6 Best RV Steps For Minimalists That Serve Multiple Needs

You pull into a tight campsite, and the ground slopes away from your door, leaving your built-in RV step hanging a foot in the air. Or maybe you just need a place to set your drink by the fire, but you don’t want to pack a dedicated table. In a minimalist RV, every single item must earn its keep, and a bulky, single-purpose step is often dead weight.

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Multi-Function Steps for Compact RV Living

The first rule of small-space living is that single-use items are the enemy. Your RV steps are a prime offender. They take up a significant amount of space and weight, yet most only serve one function: getting you in and out of the rig.

A minimalist approach re-frames the question from "What’s the best step?" to "What’s the most useful tool that can also be a step?" Think of it as a platform, a seat, a table, a storage container, or a workbench. When you start seeing it as a multi-tool, you unlock a huge amount of utility without adding a single extra item to your inventory.

This isn’t about finding one magic step that does everything perfectly. It’s about understanding the tradeoffs. Some solutions offer incredible stability at the cost of portability, while others provide maximum versatility but might not feel as robust. The goal is to identify your primary needs and find a step that meets them while also solving a few other common problems around your campsite.

Stromberg Carlson AP-101: A Versatile Platform

The Stromberg Carlson AP-101, and similar aluminum platform steps, are the definition of simple, rugged utility. It’s a large, flat, non-slip surface with folding legs. Its primary job is to provide a solid, intermediate step between the ground and your first RV step, making entry and exit safer and more comfortable, especially on uneven terrain.

But its real value lies in its simplicity. This isn’t just a step; it’s a portable, weatherproof platform. Use it as a low-slung coffee table next to your camp chair. Place it by the door as a dedicated spot for muddy boots. It’s even sturdy enough to serve as a stable base for a portable grill or a small generator. Because it’s so basic, you’ll find a dozen uses for it you never anticipated.

The tradeoff is its size. While the legs fold, the platform itself is still a large rectangle that you need to store. It offers no built-in storage and isn’t adjustable for height. This is the choice for RVers who value a simple, indestructible, multi-use surface over complex features.

MORryde StepAbove: Stability and Added Storage

For those who prioritize a residential feel, the MORryde StepAbove is a game-changer. This is a permanently installed system that replaces your bouncy, factory-installed folding steps. The steps fold up into the RV doorway for travel and extend all the way to the ground when deployed, giving you a rock-solid staircase that eliminates nearly all RV movement as you go in and out.

The minimalist magic, however, isn’t just in the stability. When you install a StepAbove system, you remove your old folding steps, leaving a large, empty compartment in your RV’s skirt. MORryde sells a dedicated "StepAbove Storage Box" that fits perfectly into this void. You gain a secure, lockable, weatherproof storage bay, perfect for sewer hoses, power cords, or leveling blocks. You’ve traded a wobbly step for a stable staircase and gained valuable exterior storage.

This is a commitment, not a portable accessory. You need to ensure you have enough clearance next to your RV for the steps to fold down, which can be a challenge in very tight campsites. But if you’re tired of the RV shaking every time someone walks inside and you desperately need more storage, this is one of the most functional upgrades you can make.

Camco Platform Step: Lightweight and Adjustable

The Camco Platform Step looks similar to the Stromberg Carlson model but comes with a crucial feature: individually adjustable legs. This small detail dramatically increases its utility, especially for boondockers and those who frequent state parks with less-than-level sites. You can get a perfectly stable, level platform almost anywhere.

This adjustability transforms it from a simple step into a versatile tool. Set it up on a slope to create a level surface for a two-burner camp stove. Use it as a small, stable workbench for campsite repairs. For shorter folks, it can be an adjustable-height seat or a platform to help you reach the back of your truck bed. Its lightweight aluminum and plastic construction also makes it easy to move around.

The primary consideration here is the complexity. More moving parts mean more potential points of failure. While generally durable, the leg adjustment mechanisms are not as bombproof as the solid, welded legs of a fixed-height platform. It’s a classic tradeoff: you gain immense versatility in exchange for a slight reduction in ultimate simplicity and ruggedness.

Lippert SolidStep: Secure, Grounded Stability

Much like the MORryde system, the Lippert SolidStep is a ground-contact staircase that folds up into your doorway. It’s designed to provide an unparalleled sense of security and stability, making your RV entrance feel like you’re walking into a traditional home. For full-timers or anyone sensitive to the bounce and sway of standard RV steps, this is a profound quality-of-life improvement.

