10 Ways to Make Dangerous RV Steps Safer

 

We will start with simple yet effective ways to make your steps safer. Then, we’ll work up to more drastic solutions for those who need them to access their RV safely.

1. APPLY CARPET MATS TO TREADS

One of the easiest, most affordable ways to make your RV steps safer is to apply carpet mats to each stair tread. These mats, or stair covers, greatly reduce your chance of slipping, especially in wet weather.

2. APPLY GLOW IN THE DARK TAPE TO TREADS

Speaking of cheap and easy, you can make it drastically safer to climb your RV steps at night with tape. This outdoor glow-in-the-dark tape lights the way for you.

Installation couldn’t be easier. Simply run a line of tape along the front of each tread to highlight where each step is.

3. USE A STAIR STABILIZER STAND

If your RV steps feel wobbly and unstable, you can purchase a stair stabilizer stand. This accessory provides additional support and stability to your steps, making them safer to use. 

4. ADD AN ADDITIONAL STEP

Sometimes getting on and off the first step is the biggest challenge.  If you’ve ever caught your foot on the first step or stepped off too hard on the ground, you know what we mean.

nstalling a stair rail can provide extra support and stability when going up and down your RV steps. This extended assist rail attaches to the side of your RV and provides a sturdy handhold to grip onto.

If needed and depending on your RV’s layout, you can even install one on each side of the door.

6. REPLACE FLOATING STEPS WITH SOLID STEPS

Another option many RVers choose is to replace their floating steps with solid steps. Solid steps rest on the ground, adding a lot more stability.

These Lippert solid steps are a popular choice. They easily swing up when not in use and have adjustable-length feet. Lippert also sells a solid step handrail to complete your safe stair setup.

7. USE PORTABLE STEPS WITH HANDRAIL

Portable steps are a good option, especially if you stay in one place for extended periods of time. They’re not the easiest to set up and lug around, but they do provide a stable setup. These portable stairs have a handrail, and according to reviews, are fairly easy to assemble, move, and set up.

8. USE A PET RAMP

Humans aren’t the only ones who struggle to use RV steps. Many RVers (including us) travel with their dogs, and stairs can be dangerous for them, too.

Small and older dogs often have the most trouble. But you can make it safer and easier for them with a portable pet ramp. A fellow RVer from our RV Lifestyle Facebook group recommends the WeatherTech pet ramp. She shared pictures of her setup in the group.

Of course, this pet ramp may be a good stair alternative for some humans, too. Just be sure you find a handrail solution to make up for not having four legs.

9. INSTALL A LIFT

If stairs aren’t a safe option for you at all, there is still a solution to keep your RV dream alive. Life Lyfts offers great RV step assist products, including lifts for your RV and tow vehicle. So, even dangerous RV steps can’t keep you from the RV Lifestyle! The company even offers financing

10. BUILD YOUR OWN

Many handy RVers opt to build their own safety solutions. Some build stairs that they design to stay in place for permanent campsites or design to take along with them. Others build accessories to make their stairs safer. For instance, a member of our RV Lifestyle Facebook group built diamond plate sheet metal guards to prevent them from slipping between the stairs.