Ray, it’s nice to see you’re bride demonstrating. It helps build confidence. Not to mention it’s nice to see you both together. It was a very interesting install. Thanks for what you both do!
The newer Arctic Fox trailers and 5th wheels come standard with them, but as Ray mentioned in the first step install video, the Solid Steps swing out quite far when deploying. For my 5th wheel, a 4 step is needed which makes for an even greater swing out. Lots of reasons that could be an issue, such as where the RV is stored (like near a fence) which would prevent entry to the interior. Our 5th wheel came with the folding steps which we replaced too, but with the Torklift GloStep Revolution. www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution The cool thing about the GloSteps is they can be deployed almost vertically like a ladder. So, if you have the space to open your door you can access your RV.
Well that really answered my question about removing the steps. Now you got me thinking about the operating assist. My wife tells me I can't afford to keep up with you, haha.
I've found that all Lippert Components are well made and the step assembly is no exception. If you keep upgrading you'll never need to replace the Cougar - it'll be brand new all over again. With all of the free products you review maybe I should just follow you around & pick up the leftovers.
The extra handrail you showed near the end is a nice add on. We have the Morryde steps and that extra handrail for us older folk is a must. Thanks for the review
Seems like LCI intentionally sent you this product in two pieces so that you would show both products, and that one could purchase the basic product and upgrade it later. Much easier to install it all one time. Anyway thanks for showing it. Very informative. Especially using your boss to approve the product.
So NICE!!!!! :OD I think I see these in our future! I showed my husband, he likes the steps too! Thanks for sharing Ray! It was nice to see how easy Anne could put them up and down, ours are a bear to wrestle! (the standard fold up steps) Thank you Anne for the demonstration!! XOXO
Nice! Looks like your door bottoms still clear with the new(er) plate on! That whole thing is a nice assembly. I really don't like the way our coach shakes with our three hanging steps that we currently have -- I think this will be in our future!!
Gee, Ray. I haven't even been out with my newly installed JT Strongarms yet! Now, I need the LCI Solid Step, with Step Assist, to add to DW's comfort levels... Ahh, projects. Thanks, Ray; these are top notch. Can't wait. Bookmarked some more of your videos for future help!
I got some of the JT StrongArms to install, will be interesting to see how well they work. We have 9 years experience living in the Cougar so will know if there is much difference or not. I get up a little earlier than Anne so hoping they help with the movement. :)
Love my solid step once I arrive. What a pain in the neck it is “out on the road.” Adjusting for uneven ground. Accounting for swing arc all the damn time including tight storage conditions. Love / hate relationship with my step. The strut would help with the heavy aspect.
I think they need to figure a way to make the leg adjustment faster. The set pin method is sort of clucky to use. And maybe have a quick release of the whole stairs. Cheers, Ray
Well, this project worked out very well. Of course, you did all the work! Looks like a good product. If my next RV does not come with one, I will get one of these. Happy Trails
Haven't had them long enough to know so going to do the review later on after we have used them a bit. They did give me a special raise side rubber mat to catch any water or dirt. A few other commenters have said they just spend 30 seconds giving them a quick wipe. In most RV parks or the dry desert, I don't see an issue, maybe in muddy forest areas, the feet could pick up some dirt or if you like to winter camp in snow but I usually have a mat at the bottom of the stairs. Cheers, Ray
🤔Exactly, I'm not into blocking off my entry way either. Gotta be extra certain you clean em well before flipping them outdoors steps indoors. Always check underneath for some bugs too. Whatever floats your boat 👍
Only problem I can see might be an issue is if your doorway has cabinets to one side or close to a wall on one side. The shock assembly and cover would block my cabinets on one side and might not have enough room on the other. The trim literally is the space width up against the wall. But I do like the steps and the storage box.
