Is it Safe to Use Spacers with Lippert Manual Pull Out Steps

Updated 04/29/2026 | Published 03/30/2026

Products Featured in This Question

Lippert Manual Pull-Out Step for RVs - Double - 7" Drop - 24-1/4" Wide - Steel - 300 lbs

(878)

$174.16

TorkLift GlowStep Revolution Spacer Kit

(24)

$72.62

Question:

We recently purchased a 2026 Forest River Viking 17FQ travel trailer that came with solid steps that we’d like to replace with pull out steps. The Viking has a BAL frame with brackets for pull out steps which are 26.25” apart. I’d like to install the 24” Lippert double pull out steps but the bracket width is 25.5”. Would it be acceptable or cause any issues to use 3/8” spacers on each side?

asked by: Daniel B

Expert Reply:

Hi Daniel, great question.

You would be fine to use spacers on each side of the Lippert Pull Out steps part # LC432682 for that setup, and I understand wanting to make sure it’s going to feel solid and not give you any issues. A kit like the TorkLift spacer kit part # TLA8020 is a good way to handle that gap since it’s designed for situations where the bracket spacing doesn’t line up perfectly. It includes steel spacer plates and longer 3/8" hardware so everything can be mounted securely and tightened down properly.

With your 26.25 inch spacing, you’re kind of right in that in-between range where one size is a little too small and the next size up is a little too big, so using spacers is a common and practical solution to get a proper fit with the Lippert double steps like LC432682. As long as everything is tightened down correctly with the included hardware, it will mount up square and feel stable under normal use.

What made you want to switch from the solid steps to pull-out steps, more for entry comfort, pets, or ground clearance?

expert reply by: Heather A

spacers
(click to enlarge)

Daniel B.

4/29/2026

Thanks for the thorough answer! For us the convenience of being able to quickly flip out and fold up the pull-out steps outweighs the extra stability of the solid steps and they’re easier to pull out in tight spaces like near gas pumps. I’m also certain that eventually I would’ve tried to move the trailer forward or back a little and forgotten to raise the solid steps and damaged the steps &/or trailer. BTW, I was able to install the Lippert steps by using a 3/16” x 1.5” steel plate on each side but discovered that the mounting brackets on the trailer weren’t parallel. The brackets were wider towards the outside edge of the trailer than they were at the frame so I’ll need to add additional spacer material to the outside end of the brackets.

Heather A.

4/29/2026

@DanielB That makes sense! Sometimes ease of use is the most important for sure. I would be the one to forget the SolidSteps were down so I totally get it. On the install side, your spacer solution still sounds right on track, and adjusting for those slightly off brackets is exactly what I’d expect to get everything sitting square and solid. I am glad it all worked out for you. Do the steps move up and down easily without any binding?