How to Measure for Motorhome Steps

Thinking about replacing those rusty old steps on your motorhome? Or maybe you want to upgrade to a sturdier step that feels like it was actually made to support adult humans?

Every RV is different, therefore there's no "one-size-fits-all" step out there. Fortunately, it's super easy to measure for replacement steps and choose the right model for your rig!

Note: You always want to follow any measurement instructions that come with your step or that are recommended by your step manufacturer. Measurement requirements can differ slightly between models. However, generally speaking, most steps require two main measurements:

1. Your mounting dimensions

2. The distance between your mounting point to the ground

Let's get started!

Step 1: Measure Mounting Width & Depth

Motorhome steps generally mount to the underside of the camper chassis, directly beneath the doorway. To decide which size you'll need, locate the space available underneath your camper that lines up with the doorframe, then measure the width and depth.

For the width, measure the distance between the factory mounting brackets. For depth, make sure you have enough room for your new mounting plate without encountering other components beneath your RV.

Measuring Mounting Width for Motorhome Step Replacement

Measuring Mounting Depth of Motorhome Step Replacements

Step 2: Measure Entry Height

Make sure your RV is level, then measure from the mounting point to the ground. This is called your entry height.

The entry height should roughly match the height of the steps when they're fully extended, plus 6" to 8" to account for the drop from the bottom step to the ground.

Example:

If your entry height is 24" from the mounting point to the ground, your steps should be about 16"-18" when extended.

16" step + 8" to ground = 24" entry height

Entry Height - Measure from Ground to Top of Threshold

Bolt Hole Patterns

If you don't want to drill new holes into your RV and want to go the extra step, we recommend measuring your existing bolt pattern on either your old steps or under your RV on the mounting plate. Measure from center to center of the horizontal holes, and then center to center of the vertical mounting holes. Then you can match your new mounting plate holes up with the old and drill into the pre-existing holes.

A Note on Outriggers:

Depending on your steps, you may need outriggers for installation. Outriggers bolt to your RV frame and provide brackets for the steps to attach to, in particular when the old steps were longer or wider than the new steps.

The specific location and orientation of the outriggers depends on the RV/trailer. However, the general instructions for installing steps and outriggers is as follows:

Ensure step is completely backed up against the step supports on frame.
Insert carriage bolts and flange lock nuts. Tighten down only until snug in order to make adjustments.
Verify that the step housing is square, level to the outrigger, and plumb to the chassis. Then, tighten the carriage bolts down.
Attach tech screws through the step supports, to the step supports on the chassis.
Attach lag bolt or bolts to floor through the outer end holes in the outrigger.

Related Products

Shop Step Rugs

Shop Step Lights

Shop Step Outriggers

Written by: Amber S.

Updated on: 12/14/21

Darrick

6/14/2022

I am looking to replace my camper steps on our 2015 Forest River Vengeance 377V. They are the old 3 step fold up ones. I want to go with the newer aluminum folding steps. Would like the 4 step model if possible. The measurements are 27 1/2 wide, 15 3/4 deep and 35 1/2 high. I measured just like it said to on the site. Not sure what will fit. Any help would be greatly appreciated. Thanks you, Darrick

David B.

6/17/2022

Darrick, when you say folding steps are you meaning this, TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Uprising Steps w/ Booster Step - 4 Steps - 28" Base - 325 lbs # TLA9005?

Explore Expert Info

Videos

for

Help Articles

for

Expert Answers

for

Review of Lippert Replacement Joint Assembly Hardware Kit - LC216567

Brophy RV and Camper Steps - Truck Camper - AS02 Review

Lippert Components Kwikee Single Electric Step Review

Valterra RV Sewer - Waste Valves - T18A Review

Brophy RV and Camper Steps - Truck Camper - AS23 Review

Review of Kwikee RV and Camper Steps - Motorhome - LC3747453

Review of Kwikee RV and Camper Steps - Kwikee 27 Series Replacement Steps - LC375632

Review of Lippert RV and Camper Steps - RV Single Step - LC353620

Lippert Components RV and Camper Steps LC388220 Review

Review of TorkLift RV and Camper Steps - Truck Camper,Towable Camper - TLA7802-8000