No, not bouncy at all, if the ground is solid then they are solid since the two adjustable metal support legs sit on the ground. It's possible to trip off the edge if you were to be going down and for some reason turned and kept walking. I like the extra deep top step. They sell an optional handrail for people with limited mobility. Cheers, Ray
Have you found the strut assembly near the door causing tripping problems, or bumping into issues? Also what are the dimensions of the assembly on the floor? Thanks for your video!
This looks like a must have for these steps. I don't understand why they don't have this as an option when you buy them instead of having to buy it separately though.
Thanks for the good vid. That whole system is very cool. I do like the gas struts feature. Me being Scottish and all, is the total cost more than a nickel ? Cheap Skates want to know. Godspeed.
I installed the steps first then came back to install the lift assist. Same issue you had, the holes are not the same. My question is, is your strut difficult to compress? I installed the N600and it seems like it will not compress.
It seems to compress easily for me. Doesn't take much effort at all to lift the steps. Here was my update video clip ua-cam.com/video/z444Da45Ph4/v-deo.html Maybe your alignment is off a bit.
Question, I have 33 1/2 inches high before it would hit my countertop and 3 1/2 inches wide what size ratchet stout? I love my step too, it’s really sturdy and I feel comfortable exiting my camper.
On my third attempt to get my steps to work. First kit the strut froze after 2 months breaking the attachments. Second kit they sent me both struts were frozen and would not close when trying to lift step. I am awaiting my third shipment because the gas struts are defective again. I suspect they are manufactured with some kind of defect.
If you installed the optional railing, I think you could "tug" on that, and get the steps up to stow. Otherwise, an easy work-around would be to DIY a strap to the (near the) bottom step sidewall--tug on that, to bring up the steps (keep it out of the walking area, so it's not a tripping hazard).
During the limited times she has been able to use it she really has liked it. But with the Covid-19 lock down she never got to fly too much and where we are camped she can't due to the nearby seaplane and heliport.
The amount of new hardware with that lift kit has got to cost almost as much as the step itself. Does LCI offer the step with the lift kit hardware included?
Yeah I could see that for sure, I think they are mainly aimed at trailer owners versus motorhomes. I could see them even being a safety issue for Class A's with just one door.
Seems like you have to replace a lot of expensive hardware and redo the whole installation just to add the gas strut. Maybe not a very good design after all.
See all to my previous Lippert Components RV Product Videos -www.loveyourrv.com/tag/LCI/ Link to the *Solid Step Lift Assist* on the LCI store - www.loveyourrv.com/SolidStepLift
Ray, it’s nice to see you’re bride demonstrating. It helps build confidence. Not to mention it’s nice to see you both together. It was a very interesting install. Thanks for what you both do!
You bet, glad Anne agreed to help out with the demo. :) Cheers, Ray
This is one of those products where it’s so good it really should just be the standard in RV builds.
Our 2020 trailer has the Lippert stairs and we love them.
The newer Arctic Fox trailers and 5th wheels come standard with them, but as Ray mentioned in the first step install video, the Solid Steps swing out quite far when deploying. For my 5th wheel, a 4 step is needed which makes for an even greater swing out. Lots of reasons that could be an issue, such as where the RV is stored (like near a fence) which would prevent entry to the interior. Our 5th wheel came with the folding steps which we replaced too, but with the Torklift GloStep Revolution.
www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution
The cool thing about the GloSteps is they can be deployed almost vertically like a ladder. So, if you have the space to open your door you can access your RV.
Well that really answered my question about removing the steps. Now you got me thinking about the operating assist. My wife tells me I can't afford to keep up with you, haha.
I've found that all Lippert Components are well made and the step assembly is no exception. If you keep upgrading you'll never need to replace the Cougar - it'll be brand new all over again.
With all of the free products you review maybe I should just follow you around & pick up the leftovers.
I'd like to be the person who buys his old Cougar when he finally decides to get a new one. I can't imagine finding a better used unit anywhere.
Comes with a complete video library of all the mods, upgrades and repairs. :)
@@LoveYourRV Wow. Like I said, someone someday will be lucky.
