6 Best Wide Step Stools For Easy RV Boarding That Nomads Swear By

That first step out of your RV in the morning can be a doozy, especially when your built-in steps leave you dangling a foot above uneven ground. We’ve all done the awkward hop-down while juggling a cup of coffee and a dog leash. A proper, wide platform step isn’t a luxury; it’s a fundamental upgrade for safety, comfort, and making your rig feel less like a vehicle and more like a home.

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Why a Wide, Stable RV Step Is Non-Negotiable

The flimsy, narrow steps that come standard on many RVs are an accident waiting to happen. They bounce, they flex, and they often have a steep rise that’s challenging for anyone with knee issues, for small children, or for older pets. Add in a dark campsite, a bit of rain, or carrying a heavy cooler, and you have a recipe for a twisted ankle or a nasty fall.

A wide, stable platform step solves this by creating a solid, intermediate landing. It bridges the gap between your bottom RV step and the ground, dramatically reducing the step height. This single change transforms the entry from a precarious climb into a confident stride. It’s the difference between feeling like you’re clambering into a truck and walking into your house.

More than just safety, a good step provides a sense of permanence and stability. It eliminates that "wobble" that constantly reminds you you’re in a vehicle on wheels. This small psychological shift makes a huge difference in how comfortable you feel in your space, especially during longer stays. It becomes a small porch, a place to kick off muddy boots or set down groceries before heading inside.

Camco Platform Step: Adjustable & Lightweight

The Camco step is a classic for a reason. Its biggest advantage is the independently adjustable legs, allowing you to get a perfectly level and stable platform on the most uneven, rutted-out campsites. We’ve all parked somewhere that looked flat, only to find the ground sloping away from the door. This is where the Camco shines.

Made of aluminum, it’s light enough to move with one hand, which is a huge plus when you’re setting up or tearing down camp frequently. It folds down flat for easy storage in a pass-through bay without taking up precious space. The non-slip surface provides good traction, even when wet.

The tradeoff for its light weight and adjustability is that it might not feel as tank-like as a heavy steel model. While its weight rating is more than sufficient for most people, those who want zero flex whatsoever might prefer a heavier option. For most nomads who value versatility and ease of use, however, the Camco is the go-to choice.

Stromberg Carlson Platform Step: Heavy-Duty Pick

When you need absolute, unyielding stability, you get a steel step. The Stromberg Carlson platform is the workhorse of the bunch, often boasting a 500-pound weight capacity and a rock-solid feel that inspires total confidence. There is no bounce. There is no flex.

This is the step for full-timers who are stationary for long periods or for anyone who prioritizes a bombproof foundation over portability. If you’re regularly hauling heavy water jugs, toolboxes, or just want the most secure footing possible, this is your answer. The large, grippy platform feels more like a permanent fixture than a temporary accessory.

Of course, that strength comes with a weight penalty. A steel step is significantly heavier than an aluminum one, making it more of a chore to position and store. The legs are also typically not independently adjustable, so it performs best on relatively level ground. It’s a simple, powerful tool built for one job: being an immovable object.

Safety Step F-08C: The Ultimate Folding Stool

Don’t let the word "stool" fool you; the Safety Step is an engineering marvel and a cult favorite in the van life and truck camper communities. Its defining feature is its brilliant folding mechanism. It collapses down to just a few inches thick, allowing you to slide it into the tightest of spaces where no other step would fit.

Despite its compact size, this thing is incredibly stable. The legs angle outward, creating an anti-tip design that plants it firmly on the ground. When you step on it, the legs lock into place, providing a secure platform that belies its slender profile. It’s the perfect solution for rigs with minimal exterior storage.

The platform size is a bit smaller than the dedicated RV platforms from Camco or Stromberg Carlson. However, for those who need a reliable step that can be deployed in seconds and stored almost anywhere, the Safety Step is unmatched. It’s the embodiment of smart design for small-space living.

