Many caravanners, motorhomers and campervan owners are looking for the perfect set of steps to make life easier when accessing their caravan or vehicle. The good news is that there are many different types available, which will suit every budget and need.
We’ll briefly discuss the various types of caravan steps, from foldable ones that will neatly store away when not in use, to those with a handrail; there’s a set for every budget and need.
Which set of caravan steps is right for you?
There are a few important things to know before you buy your caravan steps. These include: What height do I need? What is the material? Is it foldable or not, and does it have a handrail or not? With these questions in mind, choosing the right set of steps for your caravan should be pretty straightforward.
Foldable or with a handrail?
If you’re looking for just the basics, then a simple set of two foldable steps would be perfect. These come as standard with most caravans and campervans these days , but if yours doesn’t, then these are an inexpensive and compact way to solve the problem. They can be folded up when not in use and stored away easily.
A set of four caravan steps with a handrail is another great option. These allow easy access to your caravan or campervan, without any risk of losing balance, or if you or a family-member aren’t as fleet-footed as you used to be. The high side(s) can also provide a useful surface for securing items while you’re unloading from the back of your vehicle – just remember that they can take up a lot of space, so you’ll need to find somewhere to store them when not in use.
Single-step or double-step?
Do you need one step or two, basically? If you’re not sure, a good rule of thumb is to take a look at the height difference between your caravan and car or van. A two-step set should be enough for any vehicle with a higher towbar, and will provide a more stable surface when stepping onto it from the ground. If there’s only one step, they’ll often fold up against the side of your caravan so that they can
Is the steps material important?
Steel can be heavy, which is why aluminium steps are more popular. Plastic also offers a lightweight option, but the surface can be slippery in wet conditions so you may want to think about fitting anti-slip mats if choosing plastic.
What size of steps?
Most caravan step sets will be 2x1m (2ft x 1ft) with a maximum height of 6cm (2in). However, if your vehicle is taller than the average and your caravan has a low towbar, then it’s worth investing in a set of steps that are 3x1m (3ft x 1ft) and have a maximum height of 10cm (4in).