders. These are designed to be sturdier than just a step stool and factory step combination, and most ladders aren’t as steep as your factory steps. Quite a bit more expensive than step stools, the other downside of truck camper ladders is that they require a large amount of space for storage that might be hard to find with all the gear you bring along. The other potential issue is that these steps also won’t attach to your camper unless you do some major modification to your entry.

Solution #1: Torklift Original GlowStep

The GlowStep truck camper step is made of 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel with a unique SureGrip anti-slip tread. Torklift’s GlowStep uses a double hinge design featuring dual flat bars. This prevents any twisting or warping of the steps when under a heavy load. Self-illuminating strips glow up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure. The illuminating strips are the same grade glow strips are used to indicate emergency exits on commercial aircrafts.

The steps are engineered with a special hinge design that allows the steps to deploy and retract with ease, and is built to maintain longevity and durability. The GlowSteps are extraordinarily sturdy by connecting the RV all the way to ground level. Like planting roots with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet, you have unparalleled stability when entering and exiting your truck camper so you don’t have to worry about the wobbly instability of factory steps.

The GlowStep is available in two to six step range with a 7.5-inch riser gap so it resembles residential staircase height so you’re not having to become a long jumper in track and field just to get in and out of your truck camper. Because you’ve spent your hard-earned money on this step investment, they are also lockable to prevent theft and store in position.

Features of the GlowStep Include:

• Self-illuminating steps truck camper steps glow in the dark for 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure - no batteries
• Safely enter and exit your truck camper or RV after dark
• SureGrip™ step tread provides no-slip surface (no grip tape)
• Stores in position and lockable to prevent theft
• 100% aircraft grade aluminum and stainless steel
• Stainless bolted hinges allow for easy step addition or removal
• Exclusive: adjusts to basement model campers
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

Solution #2: Torklift Stow N’ Go

The Stow N’ Go step was manufactured after feedback from customers, especially for those who wanted an upgrade to avoid the tediousness of removing and storing their steps on the inside of their campers. The Stow N’ Go locks while in transit, eliminating the hassle of detaching the steps. The steps remain mounted to the back of the truck camper bumper or underneath the door to prevent the interior from getting dirty, so you don’t have to spend extra time cleaning the truck camper before you head out on the road or when you get home.

With these truck camper steps, you no longer have to worry about your steps falling off your bumper because they weren’t stored properly with a bungee cord or other attempted storage modification. With a special nylon retainer system, it eliminates movement while in transit by snapping the steps securely in place. That means that you don’t have to worry about losing your steps while driving down the road because they’re securely stored to your truck camper with the Stow N’ Go bracket. For extra security during transit or protection against potential thieves, GlowStep Locks are available. The steps come in a range of three to six steps for any truck camper height.

This step system comes standard with the storage bracket, GlowStep step system and All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. Or, if you already have the Original GlowSteps, you can purchase the bracket and All Terrain Landing Gear separately to convert your GlowStep into a Stow N’ Go.

Features of the Stow N’ Go Include

• Avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit
• Avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit
• Prevents dirty RV interior and damage from step movement• Secures into place to prevent movement
• Designed for easy “stow-and-go” step operation for truck campers – simply pull the handle to deploy and store truck camper steps
• Mounts to the truck camper bumper or directly to the truck camper below the door — Requires a 23” x 3.5” mounting area
• Prevent step movement during transit with the bolt-on stabilizing bracket plate features nylon studs – steps snap securely into place for storage
• Steps are lockable with GlowStep Locks to prevent theft (sold separately)• To stabilize steps on uneven terrain, the Stow N’ Go comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet (step application only)*
• Mounting Bracket available in white or black high impact powder coat for extreme durability to match the color of your camper
• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Steps glow in the dark for up to ten hours with only five minutes of light exposure – no batteries necessary
• Steps are specially designed with SureGrip step tread which provides no-slip surface for easy entry and exit of camper
• Accessories sold separately: GlowGuide Handrail, SafeStep pet safety barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Specific part numbers come with 8 inch GlowSteps pre-installed into the bracket with All Terrain Landing Gear. Bracket is also available separately. 

RV Step Accessories

The following accessories are available for all Torklift step applications including the GlowStep Original truck camper steps, GlowStep Revolution steps for towables and the latest offering – the Stow N’ Go easy-to-store truck camper steps:

• GlowGuide – RV handrail

A lightweight RV handrail that’s composed of three telescopic arms: the upper door arm mount, the lower step arm mount and the strut arm. The GlowGuide helps you achieve even more balance when entering and entering your RV by providing a hand-hold all the way from the door entry to the ground so you can use your steps with confidence.

• SafeStep – pet step barrier

Created to be a protective riser guard that creates a vertical barrier between each of the steps. The SafeStep is designed to help protect pets and children from falling in-between the steps. The Velcro backed panels allow for an easy install and ability to stay attached while in the stowed position.

• DirtDestroyer – shoe cleaning attachment

Designed to work with any scissor step. Simply scrape your shoe on this bristle shoe cleaning attachment – this allows you to leave the dirt outside of the RV and save you from one less mess to clean.

For more information on the GlowStep, Stow N’ Go or their accessories, contact us at 800-246-8132. If you’re interested in upgrading to any one of the items discussed in this blog, visit a Torklift Certified Dealer near you.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes, spoiling her cat Clio and daydreaming about future travels. 

