Two mounting approaches. Different storage, different deployment, different campsite behavior. The right choice depends on how you park and how you camp.
When you start shopping for replacement RV steps, the first question is not which brand or which model. It is where the steps mount on the RV. That mounting location determines everything: how the steps store during travel, how they deploy at the campsite, how much space they need, and which Torklift product is the right fit.
This article compares doorway-mounted and step-well RV steps for travel trailers and fifth wheels, and recommends the Torklift product for each approach.
What Is a Step-Well Mounted Step System?
A step-well mounted step system installs inside the recessed step well beneath the RV doorway. The steps fold up into the well during travel and extend downward when the RV is parked. The steps travel with the RV, always attached. There is nothing to carry, store separately, or remember to bring. Torklift's GlowStep Revolution is designed for step-well mounting.
What Is a Doorway-Mounted Step System?
A doorway-mounted step system attaches to the RV doorway frame, not the step well. The steps can be removed with no tools and reattached. When not in use, the steps are folded up and stored in the RV doorway during transit. Torklift's GlowStep Revolution Uprising is designed for doorway mounting with tool-free removal.
Comparison Table
| Comparison Point | Doorway-Mounted Step | Step-Well Mounted Step | Torklift Product |
| Where it mounts | Attaches to the RV doorway frame. | Installs in the step-well recess below the door. | GlowStep Revolution Uprising = doorway. GlowStep Revolution = step-well. |
| Storage during travel | Folded up into the doorway. | Folds into the step well. | GlowStep Revolution Uprising stores inside. GlowStep Revolution folds up into step well. |
| Tight parking | Steps can be fully removed for tight lots or deployed in a ladder deployment.. | Steps fold up but remain attached below the door. | GlowStep Revolution Uprising or GlowStep Revolution can be used in a ladder deployment in constrained spaces. |
| Ground contact | GlowStep Revolution Uprising is designed to reach the ground. | GlowStep Revolution is designed to reach the ground. | Revolution reaches the ground. Uprising details on product page. |
Why Storage Location Matters
Where the steps store during travel affects convenience, campsite setup time, and available space. Step-well steps are stored in the step well. Doorway-mounted steps are stored in the doorway. For owners who park in tight storage lots, driveways, or side yards where anything protruding below the RV can contact fences, walls, or obstacles, a removable doorway-mounted system can be an advantage. However, either of Torklift’s RV step designs can be deployed in a ladder deployment, making them accessible even in tight spaces.
Recommended Torklift Step System
For step-well applications: GlowStep Revolution.
For doorway-mounted applications: GlowStep Revolution Uprising.
Measure before ordering. Step-well width and depth for Revolution. Doorway frame dimensions for Uprising. Contact Torklift support if unsure.
Key Takeaways
- Step-well steps fold into the well and travel with the RV. Doorway-mounted steps fold up and store in doorway
- GlowStep Revolution is for step-well applications. GlowStep Revolution Uprising is for doorway-mounted applications.
- Storage location affects convenience, setup time, and tight-space usability.
- Measure your step well or doorway frame before ordering.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between doorway-mounted and step-well RV steps?
Step-well steps install in the recessed well and fold up for travel. Doorway-mounted steps attach to the door frame and fold into doorway when not in use.
Which is better for my trailer?
It depends on your RV's design and how you park. Measure before buying.
What should I measure before buying?
Step-well opening width and depth for Revolution. Doorway frame dimensions for Uprising. Entry height for step count.