MORryde StepAbove: A Premium Boarding Upgrade

The MORryde StepAbove isn’t a separate stool—it’s a full replacement for your RV’s existing entry steps. This system stores inside your doorway and folds out to create a solid, continuous staircase that extends all the way to the ground. With adjustable feet at the base, it provides a stable, no-bounce entry on any terrain.

This is the closest you can get to having residential stairs on your RV. The wide, deep treads and steady feel are a game-changer for anyone with mobility concerns or for families with kids and pets. There’s no gap between the step and the RV, and the entire structure feels like a permanent part of your rig. It’s a true quality-of-life upgrade.

The primary considerations are cost and clearance. The StepAbove is a significant investment and requires installation. You also need several feet of clear space next to your RV to deploy the steps, which can be a problem in tight RV park spots or storage lots. For those who can accommodate it, however, it completely transforms the experience of entering and exiting the RV.

Quick Products RV Step: A Simple, Sturdy Solution

Sometimes you don’t need fancy features. You just need a solid, reliable block to step on. The Quick Products RV Step (and similar fixed-height models) is the essence of simplicity. It’s a welded aluminum or steel platform with fixed-height legs that does one job and does it well.

Because there are no moving parts, there’s nothing to adjust and nothing to fail. You just place it on the ground and it works. These steps are often very affordable and provide a wide, stable surface that is a massive improvement over built-in RV steps. The rubber feet prevent slipping and the grip-tape surface provides excellent traction.

The lack of adjustability is its main limitation. It’s designed for mostly level campsites. If you find yourself on a significant slope, you might have to dig one side into the ground to get it level. But for weekend warriors or nomads who stick to established campgrounds, its rugged simplicity is a major selling point.

Lippert Solid Stance: Stabilize Existing Steps

What if you don’t want to replace your steps or carry a separate platform? The Lippert Solid Stance offers a brilliant third option. This is not a step itself, but a stabilizer kit that attaches to the bottom of your existing fold-out (or "diving board") RV steps.

The kit consists of two adjustable legs that brace your bottom step directly against the ground. Installation is straightforward, and once in place, it virtually eliminates the unnerving bounce and sway common to these types of steps. It makes your factory steps feel ten times more stable for a fraction of the cost of a full replacement system.

This is the ideal solution for someone who is generally happy with their existing steps but just wants to get rid of the wobble. It’s a cost-effective, space-saving upgrade that dramatically improves safety and comfort. It won’t fix a high first step, but it will make the entire climb feel dramatically more secure.

Key Factors for Choosing Your Ideal RV Step Stool

Choosing the right step comes down to your rig, your travel style, and your personal needs. There’s no single "best" option, only the best option for you. Focus on these key factors to make an informed decision.

• Type of Solution: Are you looking for a standalone platform (like Camco or Stromberg Carlson), a full step replacement (MORryde), or a stabilizer for your existing steps (Lippert)? This is the first and most important decision. A standalone step offers the most versatility, while a replacement is a permanent upgrade.

• Terrain & Adjustability: Be honest about where you camp. If you’re frequently on unlevel, boondocking terrain, independently adjustable legs (like on the Camco) are non-negotiable. If you primarily stay in paved RV parks, a fixed-height step will likely suffice.

• Storage & Weight: Space is always a premium. A folding stool (like the Safety Step) is a lifesaver for smaller rigs. For larger RVs with big storage bays, the weight and size of a heavy-duty steel step might be less of a concern. Consider not just if it fits, but how easy it is to get in and out of storage.

• User Needs: Who is using the step? If you have mobility challenges, small children, or large pets, a wider, deeper platform with maximum stability should be your top priority. A higher weight capacity offers peace of mind, even if you don’t think you’ll push its limits.

Ultimately, the right RV step is an investment in your daily comfort and safety on the road. It’s one of those small, practical upgrades that has an outsized impact on how much you enjoy your rig. By choosing a solution that fits your travel style, you’re not just buying a piece of gear; you’re building a better, more stable foundation for your nomadic life.