How to transport Truck Camper Stairs OFF ROAD?? Torklift Smartstep with Landing Gear!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 2 ต.ค. 2024
- We’ve had our Torklift Smartstep GlowStep with Landing Gear for over 1 Year! We wanted to give you an update on our feedback after using the stairs: things we like and don’t like. Plus…how we transport the stairs. This has been an ongoing question people have asked.
Torklift International offers top notch products for the RV, truck and camper industries. They design quality products specifically to resolve common issues and problems.
Steps may seem boring but they provide ease and safety vs climbing into your truck camper. Not having stairs has proven challenging at times especially when Faith injured her arm. We used rock boulders and tree stumps to make the climb into the camper easier. However, the Torklift SmartSteps are a much better solution!
SmartStep (like what we have)
www.torklift.c...
Extra Parts:
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How we mounted the steps: GlowStep Universal Mounting Bracket # A75001
Original Review: • Best Truck Camper Stai...
Thanks for watching!
#truckcamper #torklift #step
The long-awaited stair-stowing video! Thanks for following through!
I really value that you are willing to point out both the pros and the cons of a product. I hope this remains the case as your channel blows up -- which, I think is inevitable based on the quality of the information shared. Also, there’s no time-wasting intro section to fast-forward through, and no use of cheesy royalty-free background music -- just useful, insightful content.
Overall, the Torklift steps seem like a very good product that could be an excellent product, with a couple of modifications that would be easy and inexpensive for the manufacturer.
Some quick googling says that (in a home) stairs are typically 8 inches high. Not sure how this height compares to the Torklift stairs, but I agree going bigger is a good call. As you point out, it saves both weight and space. And, with fewer moving pieces, it’d probably be cheaper to manufacture. Hopefully Torklift is listening. 😊
The creaking would bug me a little bit, not because they’re unstable or under-engineered, but just because it’s avoidable. I’m wondering if the problem would be solved by Torklift simply adding nylon washers in the pivot points (to avoid aluminum-on-aluminum contact).
Another idea for stowing the stairs that I’ve been kicking around is to secure them inside with footman’s loops (McMaster-Carr calls them “webbing guides”.) You mount a couple of these loops inside and then use a strap or bungee to keep them securely in place while off-roading.
Good thoughts and ideas... it's always great to see continuous product improvements. Maybe some ideas will be helpful for them or others! Thanks for sharing.
We just got a lifted 2500HD to haul our TC and a set of those stairs and you helped me decide that the stairs won't be going inside the camper. They are either riding in the hitch basket or in the back seat.....as klutzy as I am, I would end up damaging the camper. Great video, thank you.
Haha - it's alway good to consider those things... thanks for sharing!
I wish I could add a picture here to show you my solution. Mine is a flatbed camper and the bottom of the door is 4' from the ground. Take a look at the Brophy 2 step hitch stairs...I run it from the receiver and had it modified by a fabricator to add one step above it (top step) and one step below (bottom or lowest step) for a total of 4 steps. The perfect distance between each step is 11 inches. My bottom step is removable or off road and the rest of the assembly stays attached to the truck receiver. Nothing is hanging below the receiver with the lowest step stored in the camper. I drilled LOTS of one inch holes in mine to help keep them clean and painted a one inch strip around the perimeter of each to see at night. I have anti-rattle hitch pins and they work great. Sounds a bit "complicated", but it's not...just need a welder, some steel and good measuring. I have a hitch extension welded on mine to get it the perfect distance from the back of the truck. I can put the whole thing in the camper if I want and it's not as cumbersome as having to step over the arrangement you have. Weighs about 30 pounds (all steel) but it's SOLID. It's fantastic...if you saw it you'd probably fall in love right away.
Great idea! I know exactly what you're describing. And I agree on the taller step height. I'd be happy with 10-12" steps. Great concept and engenuity. Seems a new product could be added to the market... however I do realize flatbeds are less common. Your design may give ideas for others! Thanks for sharing.
Another problem with storing things outside is thieves. I have a 3 step little guy aluminum ladder, works good but a bit bulky.
True thing! Especially in certain areas... thanks for sharing
No recent videos, ya'll still truck camping?
Yes. We have several videos but haven't blocked time for editing. We are in the final stages of a large real estate project... taking priority for our time. Should be wrapping it up by year end. Thanks for watching!
Our camper is high of the ground also. After looking at several options we finally decided using a regular 6ft."A" frame aluminum step ladder. It is light and at night we stand it up inside. Reverse the operation in the morning. Lay it down inside when traveling. Home depot $80,00 without any installation.
Thanks for sharing. Lots of ways to do it.
Does your truck have a lift or just big tires? I'm thinking about getting a truck camper instead of a pull behind just so i can get more places. I'm just concerned that it will be too top heavy. My f350 has an 8 inch lift with 40 inch tires
We have several videos showing the truck build (check them out). It is approximately 3-4" lift with 37" tires. Works great for getting into back country. If you want a dialed setup... we will be posting the truck + camper for sale later this month.
I appreciate your format (as mentioned by jedarama in an earlier comment) and effort. Keep them coming.
Much appreciated. Will keep on... :)
would they ride against the door if left on the outside all the time? Some homemade stairs I have I just fold up and put a cargo strap from jack to jack to keep them secured against the door.
This version isn't designed to be transported outside. Torklift does have another version with mount for exterior transport.
thanks for the video. how many inches is your mounting bracket off the ground?
49" from the ground
Standard house stairs are aprox. 7" - 11"
Yep. House stairs are 7" generally. I would prefer these steps to be taller (less stairs and less weight). I'd prefer 12"
Shadow stairs is best for anyone with a handy cap, like me.
Thanks for sharing! I did see Torklift offers a hand rail which may be helpful as well.
@@TruckCamper Thanks, I will look into that. It's the one reason we haven't bought another truck camper. I sure miss having one. We've truck camp for 20 plus years but laid off due to health problems. Again thank you.
Any camping trips coming up?
Yep! Heading out in a week... getting camper ready. :)