6 Best Step Stools for RVs
Reach high RV cabinets with a multi-use stool. Our top 6 picks are compact and sturdy, doubling as an extra seat or table to maximize small spaces.
You’ve organized your RV cabinets perfectly, but the one thing you use every day is on that top shelf, just out of reach. We’ve all been there, precariously balancing on a dinette cushion to grab the coffee. In a small space like an RV, every single item you bring aboard needs to earn its keep, and a simple step stool is no exception. The right stool isn’t just about reaching things; it’s a multi-tool that can solve several small-space problems at once.
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Why a Multi-Use Stool is a Smart RV Addition
Living in an RV teaches you to value versatility above all else. A dedicated, single-purpose item is a luxury you often can’t afford in terms of space. That’s why a step stool that only helps you reach high places is a missed opportunity.
Think beyond the cabinets. Your step stool can be an extra seat when a friend stops by your campsite. It can be a small side table next to your camp chair for a drink, a book, or your phone. It can even serve as a footrest after a long hike or a low, stable platform for doing minor repairs on your rig.
Choosing a stool becomes less about finding something to stand on and more about identifying a piece of gear that fills multiple gaps in your setup. The goal is to find one object that does the job of three, saving you precious space and weight. This mindset is the key to creating a comfortable and functional mobile living space.
Rubbermaid RM-P2: Sturdy Support & Extra Seating
When your top priority is rock-solid stability, the Rubbermaid RM-P2 is a classic for a reason. This one-piece plastic stool has a wide, stable base and a generous weight capacity, often around 300 pounds. You never feel a wobble, which is critical when you’re reaching into the back of a deep overhead cabinet.
The real multi-use win for the Rubbermaid is its function as a surprisingly comfortable seat. Its wide top and sturdy construction make it perfect for sitting on while you put on your shoes or for offering to a guest. It’s tough enough to get knocked around and simple to wipe clean, whether it’s covered in kitchen spills or campfire dust.
The tradeoff, of course, is its footprint. Unlike folding stools, the RM-P2 doesn’t collapse. You need to have a dedicated spot for it, like a corner in the bathroom or a deep storage bay. For those who prioritize safety and a reliable extra seat over ultimate compactness, this is a top contender.
Camco 43676: The Ultimate Compact Folding Stool
Gain up to 9 inches of height with this sturdy aluminum step stool, perfect for leveling on uneven surfaces. Its 19" x 14.5" platform supports up to 1000 lbs and features non-slip grip for secure footing.
If storage space is your biggest challenge, the popular Camco 43676 folding step stool is often the default answer. Its genius lies in its design—it folds down to a mere two inches thick. This allows you to slide it into spaces that would otherwise go unused: next to the fridge, under the sink, or alongside the driver’s seat.
This stool is all about convenience for its primary purpose. The integrated handle makes it easy to grab, pop open, and use in seconds. It’s perfect for those quick, frequent tasks like grabbing a spice from an upper cabinet or reaching the controls for your ceiling fan.
However, its multi-use potential is limited by its design. The textured top isn’t ideal as a side table, and it’s not particularly comfortable as a seat for more than a few minutes. Its secondary function is portability itself—it’s the stool you can easily take with you, but it won’t double as furniture. It solves the storage problem better than almost any other option.
Kikkerland Rhino II: Stylish Stool & Side Table
Let’s be honest: most step stools look purely utilitarian. The Kikkerland Rhino II breaks that mold with a clean, modern design that doesn’t scream "utility closet." It’s a stool that you can leave out in your living area without it looking like clutter.
Because of its looks and flat top, its best secondary use is as a piece of furniture. It works wonderfully as a small end table next to a sofa, a plant stand, or a bedside table in a tight sleeping area. By integrating its function into your daily decor, you eliminate the need to store it at all.
The compromise here is height. The Rhino II is on the shorter side, so it’s great for a little boost but may not be enough for reaching the absolute highest points in your rig, especially for shorter individuals. It’s a fantastic choice for those who value aesthetics and want a stool that enhances their living space, not just serves it.
