10 replies to this topic

[GflGdog]

So this last summer while out in the boonies of Central Idaho, my wife woke in the middle of the night needing to hit the bathroom. She slipped while sliding down out of bed, and broke her foot badly. So, I am searching to see what this community of FWC has done to remedy the stretch from the bed to the floor to mitigate injury. Any innovative ideas? Thoughts? Ive looked at folding step stools, but looks like they only area about 12" tall. So I know someone somewhere out there has thought thru this!

[RAK4]

We had the same issue with using smaller step stools. For the past few years we’ve been using a HAUL-MASTER 18 In. Step Stool Working Platform and love it. It’s a little bulky so we keep it in a small zippered bag when on the go.

[AWG_Pics]

We had the same issue with using smaller step stools. For the past few years we’ve been using a HAUL-MASTER 18 In. Step Stool Working Platform and love it. It’s a little bulky so we keep it in a small zippered bag when on the go.

 

We use the same stool for getting in and out of the camper. Works well. Should work fin in the camper too.

[drumwood]

This is what we use on my wife’s side of the bed.

Stromberg Carlson LA-460 60" Bunk Ladder https://a.co/d/87bzhmF

I remember cutting it to be the right length and I believe taking off one step. There are instructions that tell you the ideal angle, so you know where to cut the ladder.

[Defulmmt]

We’ve used a 2 foot Werner aluminum step ladder.  It’s ok for me but our disabled son has trouble using it to step down.  We are switching to this unit with wider steps.   https://www.amazon.c...T1zcF9tdGY&th=1

[ckent323]

Drumwood,

 

If you wrap carpeting round the steps (secure with velcro or hog rings or something) of the Stromberg Carlson

ladder it makes the steps MUCH friendlier to bare feet..

:-)

Edited by ckent323, 19 November 2023 - 08:26 PM.

[scappoosebrad]

This is what we use on my wife’s side of the bed.

Stromberg Carlson LA-460 60" Bunk Ladder https://a.co/d/87bzhmF

I remember cutting it to be the right length and I believe taking off one step. There are instructions that tell you the ideal angle, so you know where to cut the ladder.

 

 

This is what we use on my wife’s side of the bed.

Stromberg Carlson LA-460 60" Bunk Ladder https://a.co/d/87bzhmF

I remember cutting it to be the right length and I believe taking off one step. There are instructions that tell you the ideal angle, so you know where to cut the ladder.

I definite endorse this ladder...it is a little spendier, but takes the steps right up to the bed level...we have used it now for  3years...2 inserts screw on to the bed frame.. taped a 1" section of foam installation around the mounting hardware at the top to "tighten" the connection with the bed frame hardware...pull the bed out..hook in the top and lower to the floor position...my wife loves it (so I love it and yes there are instructions on how to take a "rung length" out... finally, it stows perfectly along the floor during travel...for us it has been "perfect" to use and stow!

[hey_rls]

I recently picked up my new 2023 Hawk shell with the side dinette.  I took it out for a four week test run this fall.  I used my cooler as the step by placing it between the seat and the sidewall of the camper.  It's a Grizzly 40 qt rotomolded cooler which has a flat bottom, some real heft to it so it won't slide and it'll support me as I only weigh 140lbs.  

[kmcintyre]

I remember a similar thread a few years (or so) ago about this.  Not sure if you can find it but there were some great ideas (ladders that slide along the edge of the bed, etc.).

[ramblinChet]

After less than two years it appears my Worx Storage Step Stool is nearly dead. It was purchased in December 2021 and has been used daily while climbing in and out of my camper, and also while deploying and storing the camper. It has seen quite a bit of use although I was still surprised it failed in less than two years.

 

This crack appeared approximately 6-8 months ago and created difficulties related to latching. It was not a big deal so I continued to use the unit.

 

Several months ago the center section of the top began to fail in multiple places. Keep in mind that I do not carry anything in the storage area and make a reasonable effort to place my feet around the perimeter when stepping up into my camper. It is different when stepping out, especially during darkness. As a safety measure, I place my foot into the center to prevent slipping and falling out of my camper.

 

With the cracks on top, rain water naturally seeps in and collects. And with the crack on the side, it will slowly leak out. What this means is that before stowing my stool in the camper after it rains, I am required to open it up and dry everything out. If I do not, the water will leak onto the floor of my camper and I will be find a small puddle when I stop and open the door.

 

I took time to consider just how critical a step stand is to my every day activities and safety. When I arrive at a campsite the first tool I remove from my camper is the step stand since the six roof latches on my Four Wheel Camper are eight feet above the ground. Their next role is being positioned behind the camper while being used to step up into, and step down out of, the camper - dozens of times each day. And when I am ready to pack up and go, the same step stand is used to secure my roof latches.

 

According to the CDC, falls are the leading cause of fatal and non-fatal injuries for older adults. With that valuable information, and considering how often I am climbing in and out of my camper at all times of the day and night, in all sorts of conditions, in unfamiliar areas, I thought maybe my health and well being was worth a few more dollars. It's like I have been living on borrowed time using a $49 piece of plastic.

 

Introducing my new aluminum step stand ordered today from Uline. At first I balked at the $300 dollar price tag but when I considered how I would be using it daily and how it would improve safety for me by reducing my chance of falling, it was an easy sell. It has two steps with the top step being 20" above the ground. It has serrated steps for a better grip, welded construction, corrosion resistant, has slip resistant rubber feet, and is designed for indoor and outdoor use.

 

Prior to placing my order I considered the 20" height, 27" width, and 22" depth. Since the entry door on the rear of my camper is 24" wide it will be necessary to rotate the step stand ninety degrees while inserting it prior to departing. This should not be much of an issue although I will update if it is. One of the only concerns I have relates to the rubber feet on the bottom of each leg. Since I routinely find myself in soft dirt, sand, etc., it may be necessary to pick up some type of plate that will slip on and increase the footprint. Or maybe just a piece of 2" flat stock connecting the four feet. We shall see.

 

Finally, based upon my research, it appears that this step stand may be manufactured by Cotterman, a company who has been manufacturing quality ladders in these United States since 1925. Their step stands meet all OSHA and ANSI standards

 

 

Receipt for reference.

Edited by ramblinChet, 22 November 2023 - 07:18 AM.