What Might Cause Lippert SolidStep to Make Shutting Door Difficult

Updated 05/28/2025 | Published 04/05/2021

Question:

installed the steps but cannot get the door to close right

asked by: Sara G

Expert Reply:

We've seen this issue before on an older camper that had the screen door installed a little lower than how they are now. An installer here actually had this exact problem.

If your door is close to closing, a couple suggestions that you can try first is to not reinstall the decorative roll plate that goes against the threshold on the inside. Typically it has a lip that can raise the plate on the step. This can be done without removing the steps or any trimming. If that does work and you want to re-install that plate, what we have done is set the plate in place, lower the steps and mark each end up next to the solid step bracket, pull the plate back out and cut the center section out and reinstall the two ends.

If removing the roll plate does't work the threshold has a lip on it also which can make the bracket sit higher. Just that lip can be trimmed off. Mark each end at the edge of the step bracket, raise the steps and just trim off the lip to your marks at each end. If you are wanting to install the roll plate just following the trimming instructions above for cutting out the center portion.

If the screen door is not close to closing you need to trim the bottom of the screen door frame which we have also had to do. To do this, with the steps down, take tape and place a piece on each side, down on the threshold, at the edge of the step bracket. Raise the steps up inside the door frame. Separate the screen door from the outer door, close your screen door and mark the bottom edge of the screen door frame at the edge of the tape. That is the width you need to cut. From each mark measure up about a half inch. That is how high you need to cut. The section in between all those marks needs to be removed. It can always be trimmed a little higher and wider if you find that isn't quite enough. I have found that the screen door is usually the issue not the outer door. The outer door may be tight but it will close.

expert reply by: Jameson C

Barb

5/15/2025

We have done all that but the Solid outer door still catches at the bottom. I can force the door shut but am worried about stress in the long term to the frame and hinges. thanks Barb