Cosco Two-Step: For High Cabinets & RV Washing
Reach high places safely with the COSCO 2-Step Stool. Its lightweight design and slip-resistant steps make it easy to carry and provide secure footing for any task.
Sometimes, a single step just isn’t enough. For fifth wheels with high ceilings or for anyone who needs serious reach, a two-step stool like the ones from Cosco is a game-changer. This isn’t just for interior cabinets; it’s for your entire RV ecosystem.
Its killer secondary application is exterior maintenance. A two-step stool makes washing high windows, cleaning your awning, or accessing rooftop storage boxes infinitely easier and safer. You can finally stop balancing on a cooler to scrub the grime off the top of your slide-out.
The obvious downside is its size. Even when folded, a two-step stool has a significant footprint and will likely need to live in an exterior storage bay or a tall interior closet. But if you find yourself constantly struggling with both high interior shelves and exterior tasks, dedicating the space to a two-step model solves two major problems with one piece of gear.
Cramer Kik-Step: A Rolling Stool for Easy Access
Reach high places safely with the Cramer Kik Step. This durable steel stool supports up to 350 lbs and features rolling casters that lock for stability when in use.
The Cramer Kik-Step is a totally different approach to the problem of access. This classic round, all-metal stool glides effortlessly on hidden casters. You can nudge it around your RV’s hard-surface floors with your foot, moving it exactly where you need it without bending over.
The magic happens when you put weight on it—the casters retract, and a rubber ring on the bottom grips the floor, making it incredibly stable. This makes it ideal for use in a kitchen or workshop area where you’re constantly moving and need a quick, small lift. Its multi-functionality is about ease of use, not different use cases.
The Kik-Step isn’t meant to be portable for outdoor use, and its round, lipped top makes it a poor side table. It’s also not a comfortable seat. This is a specialized tool for those who prioritize effortless, on-the-go access inside their rig over all other functions.
B&R Plastics EZ Foldz: Lightweight & Portable Seat
At first glance, the EZ Foldz looks very similar to other folding stools, but its key strength is its feather-light construction. This makes it incredibly easy to move, carry, and deploy anywhere. It’s the stool you won’t think twice about grabbing.
This lightweight nature makes it the perfect multi-purpose portable seat. Use it as a low seat around the campfire, a place to sit while tending to your sewer connections, or a stool for a grandchild. It’s less about being a piece of indoor furniture and more about being a versatile tool for your entire campsite.
Like other stools of this style, it trades some stability for its incredible portability and small storage footprint. It’s an excellent, budget-friendly choice for RVers who are constantly on the move and need a solution that works just as well outside the rig as it does inside.
Key Factors: Stool Height, Weight, and Footprint
Before you buy, you have to consider three critical factors. First is stool height. Measure the distance to your highest-used shelf and consider your own height. A 9-inch stool might be perfect for one person, while another needs a 13-inch model or a two-step ladder to reach comfortably and safely.
Next, and most importantly, is weight capacity and stability. Never compromise on this. Look for a stool rated for at least 250-300 pounds, even if you weigh less—it’s a sign of robust construction. A wide base and non-slip feet are non-negotiable for preventing accidents on the slick or uneven floors common in RVs.
Finally, there’s the footprint—both when in use and when stored. This is the ultimate test for any RV gear. A brilliant stool that you constantly trip over is a failure. Before you click "buy," identify exactly where the stool will live. The best stool for you is the one that fits seamlessly into your space and your life.
Ultimately, the best step stool isn’t just the one with the highest reviews; it’s the one that aligns with how you actually use your RV. Do you need an extra seat for guests, a tool for washing the rig, or just something that disappears when you’re not using it? By thinking of a stool as a multi-functional tool, you can choose a piece of gear that not only helps you reach the top shelf but also makes your entire small-living experience a little bit easier.
