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 Dexstar Trailer Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - AM20538DX

Review of Dexstar Trailer Tires and Wheels - Wheel Only - AM20545

Review of Lionshead Trailer Tires and Wheels - Aluminum Wheel Only - LH75VR

Review of GE Appliances RV Refrigerators - Travel Door Latch - GE98FR

Feature Breakdown: Replacement Motor for Lippert Electric Coach Step

Review of Sendel Wheel Covers Hubcaps - Center Wheel Caps - SEN53FR

An In-Depth Look at the Kenda ST235/75R15 Radial Off-Road Trailer Tire

Set up: MagnaFlow Cat-Back Exhaust System on a 2012 Toyota 4Runner

A Closer Look at the Lionshead Trailer Wheel Center Cap w/ Snap-In Plug

In-Depth Review of the Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel

Hands-On with the Vesper Steel Modular Trailer Wheel

Review of Fastway Replacement e2 Weight Distribution System 600 lbs Round Spring Bar - FA94-02-0699

How to Measure for Travel Trailer and Fifth Wheel Steps

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

How to Measure for Trailer Hitch Drop

Fifth Wheel Trailer Hitch Information and Installation Tips

2 Steps for Finding the Right Weight Distribution Hitch Size

5 Things to Know About Weight Distribution Hitches

How to Troubleshoot Your RV Air Conditioner

Cleaning Your RV Gray Water Tank in 5 Easy Steps

How to Dump Black and Gray RV Waste Tanks

How to Install E-Track in 3 Easy Steps

30-Amp and 50-Amp RV Service: What's the Difference?

Hitch Mounted Cargo Carrier Information

Replacement Step for 2007 Monaco Dynasty with SCS Frigette Coach Steps

We actually can't get the module you are in need of. Only solution we could help with is new steps: You'll just want to choose the steps that fit your application best. The 42 Series Kwikee Step #LC372779 is 25-1/4" wide and has a…

view full answer...

TorkLift GlowStep Scissor Steps For a 9.6 BigFoot Slide In Truck Camper

The TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Scissor Steps #TLA8006 are designed to replace the fold out style steps most commonly found on 5th wheel type trailers. For your BigFoot truck camper you would want a system like the TorkLift GlowStep Stow N' Go…

view full answer...

Are 1,000 lb e2 Round Bars Too Much for a 412 lb Tongue Weight Trailer

Hey Ed, thanks for reaching out! The Fastway e2 Weight Distribution w/ 2-Point Sway Control #FA94-00-1061 will be too much for your trailer if the 412 lb weight rating you mentioned is with everything fully loaded. If that's the dry tongue…

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 each…

view full answer...

How To Measure The Door Width To Determine The Correct MORryde StepAbove RV Steps

Since the MORryde StepAbove RV Steps #MR86RR fold up into the RV you'll want to measure the maximum usable space. This means that you would need to take your measurement without including the portion that sticks into the threshold space that…

view full answer...

Removing Bolt of Replacement Socket Head Cap Screw 128969

I checked with Lippert for help on this and they sent me the attached install instructions for you to check out that cover removing the bolt. Basically there will be Loc-Tite so heat is required but in some cases there is a tack weld that will need…

view full answer...

Replacement Parts For Malfunctioning SCS Frigette Coach Step #733-0001

That is a strange issue to have. The issue may be with one of a few parts. It could be that the motor is stuttering before the steps are fully retracted causing them to retract as it thinks that it may be hitting something. The controller may be…

view full answer...

Does Install/Removal of Replacement Socket Head Cap Screw Require Step Removal

Thank you for the picture of the bolt you need, based on that the correct part is the #LC128969 that you referenced. We have checked in the past and removal of the step assembly is required. See attached picture.

view full answer...

Determining The Correct Replacement For SCS/Frigette Coach Steps

The 733 of your part number comes back to a much older step but unfortunately the -0074 isn't showing up so we'll need to measure to find a compatible replacement. You'll need to measure the width of the mounting bracket for the steps and…

view full answer...

Is Solera Replacement Awning Fabric LCV000334439 Lippert Brand and Does it Have LED Light Track Slot

Hey Mike, yes the Replacement 19'1" Fabric for 20' RV Awning #LCV000334439 that you referenced is a Lippert/Solera brand replacement. It also does have the LED light track you asked about as well.

view full answer...

Replacement LCI RV Step Module for 164889

Is it possible the module number is 164889? That cross referenced with our part #LC301702 but the 164989 that you referenced does not match anything I can find.

view full answer...

Replacement Steps for 2007 Monaco Dynasty RV

From the picture you provided it appears you have the Lippert Kwikee 42 Series Double Tread Electric Step #LC372779. Unfortunately, we don't have replacement parts for the steps. Before purchasing make sure the mounting bolt pattern matches.…

view full answer...

Contact & Help

What our customers are saying:

"I like the easy of navigation through the site. It only took me a couple of minutes to place my order. Thank You I will shop this sight again in the future."

Kevin

Manchester, MD