6 Best Non-Slip RV Step Rugs For Windy Conditions That Nomads Swear By

There’s a moment every RVer living in open country knows well. You’re enjoying a quiet morning when a sudden gust of wind rips through the campsite, and you see your step rug cartwheeling into the sagebrush. It’s more than just an inconvenience; a missing rug means tracking dirt inside and losing a critical non-slip surface, especially when steps are wet. Finding a step rug that stays put isn’t a luxury—it’s a fundamental part of a secure and clean setup for anyone who spends time in exposed, windy locations.

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Why Standard RV Step Rugs Fail in High Winds

The cheap, generic step rugs you find at big-box stores are designed for calm weather, not the reality of a 40-mph crosswind in the desert. Their failure point is almost always the attachment method. They typically rely on a couple of flimsy springs or a weak hook-and-loop strip that simply can’t handle the constant stress of wind buffeting.

These rugs create a "sail effect." When wind gets under a loose edge, it creates lift, pulling the entire rug upward. The springs stretch, the fabric flexes, and with each gust, the connection weakens until it finally snaps or unhooks. It’s a classic case of the wrong tool for the job.

Furthermore, the materials themselves are often part of the problem. Lightweight, porous fabrics flap easily and can tear at the grommets. Rugs that don’t drain well become heavy with rain, putting even more strain on already weak attachment points. A good wind-resistant rug isn’t just about how it attaches; it’s about a complete system designed to defy lift and stay put.

Camco Wrap Around Step Rug: Secure and Simple

The Camco Wrap Around is a go-to for a reason: its design directly counters the sail effect. Instead of just sitting on top of the step, it wraps completely around the tread, front to back. This simple change eliminates the leading edge that wind typically grabs onto, making it much harder for a gust to get any purchase.

Security comes from its use of multiple, adjustable springs. You hook them into different holes on each side, allowing you to create significant, even tension across the entire rug. This snug fit prevents the flapping and bouncing that leads to failure. A tight rug is a secure rug.

The material is a durable, turf-like carpet that dries quickly and provides excellent traction. While installation takes a minute longer than just laying a mat down, the peace of mind is worth it. For standard manual or electric folding steps, this is often the first and best upgrade nomads make.

Prest-O-Fit Outrigger: All-Weather Durability

The Prest-O-Fit Outrigger is a workhorse, known for its rugged build that stands up to mud, rain, and wind. Its design focuses on a tight fit and heavy-duty materials. The rug itself is made from a heavy-grade olefin carpet that has enough weight to resist lifting on its own.

What sets it apart for windy conditions is the customizable tension. The Outrigger series comes with robust springs and multiple grommet positions on both ends. This allows you to get a drum-tight fit on steps of varying depths, from 8 to 11 inches. You can pull the springs to their tightest setting, ensuring there’s absolutely no slack for the wind to exploit.

This rug is especially popular with full-timers who are constantly moving between different climates. The deep, ribbed texture is fantastic for scraping boots clean, and the UV-protected material doesn’t break down after a season in the desert sun. It’s a balanced choice between aggressive security and everyday usability.

Safety Step Safe-T-read: Grommet-Secured Grip

For those who want zero chance of their step rug going airborne, the Safety Step Safe-T-read offers a semi-permanent solution. Instead of springs, which can stretch and fail over time, these rugs are designed to be secured with heavy-duty zip ties. You thread the ties through the step’s traction holes and the rug’s reinforced grommets, cinching it down tight.

This method is brutally effective against wind because it creates a fixed, non-flexible connection. There is no give, no bounce, and no room for error. The wind can howl all it wants, but it can’t lift a rug that is physically bound to the steel step. It’s the ultimate "set it and forget it" installation.

The clear tradeoff here is convenience. Removing the rug for a deep clean means cutting the zip ties and reinstalling new ones. However, for nomads who prioritize absolute reliability in harsh conditions over easy removal, this is the most secure system you can get for a standard fold-out step.

MORryde StepAbove Tread: For Platform Steps

It’s critical to match your rug to your step type, and this is where system-specific solutions shine. The MORryde StepAbove Treads are not universal rugs; they are designed exclusively for MORryde’s solid, ground-stable platform steps. These steps don’t have the open-grate design of traditional folders, which changes the game entirely.

Because the step tread is a solid platform, wind can’t get underneath the rug. The security challenge is simply keeping it from peeling off the top. MORryde solves this with a combination of industrial-strength hook-and-loop fasteners and a friction-fit design. The rugs are cut to the exact dimensions of the step, leaving no overhanging edges.

This is an integrated system, not just an accessory. The rug and the step are designed to work together, providing a level of stability that a one-size-fits-all product can’t match. If you have MORryde steps, using their purpose-built treads is the most reliable way to ensure they stay put.

Stromberg Carlson AP-101: The Heavy Turf Option

Sometimes, the simplest solution is brute force. The Stromberg Carlson AP-101, often called the "Grass Mat," relies on sheer weight and material density to combat wind. This thing is made of a heavy, stiff, astroturf-like material that simply doesn’t want to bend or fly.

Even with standard spring attachments, the rug’s own inertia does most of the work. The stiff bristles and heavy backing mean that wind skims over the top rather than lifting it. It’s too heavy and rigid to flap. This makes it a surprisingly effective and simple solution for gusty areas.

The aggressive turf texture is also one of the best you can find for scraping mud, sand, and snow off your boots before you go inside. The downside is that it holds water longer than carpet-style rugs. But if your top priorities are wind resistance and keeping your rig clean, this heavy-hitter is a fantastic choice.

Lippert SolidStep Rugs: Designed for Stability

Much like the MORryde option, Lippert offers a rug designed specifically for their immensely popular SolidStep system. These platform steps are a common feature on newer RVs, and using the manufacturer’s own accessory is a smart move for ensuring a perfect, windproof fit.

Lippert’s rugs are precisely cut to match the dimensions of the aluminum step treads. They attach using a combination of strong snaps and hook-and-loop backing. This multi-point connection, combined with the lack of any loose, overhanging material, creates a sealed system that gives the wind nothing to grab.

By designing the rug for their own product, Lippert ensures every curve and corner is accounted for. This eliminates the small gaps and loose spots where a universal rug would fail. For SolidStep owners, this isn’t just an option; it’s the engineered solution.

Installation Tips for Maximum Wind Resistance

No matter which rug you choose, proper installation is what makes it windproof. The single most important factor is tension. A loosely installed rug will fail, period. When using springs, always hook them into the tightest possible position that you can manage. The rug should be taut, with no visible sag or slack.

For extra insurance, add a couple of UV-resistant zip ties. Even on a spring-mounted rug, adding one zip tie to each side, pulled tight through a grommet and a hole in the step, provides a crucial backup. If a spring fails or a gust is particularly violent, the zip ties will hold the rug in place. It’s a two-dollar fix that can save you from buying a new rug.

Finally, start with a clean surface. Wipe down your metal steps before installation to remove any dirt or oily residue. This helps the back of the rug grip the step better and reduces shifting. And remember to check the tension every few weeks, especially after traveling, as road vibrations can sometimes cause things to settle and loosen.

Ultimately, the best RV step rug is one you don’t have to think about. By choosing a design that matches your step type—whether it’s a wrap-around for folding steps or a system-specific tread for platform steps—you’re investing in safety and convenience. A secure step rug means one less thing to worry about when the wind picks up, letting you focus on the adventure ahead.