Are you tired of having to store your cumbersome truck camper steps inside your camper? Or do they leave a mess inside every time you store them? While there are some pesky problems with truck campers that are unavoidable, these problems are easy to solve with Stow N’ Go steps from Torklift!

Below are the top 5 pesky problems that you have to deal with when it comes to your truck camper steps, and how the Stow N’ Go helps alleviate these issues.

1.) Installation/Removal of Your Current Steps

There are many kinds of truck camper steps available, but most of them are not attached (such as step ladders) and require you to store them inside your camper while in transit. The best way to avoid storing steps inside the RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during transit? The Stow N’ Go is designed for easy “stow-and-go” step operation for truck campers – simply pull the handle to deploy and store truck camper steps. As an added bonus, the bolt-on stabilizing bracket features nylon studs that allows the RV steps to snap securely into place and prevent step movement during transit.

2.) Mess from your truck camper steps

Dirt inside the RV is a no-no! It is incredibly inconvenient having to store your dirty steps inside the truck camper, then it just adds insult to injury when you have to deep clean the interior from everything that was tracked in from the steps. The Stow N’ Go prevents dirty RV interior by installing and storing outside your camper. Mounted directly to the bumper or below the door, these RV steps keep your camper clean so you can focus on more important things – like creating the perfect s’more! Yum!

3.) Instability

To stabilize steps on uneven terrain, the Stow N’ Go comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet. The All Terrain Landing Gear reach the ground and ensure solid placement on any type of terrain. Avoid dealing with the shaky, wobbly feeling of factory steps or having to carry around an extra ladder that isn’t attached to your camper. Ladders and booster steps can be dangerous. Injuries can happen when stepping from one step to another with unstable steps. Don’t fall in-between! With the stability of the Stow N’ Go there’s no fear of falling.

4.) No visibility at night

One of the best things about camping is getting to see all the stars at night and not having to see the glow from city lights. There’s nothing quite like it – but this also comes with a potential risk: not being able to see your steps at night once you’re done stargazing! Instead of having to stumble and guess where your steps are, there should be an easier way to get in and out of your camper at night. That’s where the Stow N’ Go comes in - these camper steps glow-in-the-dark for up to ten hours with only five minutes of light exposure – no batteries necessary. This is due to the glow-in-the-dark stickers that are attached to the top of the steps, making the Stow N’ Go even more versatile and perfect for both day and night use.

5.) Lost or stolen truck camper steps

There isn’t a worse feeling than returning to the camper and finding that someone stole your equipment. Or the sudden pit in your stomach when you realize that you’re 6 hours into a trip back home and you forgot or lost your truck camper steps. Both of these events means that you’ll have to get a replacement step. This not only takes time out of your trip, but also costs more money than you planned for. The Stow N’ Go steps easily prevent this – they are lockable with GlowStep Locks to prevent theft or potentially leaving them behind at the last campground.

But, don’t just take our word for how great these steps are! Below is Frank Poole’s thoughts on his old steps and how he feels about upgrading to the Stow N’ Go on his truck camper:

“I have been using a Giant Ladder before and while it did the job very well, it was sort of a hassle, lifting into and out of the camper, not to mention climbing up on the Fox step to get to the bumper open the door while keeping a death grip on the ladder. It just fit on the floor and was cumbersome…” 
-Frank Poole

What is this solution you ask? None other than the latest and greatest from Torklift, the Stow N’ Go! The Stow N’ Go truck camper steps are easy to install and come standard with a mounting bracket that can be installed below your truck camper door or on the bumper of your truck camper. The “Pros” of the Stow N’ Go according to Frank?

Pros:
-Easy to use, in/out.
-Very convenient, especially for quick stop use, markets, access, etc.
-Easy Storage, just lift and push/pull. No dirt inside of camper.
-Sturdy, like normal step only stronger.
-Adjustable levelers on the bottom, very important for boondocking.
-Able to ADD or Remove steps depending up need - don't have to buy a whole new set of steps.
-Ribbed step to help prevent slipping in wet weather.
-Glow tabs to see steps.
-Lifetime Warranty.

We love everything you had to say about the truck camper steps Frank and thank you for the encouraging words! We agree that the ability to easily lift and store the steps on the outside of the camper to prevent a dirty interior, as well as the sturdy and strong feeling that comes from the hand-built steps with All Terrain Landing Gear are great features.

Further features of the Stow N’ Go include:

• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Accessories sold separately: GlowGuide Handrail, SafeStep pet safety barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment, GlowStep Locks to prevent theft
• Legendary Lifetime Warranty
• Proudly made in the USA

*Specific part numbers come with 8-inch GlowSteps pre-installed into the bracket with All Terrain Landing Gear. Bracket only is available separately if you want to upgrade your current GlowSteps. See application chart for details.

If you’re interested in learning more about the Torklift International Stow N’ Go steps, there are a couple of options for you! Call us at 800-246-8132 and our tech support would be more than happy to answer your questions about an easier solution for truck camper steps. Or, you can find one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here, and they can help you with your questions as well as get you set up with one of these truck camper step systems.

Written by Kerstin Stokes:
As a graduate from the College of Idaho with a B.A. in both History and Art, Kerstin has found her passion for writing and marketing, and has loved every minute of working for Torklift for over 2 years now. She enjoys looking up tasty recipes for baking and daydreaming about future travels.