ramblinChet
Well-known member
The simplest solution is usually the best. A solution that can solve multiple problems adds huge value.
For my AEV Prospector and FWC it was necessary to step up on something to unlatch and latch my camper top - I also required a step between the bumper and the ground for entering and exiting the FWC. A simple Worx Step Stool solved both issues for me. I open the back door, pull it out, unlatch my top, place it near my rear bumper and step up into my FWC. They only cost $40 so they are a low cost alternative.
I think the aluminum steps are cool but the create problems. The biggest one for me is they take up much valuable real estate directly behind the camper. If I need to exit and go up to the front of the vehicle I am walking backwards for 6-8' and then when I hit the ground I turn around and walk back another 6-8' and then begin to go where I was planning. This may not be as significant an issue for some but for as much as I am in my camper, the wasted time adds up.
The aluminum steps do not have handrails either so you are "walking the plank" for a number of steps. I am not as well balanced as I was years ago and when carrying things into the FWC or just opening the rear door and placing them on the floor, a step stool makes life simple. Also, if you are on a long drive and pull into a rest area to crash for a few hours, good luck on stretching those steps out - you are either going to stick out into the path of vehicles or if you back in, you will cross a sidewalk. It seems minor, but when it limits my choices I search for other solutions.
I think if they made some steps that only went back a few feet I would take another look at them but for now my "less is more" solution has been working well for the past year. The step stool I use is at a reasonable limit though for my AEV Prospector with 37s. I stand 5'10" and can reach the FWC clasps easily. If you are shorter and have a bigger truck, this stool may not be enough for you.
In use at Blackwater Creek State Forest in Florida:
Worx Storage Step Stool:
For my AEV Prospector and FWC it was necessary to step up on something to unlatch and latch my camper top - I also required a step between the bumper and the ground for entering and exiting the FWC. A simple Worx Step Stool solved both issues for me. I open the back door, pull it out, unlatch my top, place it near my rear bumper and step up into my FWC. They only cost $40 so they are a low cost alternative.
I think the aluminum steps are cool but the create problems. The biggest one for me is they take up much valuable real estate directly behind the camper. If I need to exit and go up to the front of the vehicle I am walking backwards for 6-8' and then when I hit the ground I turn around and walk back another 6-8' and then begin to go where I was planning. This may not be as significant an issue for some but for as much as I am in my camper, the wasted time adds up.
The aluminum steps do not have handrails either so you are "walking the plank" for a number of steps. I am not as well balanced as I was years ago and when carrying things into the FWC or just opening the rear door and placing them on the floor, a step stool makes life simple. Also, if you are on a long drive and pull into a rest area to crash for a few hours, good luck on stretching those steps out - you are either going to stick out into the path of vehicles or if you back in, you will cross a sidewalk. It seems minor, but when it limits my choices I search for other solutions.
I think if they made some steps that only went back a few feet I would take another look at them but for now my "less is more" solution has been working well for the past year. The step stool I use is at a reasonable limit though for my AEV Prospector with 37s. I stand 5'10" and can reach the FWC clasps easily. If you are shorter and have a bigger truck, this stool may not be enough for you.
In use at Blackwater Creek State Forest in Florida:
Worx Storage Step Stool:
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