Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks: rpod Step--looking for a two step option

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rpod Step--looking for a two step option

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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=9321
Printed Date: 27 Apr 2024 at 3:50pm
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Topic: rpod Step--looking for a two step option

Posted By: laureyrpod
Subject: rpod Step--looking for a two step option
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2017 at 7:27pm

Hi Everyone

My 182g comes with a flip down step and my 72 year old mom broke her ankle on it, first trip out.

I'd love to replace the ankle breaker with something safer and easier to climb. Any suggestions?

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Laurey, Bella and Bogie
2016 182g Rpod
2016 Toyota Highlander
"Peace in a Pod"

Replies:

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 12 Feb 2017 at 8:00pm

Check out my mods for an idea that may work for you. Here is the specific link to the message where I posted my http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712&PID=76912&title=our-escapod-mods#76912 - double-step mod .

My wife and I have been very happy with the double step. It is currently sitting in my shed with the original single step reinstaled until after our escaPOD is repaired from the damage from this winter's accident. It will then go back on as soon as I can do so.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: ragadas
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 8:20am

My wife also had trouble with the single step, especially when that side was raised to level the trailer. I replaced the step with the Flexco described here. http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=6601&title=single-step-to-double-steps

The unit was a direct replacement except for having to elongate one of the mounting holes on each side.

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Dave & Chris
RP 179
2011 Tacoma Access Cab
V6 6 speed manual.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 3:31pm

X1, same here

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: john in idaho
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 5:05pm

Elongating those bolt holes is not easy. I finally chucked a rat tail file in the cordless drill. Didn't help any that I was working in the shade on the gravel down by the barn.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 5:11pm

No rat file, drill is best option. No sense in digging big hole with a garden spade.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 5:15pm

The spacing on the Lippert dual steps is better. We found that the Flexco lower step was pretty much worthless because it was only about 2" off the ground.

Posted By: laureyrpod
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 6:01pm

Thanks everybody. I'm not up to elongating steel holes. Will keep looking

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Laurey, Bella and Bogie
2016 182g Rpod
2016 Toyota Highlander
"Peace in a Pod"

Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 13 Feb 2017 at 7:56pm

It really is not difficult. Any modification to the steps will likely involve some drilling and/or filing to get the holes to line up. I don't think one is made that will just drop in place without doing some work of this type. You just need to get up the gumption to try it.

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StephenH
Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,...

http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods
Former RPod 179
Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS

Posted By: TheBum
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 10:23am

I believe the R-Pod steps are non-standard, designed to have a smaller footprint. Both the Lippert and Flexco steps have the same hole spacing, which I assume is the standard.

Posted By: mcarter
Date Posted: 14 Feb 2017 at 5:04pm

Other options if drilling and filing are out of decision, are to buy a 2 step foot stool or take it to a local RV dealer and have them install a 2 step. I'm retired so I like the projects with the RPod and I have the tools needed to do my mods. Plus I hate paying somebody to do what I can. Lot of stuff requires mod to fit, I don't mind because my initial purchase price was "reasonable". My attraction to RPods.

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Mike Carter
2015 178
" I had the right to remain silent, I just didn't have the ability."

Posted By: timpamt
Date Posted: 17 Feb 2017 at 10:16am

I fastened the steps with one hole lined up, which made it really easy to "elongate" the second hole - by essentially just drilling a new one. Press gently on the drill though and be patient - if you shove it in there the sides will grab your bit and try to yank the drill out of your hand.

We love the new steps. Yes, sometimes the bottom step is pretty close to the ground. But even a few inches is a huge help - and we don't have to carry a stool or box for the first step.

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Tim and Pam
2017 R-Pod 179 - "Little Bear"
2014 Toyota Tacoma Crew Cab