Prybry
Adventurer
I've had a couple people ask about my folding steps on the back of my camper...
I'm a pretty big guy (+350 lbs) and needed a set of steps I could depend on.
I built them out of 2X4 aluminum tube that I found at the local metal recycler... I actually traded a trash bag full of aluminum cans for the tubing pound for pound!
Anyway, I cut the material on my HF band saw and tack welded it together with my MIG and then took it to a guy to TIG weld it... My MIG was blowing holes through it!:Wow1:
I cut and bent the aluminum to close the ends of the main tubes for more strength. Then the ends were welded shut too.
For mounting, I used a pair of steel L brackets I made in my shop and bolted to the rear of the camper... my camper has a heavy steel frame around the door to support the open door design.
I drilled and tapped holes into that frame and mounted my brackets. I use a set of quick release pins to connect the steps to the brackets.
I should also mention that I put a pair of aluminum tubes through the frame and had those welded in too... just to help support the weight.
I used a set of lock hasps one each side to hold the steps in travel position... this also lets me put pad locks on for security. I never got the key for the door from the guy I bought the camper from.
The stair treads are doubled 2X4 so ended up 8" wide, welded together... I think you can see the welds in the picture where the steps are up.
It took some figuring to get the tread spacing right since I also wanted to be able to see out through the rear door window with the steps up.
My power wagon is pretty high so the steps needed to be extra long... the bed is over 38" off the ground.
I also bought some non-slip stair tread tape and stuck on each step since the aluminum can get slick when wet.
So far they work great...:smiley_drive:
My only negative to them is how high they stick up above the camper when folded... I would figure out a way to telescope the legs if I made them over.
I can try and take some closer shots of the weld details if someone wants them...
enjoy...
I'm a pretty big guy (+350 lbs) and needed a set of steps I could depend on.
I built them out of 2X4 aluminum tube that I found at the local metal recycler... I actually traded a trash bag full of aluminum cans for the tubing pound for pound!
Anyway, I cut the material on my HF band saw and tack welded it together with my MIG and then took it to a guy to TIG weld it... My MIG was blowing holes through it!:Wow1:
I cut and bent the aluminum to close the ends of the main tubes for more strength. Then the ends were welded shut too.
For mounting, I used a pair of steel L brackets I made in my shop and bolted to the rear of the camper... my camper has a heavy steel frame around the door to support the open door design.
I drilled and tapped holes into that frame and mounted my brackets. I use a set of quick release pins to connect the steps to the brackets.
I should also mention that I put a pair of aluminum tubes through the frame and had those welded in too... just to help support the weight.
I used a set of lock hasps one each side to hold the steps in travel position... this also lets me put pad locks on for security. I never got the key for the door from the guy I bought the camper from.
The stair treads are doubled 2X4 so ended up 8" wide, welded together... I think you can see the welds in the picture where the steps are up.
It took some figuring to get the tread spacing right since I also wanted to be able to see out through the rear door window with the steps up.
My power wagon is pretty high so the steps needed to be extra long... the bed is over 38" off the ground.
I also bought some non-slip stair tread tape and stuck on each step since the aluminum can get slick when wet.
So far they work great...:smiley_drive:
My only negative to them is how high they stick up above the camper when folded... I would figure out a way to telescope the legs if I made them over.
I can try and take some closer shots of the weld details if someone wants them...
enjoy...