Review of TorkLift RV and Camper Steps - GlowStep Stow N Go Scissor Steps Landing Gear - TLA7833

Roadmaster Rear Anti-Sway Bar Test Course

How to Measure for Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Steps

No Missteps Here: Best Camper and RV Steps (2022)

Trailer Wiring Diagrams

5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches

Stability Control for Heavy Duty Vehicles

Best Air Bag Suspension (2023)

RV Sway Control, Stabilization, and Suspension Enhancement

2023 Best Gifts for RVers & Campers

Brake Controller 7- and 4-Way Installation Kit (ETBC7)

How Does an RV Toilet Work?

Performance Chips and Modules

2023 Holiday Must Haves

Depth Of The TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps #TLA7802 In The Stored Position

When folded up into the stored position the TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps #TLA7802 are approximately 9-1/2" deep. I confirmed with TorkLift that this specific model is designed to just fold up, lock in place and be ready to travel.

view full answer...

Fitment of Brophy Camper Scissor Steps for Truck Campers

The Brophy Camper Scissor Steps for truck campers, #AS04, are intended for an entry height of 31" to 40". If your camper door sets within that 31-40' range then yes this will fit your rig. Please see attached image for…

view full answer...

How Much Do the Brophy Steel 3-Step Camper Scissor Steps SS03 Weigh

The Brophy Camper Scissor Steps part #SS03 weigh around 25 lbs. If you are looking for the Brophy Camper Scissor Steps but made of aluminum instead of steel you can use part #AS03 which weighs around 15 lbs. We also have the Brophy Camper Scissor…

view full answer...

How Much do TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps #TLA7802 Weigh

The TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps #TLA7802 weigh 16 lbs.

view full answer...

Picture of the TorkLift Scissor Steps Stowed

I attached a picture of a similar set of the TorkLift GlowStep Scissor Steps as the part #TLA7802 that you referenced in the stowed position.

view full answer...

Do Torklift Glowsteps Require Tools to Remove/Install from Mounting Bracket

The install and removal of the step portion of the GlowSteps part #TLA7802 is pretty easy and does not require the use of any tools. Basically you just pull out cotter pin and then slide the pin out and you can remove the steps from the bracket. No…

view full answer...

Is There a Detachable Version of the 20" Wide TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps

We do not have a 20" wide quick attach model of step similar to the TorkLift GlowStep Camper Scissor Steps #TLA7802. The closest we have to 20" wide that are detachable are the Brophy Camper Scissor Steps #SS02 which are…

view full answer...

Can the 2,800LB HappiJac Camper Jack Legs Replace the Lighter 2,200LB Jack Legs?

The Replacement Jack for HappiJac Truck Camper Jack Systems #LC736515 is a replacement leg for the HappiJac Electric Truck Camper Jack System #LC736515-ELKIT that replaced the 4800 series jacks. These jacks lift 2" taller at 36-1/2"…

view full answer...

Replacement Lippert Steps for SCS/Frigette 725-0023 24" Wide Steps

The correct replacement for your SCS/Frigette Coach Steps 725-0023 is the Lippert Kwikee 25 Series Steps #LC3658373. This comes with the motor, control unit, and the switch. The steps on this unit do measure 24" wide x 11" deep just…

view full answer...

Replacement Spacers for Coach Step 725-0023

Thank you for the diagrams and all of the info. It actually looks like you are missing an additional 2 spacers. If you check out the attached photos you can see that the part 38 in the instructions calls for a quantity of 6 and that you put 2 on…

view full answer...

Dimensions of Mounting Bracket for Brophy RV Scissor Steps

The mounting bracket for the Brophy Camper Scissor Steps #AS23 is 24 inches long and has 5 mounting holes spaced 5-1/4 inches apart. The end mounting holes are 1-1/2 inches from each side. Also, each angle is 1 inch wide. If you're looking…

view full answer...

RV Roof Ladder Extension

We don't have an extension ladder made specifically for your 2004 Fleetwood Flair but we do have the Surco RV Ladder Extension #SP504L. This extension won't get you the full 70" from the bottom of your RV's ladder but…

view full answer...