The extra handrail you showed near the end is a nice add on. We have the Morryde steps and that extra handrail for us older folk is a must. Thanks for the review
Hi Ray,love you'r video's you explain so easy to understand.👍
Thanks 👍
Seems like LCI intentionally sent you this product in two pieces so that you would show both products, and that one could purchase the basic product and upgrade it later. Much easier to install it all one time. Anyway thanks for showing it. Very informative. Especially using your boss to approve the product.
So NICE!!!!! :OD I think I see these in our future! I showed my husband, he likes the steps too!
Thanks for sharing Ray! It was nice to see how easy Anne could put them up and down, ours are a bear to wrestle! (the standard fold up steps) Thank you Anne for the demonstration!! XOXO
You're welcome. :)
Nice! Looks like your door bottoms still clear with the new(er) plate on! That whole thing is a nice assembly. I really don't like the way our coach shakes with our three hanging steps that we currently have -- I think this will be in our future!!
Gee, Ray. I haven't even been out with my newly installed JT Strongarms yet! Now, I need the LCI Solid Step, with Step Assist, to add to DW's comfort levels... Ahh, projects.
Thanks, Ray; these are top notch. Can't wait. Bookmarked some more of your videos for future help!
I got some of the JT StrongArms to install, will be interesting to see how well they work. We have 9 years experience living in the Cougar so will know if there is much difference or not. I get up a little earlier than Anne so hoping they help with the movement. :)
Love my solid step once I arrive. What a pain in the neck it is “out on the road.” Adjusting for uneven ground. Accounting for swing arc all the damn time including tight storage conditions. Love / hate relationship with my step. The strut would help with the heavy aspect.
I think they need to figure a way to make the leg adjustment faster. The set pin method is sort of clucky to use. And maybe have a quick release of the whole stairs. Cheers, Ray
Thanks pal . Mine are on the way great video on the install helps a lot
Very nice steps WTG Ray wife want one now.
Keep the sunny side up!!
haha. :)
Well, this project worked out very well.
Of course, you did all the work!
Looks like a good product. If my next RV does not come with one, I will get one of these.
Happy Trails
Nice job
The whole system install was pretty good. Thank you for sharing!!
My rig came with the solid step, wanted a lift assist but could not find one online, replaced the whole thing with a MoRryde and then I found the kit
Pretty slick Ray.
I'm waiting for a quick release kit for the adjustable stair length.
we have gen 2 step so we couldn't use this upgrade kit, bummer.
How do you know what generation steps you have?
We always worry those kinds of steps dump lots of dirt into the RV. Are you seeing that?
Haven't had them long enough to know so going to do the review later on after we have used them a bit. They did give me a special raise side rubber mat to catch any water or dirt. A few other commenters have said they just spend 30 seconds giving them a quick wipe. In most RV parks or the dry desert, I don't see an issue, maybe in muddy forest areas, the feet could pick up some dirt or if you like to winter camp in snow but I usually have a mat at the bottom of the stairs. Cheers, Ray
🤔Exactly, I'm not into blocking off my entry way either. Gotta be extra certain you clean em well before flipping them outdoors steps indoors. Always check underneath for some bugs too. Whatever floats your boat 👍
Sweet
Good job you guys. Looks like a good mod.
Only problem I can see might be an issue is if your doorway has cabinets to one side or close to a wall on one side. The shock assembly and cover would block my cabinets on one side and might not have enough room on the other. The trim literally is the space width up against the wall. But I do like the steps and the storage box.
I would like to see you walk up and down the steps a couple times are the bouncy? Would you trip on the edge? Thx
No, not bouncy at all, if the ground is solid then they are solid since the two adjustable metal support legs sit on the ground. It's possible to trip off the edge if you were to be going down and for some reason turned and kept walking.
I like the extra deep top step. They sell an optional handrail for people with limited mobility. Cheers, Ray
Have you found the strut assembly near the door causing tripping problems, or bumping into issues? Also what are the dimensions of the assembly on the floor? Thanks for your video!
