7 Best Folding Step Stools For Tight RV Storage Nomads Swear By

You’re trying to grab the good coffee mugs from the back of that high-up cabinet, but your rig’s built-in steps are on the other side of a deployed slide-out. A wobbly dining chair is a recipe for a sprained ankle, which is the last thing you need when you’re miles from anywhere. This is why a dedicated, compact folding step stool isn’t a luxury in an RV; it’s an essential piece of gear that makes daily life safer and less frustrating.

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Choosing Your Perfect RV Folding Step Stool

The right step stool is a game of tradeoffs, and your first consideration must be the storage footprint. We’re talking about an item that needs to disappear when not in use. Measure the skinny gap next to your fridge or the shallow space in your pass-through storage. A stool that is three inches thick when folded is fundamentally different from one that is five inches thick—that two-inch difference can be the line between a perfect fit and a piece of gear that’s always in the way.

Next, think about stability versus weight. A feather-light plastic stool is a dream to grab and move, but it might feel sketchy when you’re reaching overhead with a heavy item. Conversely, a heavy steel stool feels rock-solid but becomes a chore to haul out for a 10-second task. Your personal comfort level with heights and balance is a huge factor here. If you get vertigo easily, prioritize a wider base and a higher weight rating, even if it adds a pound or two.

Finally, consider the use case. Are you just trying to reach the upper cabinets inside your rig? A simple, single-step stool might be all you need. But if you also plan to use it outside to wash your windshield, clean solar panels, or hang awning lights, you’ll want something more robust. Look for a two-step model with non-slip feet and a weather-resistant finish. Don’t buy a tool for one job when you really need it to do three.

B&R Plastics EZ Foldz: The Ultra-Compact Classic

This is the stool you see everywhere for a reason. Its genius lies in its simplicity and its incredibly thin profile when folded. It collapses to less than two inches thick, allowing it to slide into spaces other stools simply can’t. You can tuck it between a cabinet and a wall, under a dinette seat, or even in a shallow exterior bay without a second thought.

The EZ Foldz is perfect for quick, indoor tasks. Need to reach the microwave or the top shelf of the pantry? Its one-handed open-and-close action and light weight make it effortless to deploy. It’s the definition of a low-friction tool. However, its all-plastic construction and relatively low weight capacity (around 300 lbs) mean it’s not the right choice for heavy-duty work or for anyone who wants an unshakeable feeling of security. It can feel a bit wobbly on uneven ground, making it best suited for the flat floor inside your RV.

Gorilla Ladders Slim-Fold: Heavy-Duty Stability

When you need more height and a feeling of absolute security, the Gorilla Ladders Slim-Fold work platform is a serious contender. This isn’t just a step stool; it’s a small, stable stage. Its main advantage is its wide, solid platform and high weight capacity, often rated for 300 pounds or more. Standing on this feels completely different from perching on a small plastic square.

The tradeoff, as always, is size and weight. While it folds relatively flat, its overall length and aluminum construction make it heavier and bulkier than a simple plastic stool. This isn’t something you’ll tuck beside the driver’s seat. It’s better suited for a large pass-through storage bay or the back of a tow vehicle. For nomads who do a lot of their own maintenance—washing the rig, checking the roof—that extra stability and larger work surface are well worth the storage penalty.

Rubbermaid RM-P2: Durable & Lightweight Design

Rubbermaid brings its reputation for durable, no-nonsense products to this two-step stool. It hits a fantastic sweet spot between the flimsy feel of some basic models and the overkill of heavy-duty steel options. The plastic steps are large and textured, and the frame provides a solid, reassuring base without adding excessive weight.

This is a great all-around choice for the RVer who wants one stool to do it all. It’s light enough to easily carry inside and out, but sturdy enough that you won’t hesitate to use it for washing windows. Its folding mechanism is straightforward, and it collapses into a reasonably slim profile. While it’s not as paper-thin as the EZ Foldz, it often provides a more confident feel underfoot, making it a practical compromise for daily use.

Cosco 2-Step All Steel: Maximum Security Underfoot

If your top priority is safety and you will accept no wobble whatsoever, an all-steel stool like the Cosco 2-Step is your answer. The steel frame provides an unmatched sense of rigidity. These models often feature oversized, rubberized steps and a high safety handle you can hold onto for extra balance, which is a game-changer for anyone a little unsteady on their feet.

This security comes at a significant cost in both weight and storage space. A steel stool is heavy. It’s not something you’ll casually flick open with one hand. When folded, it’s also one of the thickest options on this list, requiring a dedicated storage spot. You have to commit to finding a home for it.

For full-timers, especially older nomads or those with mobility concerns, this is a tradeoff worth making. The peace of mind that comes from a rock-solid platform for getting in and out of a tall bed or reaching a high cabinet can’t be overstated. It’s less of a convenience item and more of a permanent safety feature for your mobile home.

ACKO 16-Inch Stool: Best for Quick, Simple Reach

The ACKO stool, and others like it, is a slightly taller, beefier version of the classic ultra-compact design. Its key feature is its 16-inch height, which provides a significant boost—often enough to comfortably reach anything inside a standard RV. It’s the perfect "cabinet stool" for those who just need that extra foot-and-a-half of reach.

Like its smaller cousins, the ACKO folds incredibly flat with a simple lift of the handle, making it a storage champion. It’s ideal for people who value speed and convenience above all else. You can grab it, pop it open, use it, and have it stored away again in under 30 seconds. While it’s generally rated for a decent weight, its single, broad step doesn’t offer the same security as a two-step ladder design for prolonged or off-balance work.

Little Giant Safety Step: Premium, Secure Platform

Little Giant is a legendary name in ladders, and their Safety Step lives up to the reputation. Built from aircraft-grade aluminum, this thing is engineered for stability. It features wide, slip-resistant steps and a design that feels more like a small staircase than a stool. It’s the kind of tool you buy once and expect to last forever.

The premium build quality is reflected in the price tag, which is considerably higher than most other options. It’s also heavier than a basic plastic stool, though lighter than an all-steel model. The decision to invest in a Little Giant comes down to how much you value that premium feel and engineered safety. For those who use a step stool daily for critical tasks, or for anyone who has ever had a bad experience with a cheaper, wobbly stool, the extra cost can be easily justified as an investment in safety and confidence.

Xtend & Climb Slimline: Sleek and Modern Profile

For those who appreciate clean lines and clever design, the Xtend & Climb Slimline series offers a more modern, aesthetic approach. These stools often feature a sleek aluminum frame and a very thin folded profile, making them both functional and visually appealing. They are designed to slide into the narrowest of gaps, competing with the ultra-compact plastic models for storage efficiency.

Despite their lightweight appearance, they are surprisingly sturdy and often come with high weight ratings. The single-release folding mechanism is typically smooth and easy to operate. This is a great choice for owners of modern, minimalist RVs where every item is chosen for both form and function. It proves that you don’t have to sacrifice style for utility, offering a stable platform that doesn’t look like a piece of industrial equipment when you leave it out.

Ultimately, the best step stool is the one that fits your rig’s tightest storage spot while giving you the confidence you need to use it. Don’t just look at the specs on a screen; consider how its weight will feel after a long travel day and whether its folded size will create a new storage problem. Choose the right balance of size, weight, and stability, and this simple tool will become one of the most valuable pieces of gear you own.