The multi-use benefit comes from what the system replaces. By eliminating the factory "diving board" steps, you free up that under-door compartment for custom storage solutions. More than that, the stability itself serves a secondary purpose: it reduces wear and tear on your RV’s entry door frame and chassis by minimizing vibrations. Some models also feature a lift-assist strut, making the large steps surprisingly easy to deploy and stow.

Like all fold-into-the-doorway systems, the SolidStep requires a clear swing path. This can be a dealbreaker in storage lots or on narrow campsites right next to a neighbor’s slide-out. It’s an investment in feel and function, best suited for those who value home-like comfort and are willing to make a permanent modification to achieve it.

Rubbermaid 2-Step Stool: The Ultimate Storage Step

Sometimes the best RV gear isn’t sold as RV gear at all. The humble Rubbermaid 2-Step Stool, typically found in the hardware aisle, is arguably one of the most versatile multi-use steps a minimalist can own. It’s incredibly lightweight, surprisingly sturdy, and designed with utility in mind.

This stool is a true workhorse. Outside, it’s your step for getting into a van or small trailer. Inside, it’s the tool you use to safely reach upper cabinets and clean your ceiling fan. Need an extra seat? It’s ready. Flip it upside down, and you have a perfect bucket for carrying water or a storage bin for collecting firewood. Its simple, hollow design is its greatest strength.

Of course, it has limits. It’s not wide enough to feel as secure as a dedicated platform step, and its height may be insufficient for high-clearance rigs like fifth wheels. But for van lifers, truck campers, and small travel trailer owners, its incredible versatility-to-weight ratio is unmatched. If you want one item that can do five different jobs, this is it.

CaiFang Wooden Stool: A Stylish, Fold-Flat Option

For those who value aesthetics and packability, a simple folding wooden stool, like those made by CaiFang or similar brands, is an excellent choice. Often crafted from bamboo or acacia, these stools bring a warm, natural element to your setup that aluminum and plastic simply can’t match. They are designed to fold almost completely flat, allowing them to slide into the tightest of spaces.

This stool’s utility extends far beyond being an entry step. It’s the perfect height for a stylish side table next to a low camp chair. Use it inside as a footrest, a plant stand, or an extra seat in a pinch. Many are water-resistant enough to serve as a stool in your RV shower, providing a stable place to sit or shave your legs.

The main tradeoff is durability and maintenance. Wood can be scratched and will require occasional sealing or oiling to protect it from the elements, unlike a maintenance-free aluminum step. It also won’t support as much weight as a heavy-duty platform. This is the ideal choice for the minimalist who prioritizes a beautiful, compact, and versatile object that enhances their living space both functionally and visually.

Choosing Your Ideal Multi-Use RV Step System

The perfect multi-use step doesn’t exist. The perfect step for you absolutely does. The decision comes down to honestly assessing how you travel and what problems you need to solve most often. Don’t get sold on a feature you’ll never use.

Start by identifying your top priority. Is it rock-solid stability for full-time living, or is it lightweight portability for weekend trips? Do you desperately need more exterior storage, or do you need an item that can also be used inside your rig? Your answer will quickly narrow the field.

Use this simple framework to guide your choice:

• For Maximum Stability & Storage: Choose an installed, ground-contact system like the MORryde StepAbove or Lippert SolidStep. This is for the RVer who wants their rig to feel like a house.
• For a Versatile Outdoor Platform: Opt for a dedicated platform step like the Stromberg Carlson (for simplicity) or the Camco (for adjustability). This is for the RVer who spends a lot of time living and working outside their rig.
• For Ultimate Versatility & Packability: Pick a non-traditional option like the Rubbermaid Stool or a Folding Wooden Stool. This is for the true minimalist in a smaller rig who demands every item serve multiple functions.

Ultimately, the best RV step is an extension of your living space. It should be a tool that not only makes your life easier but also integrates seamlessly into your compact, intentional lifestyle. Choose the one that solves the most problems, and you’ll have an asset, not just an accessory.

In a small space, the most valuable items are the ones that work hard for you. Your RV step is a fantastic opportunity to reclaim space, add function, and simplify your setup. Choose wisely, and you’ll gain more than just an easier way in—you’ll gain a more capable and efficient mobile home.