Solution for Lippert SolidStep Not Allowing Screen Door to Close

Updated 09/23/2024 | Published 08/06/2021

Question:

I recently purchased a 2018 FR 29202ws from a previous owner. They included the LCI solid step with the tt. They could not use this step due to space at their house so they would just unscrew it, take it out of the trailer and use the other steps. We have room for this solid step so I went to install it, used the same holes they used when they re-installed the solid step and found that when these steps where down, my screen door would not shut normally. The screen door on one end,bottom, was hitting the plate on the bottom of the solid step. Its close to closing normal but I have to give it a push to close all the way, dont like that. Now, I have heard this this is on issue for older tts but since this is a 2018 one would think it should work with no issues. The plate that is used to screw into the flooring is behind the threshold so its sitting below the threshold. The previous owner must have just dealtfoot with it. When I put the solid step up into the door, the screen door and front door shut fine. Any ideas?

asked by: David D

Expert Reply:

If the screen door is not close to closing you need to trim the bottom of the screen door frame which I 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

Curtis K.

9/22/2024

I have a problem closing the screen door as well. But different than above. When I close the screen door, it is being stopped by the step locks in the hinge side of the door. I took out the screw base and tapped the hinge side forward a bit then the door closed but the steps would rub on the bottom threshold of the door. I’m lost. Please help

Jameson C.

9/22/2024

@CurtisK Is there a medium ground between the two settings you found that could work with both issues?

Curtis K.

9/23/2024

@JamesonC Thats what I’m working on without drilling too many holes. The steps are level on both sides. ATM the door closed but needed some force to do it without damaging anything and the steps come down fine but there is a fine line between getting the door closed or the steps binding while letting them down. Not sure if it’s a flooring problem or if the trailer has to be 100% level as I don’t have the stabs down