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What’s better than a ladder or step stool for truck camper steps?

20170907 163553 copyThere’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

fpoole TorkLiftStowNGo 102With 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

Dan Walinsky RVStepFail SubmissionThe 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.

Stow N GoWith 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.

Where to Buy

 

kerstin

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. 

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How to avoid 5 pesky problems your truck camper steps are giving you!

SNG Blog 1

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.

SNG Blog 2

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.

SNG Blog 3

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:

 

SNG Blog 4“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:

SNG Blog 5• Ability to add or remove steps*
• Sold in applications for 3-6 steps*
• Accessories sold separately: GlowGuide HandrailSafeStep pet safety barriers and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachmentGlowStep 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.

 

kerstinWritten 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. 

 

 

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What is the best truck camper step?

Tired of having to use booster steps, or taking a leap of faith from the entry of your truck camper? You need a new set of truck camper steps! With many aftermarket upgrades available, how do you choose? From Brophy’s 18-inch wide aluminum scissor steps, to the original GlowStep and the GlowStep Stow N’ Go from Torklift International – we’re here to help you choose the best one that will fit all your needs!

 

Brophy Scissor Steps

TC Step Blog 1Brophy 18-inch wide aluminum scissor steps uses a single hinge scissor step design. This scissor step comes fully assembled with an optional handrail for the three to five steps. The step folds up for storage and self-adjusts. The Brophy aluminum step is 18-inches wide, 6-inches deep with an 8-inch riser gap and a 300-pound weight capacity when fully extended. For installation, the mounting bracket is secured to the camper using four ¼” x 1½” screws, and clipping the stairs into the “V” clamps on the mounting bracket.

 

Torklift Original GlowStep

TC Step Blog 2The 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 double bars. This prevents any twisting or warping of the steps when under a heavy load. Self-illuminating stickers glow up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure. The illuminating strips are the same grade glow tape that is 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 GlowStep extends directly to the ground forming a sturdy connection. This step is available in two to six step range with a 7.5-inch riser gap so it resembles residential staircase height.

The All Terrain Landing Gear adjustable feet are available as an accessory and ensure a solid connection on any terrain. The step stores in a lockable position to prevent theft with a lifetime warranty.

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

 

Torklift Stow N’ Go

TC Step Blog 3The Stow N’ Go step was manufactured after feedback from customers, especially those who wanted an upgrade that made it so they could 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.

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 turn it into a Stow N’ Go.

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. With a special nylon retainer system, it eliminates movement while in transit by snapping the steps securely in place. 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.

Features of the Stow N’ Go Include: 

• 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
• 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. See application chart for details

 

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: the GlowGuide RV handrail, SafeStep pet step barrier and DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment.

TC Step Blog 4

• GlowGuide Handrail: A lightweight handrail that’s composed of three telescopic arms: the upper door arm mount, the lower step arm mount and the strut arm. All the way from the door entry to the ground you are guided all the way down with confidence in your stability
• SafeStep: A protective riser guard that creates a vertical barrier between the steps. Designed to help protect pets and children from potentially 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: A shoe cleaning attachment designed to work with any scissor step. Simply scrape your shoe on this bristle 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 or visit us here. If you’re interested in upgrading to any one of the items discussed in this blog, feel free to visit one of our Certified Dealers near you by clicking here.

 

 shyannWritten by Shyann Guerra:
Being in an environment in which I can problem solve is where I flourish. Every answer to a problem leads me to a new concept to understand or a lesson to learn. When I'm not solving problems I enjoy camping and going to festivals with my family - from the local city center festivals to the mountains of Wenatchee at the Winter Grass, blue grass music festival. Experiencing culture is where my heart is content. 

 

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NEW product alert! Welcome the newest member of the GlowStep family!

06. ALL TERRAIN LANDING GEAR STABILIZES STEPS ON UNEVEN TERRAINIt's always wonderful welcoming a new family member into the world and adding a new product to the GlowStep family is no different! We would like to introduce you to the Stow N' Go, truck camper steps that are manufacture to help you avoid storing steps inside you RV and eliminate the hassle of detaching steps during travel.

The Stow N' Go is sold in three to six steps and features the ability to add or remove steps should you change or upgrade to a new truck camper. It also comes standard with the All Terrain Landing Gear which gives you an unmatched stability; connecting the camper to the ground. Just as with the Original GlowStep design, the Stow N' Go steps feature SureGrip tread to provide a no-slip surface as well as the ability to glow in the dark for up to 10 hours with only five minutes of light exposure.

02. MOUNTS TO THE TRUCK CAMPER BUMPER

Easily stored into position, the Stow N' Go steps remain mounted to the back of the truck camper or bumper to prevent a dirty RV interior. With this convenient step bracket, you don't have to worry about unnecessary movement of the steps when in transit or driving on rough terrain. The special nylon retainer system of the Stow N' Go eliminate step movement – the steps snap securely into place for storage.

11. MOUNTING BRACKET AVAILABLE IN WHITE OR BLACK HIGH IMPACT POWDER COATFor people that already have a set of the GlowSteps, we do offer the Stow N' Go bracket on its own so you have the option of upgrading your current GlowSteps to have the easy storage ability. This step system is also compatible with all other GlowStep accessories including the SafeStep pet safety barrier, DirtDestroyer shoe cleaning attachment and GlowGuide handrail, providing the ultimate in truck camper step safety and comfort. This Stow N' Go system is mounted to a truck camper bumper or to the back of a camper underneath the door. 

 

Features of the Stow N' Go include:

• 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 19.5" 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 storage07. PREVENTS DIRTY RV INTERIOR AND DAMAGE FROM STEP MOVEMENT
• 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. See application chart below for details:

GlowStep Stow N' Go

All Terrain Landing Gear Included (Black)

Mounting Bracket Height

Collapsed Height

Max Weight

Part Number

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 3 Step - Black Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7833

X

27.88"

12"-13"

375 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 4 Step - Black Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7834

X

35.38"

14"-15"

375 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 5 Step - Black Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7835

X

42.88"

17"-18"

325 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 6 Step - Black Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7836

X

50.38"

19"-20"

325 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 3 Step - White Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7843

X

27.88"

12"-13"

375 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 4 Step - White Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7844

X

35.38"

14"-15"

375 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 5 Step - White  Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7845

X

42.88"

17"-18"

325 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - 6 Step - White Bracket
MFG Part Number: A7846

X

50.38"

19"-20"

325 Lbs

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - Upgrade Kit For Standard GlowSteps - Black Bracket Only††
MFG Part Number: A7810

-

 -

 -

 -

Click Here For Part Numbers

GlowStep Stow N' Go - Upgrade Kit For Standard GlowSteps - White Bracket Only††
MFG Part Number: A7820

-

 -

 -

 -

Click Here For Part Numbers

 

kerstinWritten 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 for baking and daydreaming about future travels.  

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