Not at all, the space it floor space takes up is about 2 1/2 by 4 inches and its off to the side of the door frame so not in the way. Cheers, Ray
This looks like a must have for these steps. I don't understand why they don't have this as an option when you buy them instead of having to buy it separately though.
That is weird, will have to give them that feedback.
Sorry, dirt trap outdoors steps aren't going inside our RV. Thanks though Ray for sharing. Prost
Thanks for the good vid. That whole system is very cool. I do like the gas struts feature. Me being Scottish and all, is the total cost more than a nickel ? Cheap Skates want to know. Godspeed.
Currently the 3 step model sells for around $350, box $215, lift assist $115
Hello Ray. This is off subject but I was wondering how your fridge/ cooler (the one you recently reviewed) is working?
So far its working well, have it tucked under the slide out out of the rain to keep some beverages cold.
@@LoveYourRV Thank you.
I installed the steps first then came back to install the lift assist. Same issue you had, the holes are not the same. My question is, is your strut difficult to compress? I installed the N600and it seems like it will not compress.
It seems to compress easily for me. Doesn't take much effort at all to lift the steps. Here was my update video clip ua-cam.com/video/z444Da45Ph4/v-deo.html Maybe your alignment is off a bit.
Question, I have 33 1/2 inches high before it would hit my countertop and 3 1/2 inches wide what size ratchet stout? I love my step too, it’s really sturdy and I feel comfortable exiting my camper.
The inside metal strut case is 28 1/2 tall and 3 1/4 wide, that's at the bolt ends and 4 5/8ths deep
On my third attempt to get my steps to work. First kit the strut froze after 2 months breaking the attachments. Second kit they sent me both struts were frozen and would not close when trying to lift step. I am awaiting my third shipment because the gas struts are defective again. I suspect they are manufactured with some kind of defect.
Sounds like maybe a bad batch from whatever supplier they use. So far mine has work OK.
Did you find any reason why the door lock bar needs to be changed out? Thanks.
No, never figured out why. Maybe it was marketing department sending me something I didn't need, just in case. Cheers, Ray
I like’m
What if you want to pull it in before you go to bed?
They lift very easy now, I can just grab the top step and haul them in.
If you installed the optional railing, I think you could "tug" on that, and get the steps up to stow. Otherwise, an easy work-around would be to DIY a strap to the (near the) bottom step sidewall--tug on that, to bring up the steps (keep it out of the walking area, so it's not a tripping hazard).
Or a hook like a cane, they lift with very little force.
If you brought them in it would be hard to close the door from inside.
I found that it is really easy to open and close the door from the inside with the stairs in, lots of room to do it for me.
Can we get the wife's two cents on her Mavic Mini? How she likes it and if she got all the new software updates for it.
During the limited times she has been able to use it she really has liked it. But with the Covid-19 lock down she never got to fly too much and where we are camped she can't due to the nearby seaplane and heliport.
The amount of new hardware with that lift kit has got to cost almost as much as the step itself. Does LCI offer the step with the lift kit hardware included?
Here is the website page store.lci1.com/solid-step Looks like it is just listed as an option.
It sounds like they would rattle a lot. That would drive us crazy in our class c. Otherwise, they sure look good. Havagudun Bud
Yeah I could see that for sure, I think they are mainly aimed at trailer owners versus motorhomes. I could see them even being a safety issue for Class A's with just one door.
👍🇺🇲
LOVE them but hate the price... $500 plus is not going to happen on my income... or my old RV. But them look and work well!
Seems like you have to replace a lot of expensive hardware and redo the whole installation just to add the gas strut. Maybe not a very good design after all.
See all to my previous Lippert Components RV Product Videos -www.loveyourrv.com/tag/LCI/
Link to the *Solid Step Lift Assist* on the LCI store - www.loveyourrv.com/SolidStepLift
:-)))) :-))))