6 Best RV Steps For Diy Installation That Save Without Sacrifice

There’s a specific wobble you only feel on factory-installed RV steps, a slight give that makes you question your footing with every trip. Upgrading your RV steps is one of the most impactful DIY projects you can tackle, transforming the daily experience from a shaky climb to a secure welcome. It’s not just about convenience; it’s about making your rolling home feel as solid and safe as a stationary one.

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Choosing the Right Steps for Your RV Build

Choosing new steps isn’t just about finding something that fits the hole. You’re fundamentally deciding how you interact with your rig every single day. The right choice makes your RV feel more stable and home-like, while the wrong one can be a constant source of frustration.

The primary decision is between ground-contact steps and traditional "floating" steps. Ground-contact steps, often called solid or strut-assisted steps, fold out from the doorway and have legs that rest firmly on the ground. Floating steps, whether manual or electric, are mounted underneath the RV and hang in the air when deployed. The tradeoff is simple: ground-contact steps offer unmatched stability, while floating steps keep dirt and water outside your rig.

Consider where you camp. If you’re often on unlevel, rough terrain, a step system with independently adjustable legs is non-negotiable. If you frequently park in tight spots like rest areas or street parking, a ground-contact step that requires a wide arc to deploy might be impossible to use. Your travel style dictates the right hardware.

MORryde StepAbove: Unmatched Ground Stability

The MORryde StepAbove is the product that started the solid step revolution, and for good reason. When deployed, the connection to the ground completely eliminates the bounce and sway common to factory steps. It feels like walking up the stairs at home. This single feature dramatically improves the feeling of stability for the entire RV.

Installation is surprisingly straightforward for a DIYer. The StepAbove mounts directly inside your RV’s door frame, replacing the threshold plate. This means you aren’t drilling into the chassis or dealing with complex under-rig brackets. You’re essentially screwing a new threshold into the floor, which is a very accessible project.

The main drawback is inherent to its design. Because the steps fold up into the doorway for travel, they bring any mud, rain, or sand with them. You also need several feet of clearance next to your rig to fold them down, which can be a problem in tight storage lots or side-by-side campsites.

Lippert SolidStep: A Versatile DIY Upgrade

Lippert’s SolidStep is a direct and powerful competitor to the MORryde, offering the same foundational benefit of ground-contact stability. The difference is in the details. Many users find the extra-wide top step to be more comfortable and secure, creating a small "porch" effect that makes entering and exiting feel safer.

Like the MORryde, the SolidStep is a threshold-mounted system, making it a great DIY candidate. Recent generations have added a lift-assist feature, using gas struts to make lifting and lowering the heavy steel steps significantly easier. This is a huge quality-of-life improvement, especially for those who might struggle with the weight.

All the same considerations apply here. You need clearance to deploy them, and they will bring the outside elements inside when stowed. The choice between the SolidStep and StepAbove often comes down to small feature preferences, brand loyalty, or simply which one is on sale.

Torklift GlowStep Revolution for Uneven Ground

The Torklift GlowStep Revolution is the problem-solver’s choice. It uniquely combines the best of both worlds: it’s a scissor-style step that mounts under the chassis like a floating step, but it extends all the way to the ground with adjustable feet. This design means it never brings dirt or water inside your RV.

This system truly shines on challenging terrain. The scissor mechanism and highly adjustable legs can accommodate incredibly steep or uneven campsites where threshold-mounted steps would be useless. For boondockers or anyone who camps off the beaten path, this versatility is a game-changer. The signature glow-in-the-dark strips on the step edges are also a fantastic safety feature for late-night trips.

Installation is more involved than a threshold mount but well within DIY reach. It requires bolting a mounting bracket to the chassis area where your old steps were. While it’s a premium product with a higher price tag, its rugged, all-aluminum construction and unique functionality justify the cost for the right user.

Lippert Kwikee Series: Classic Electric Steps

If your priority is convenience, the Lippert Kwikee electric steps are the industry standard. With the flip of a switch—or automatically when you open the door—your steps deploy. This is perfect for quick overnight stops or for anyone with mobility issues who finds manual steps cumbersome.

Because they are chassis-mounted and float above the ground, they keep your interior clean and can be deployed in the tightest of spaces. You don’t need any side clearance. This makes them ideal for RVers who frequent crowded parks or use street-side parking.

The DIY installation requires a bit more confidence, as you’ll be working with your RV’s 12-volt electrical system. You need to connect power, ground, a door sensor switch, and an override switch. The main downside is the lack of ground contact, meaning they will always have some degree of flex and bounce. They are also vulnerable to damage from high curbs or unseen obstacles.

Stromberg Carlson Manual Steps: A Simple Swap

Sometimes, the best solution is the simplest one. If your old, rusty manual steps are broken or unsafe, the Stromberg Carlson manual steps are a direct, no-fuss replacement. They are a cost-effective way to restore safety and function without reinventing the wheel.

This is often the easiest DIY installation on the list. In most cases, you simply unbolt your old step assembly from the chassis brackets and bolt the new one in its place. There’s no wiring, no interior modification, and the entire job can often be done in under an hour with basic hand tools.

You are accepting the classic tradeoffs of floating steps. They will have some bounce, and they don’t offer the premium feel of a ground-contact system. However, they are reliable, affordable, and keep the mess outside. For a budget-conscious RVer looking for a quick and easy safety upgrade, this is an excellent choice.

Camco Platform Step: Adjustable & Portable

Not every step problem requires a full replacement. The Camco Platform Step is a heavy-duty, adjustable, and portable solution for a very common issue: the first step from the ground is too high. This often happens on uneven ground or with rigs that have a high ride height.

This isn’t a permanent installation; it’s a piece of gear. You simply place it on the ground where you need it. The legs are independently adjustable for stability on sloped or bumpy surfaces, and its large, non-slip platform provides a secure landing zone before you tackle your RV’s main steps.

While it’s another item to store and set up at each campsite, its versatility is unmatched. Use it to reach your awning, as a low seat around the campfire, or as a stable base for leveling blocks. For a small investment, it can solve a big annoyance without requiring you to modify your rig at all.

Measuring and Fitment for a Perfect Install

I cannot say this enough: measure twice, buy once. The single biggest mistake DIYers make is ordering the wrong size steps. A perfect installation begins with a tape measure, not a wrench.

For threshold-mounted steps like the MORryde and Lippert SolidStep, you need two key measurements. First, measure the inside width of your door frame, from flange to flange. Second, measure the distance from your door threshold down to the level ground. These two numbers will determine which model you need.

For chassis-mounted steps like Torklift, Kwikee, or Stromberg Carlson, the process is different. You need to measure the dimensions of your existing mounting brackets and the available width and depth of the space where the steps will retract. Manufacturers provide detailed fitment guides based on these dimensions.

Finally, always check for door clearance. Before you buy, mock up the stowed dimensions of your new steps. Make sure that when they are folded up—either into the doorway or under the chassis—they won’t interfere with the swing of your screen door or main entry door. It’s a heartbreaking and entirely avoidable mistake.

Your RV’s steps are more than just a ladder; they are the handshake between your living space and the world outside. Choosing the right ones for your build is about honestly assessing how you travel, where you park, and what "solid" feels like to you. This is one DIY project where the reward is felt every single time you come home.