Made My Lower Step Removable - Surveyor

[209surveyor]

2016 Surveyor 243RBS. With the lower step so low to the ground when opened, I've had a few trips where I couldn't open the steps all the way. So, I drilled out the rivets and installed pins. Pins are a tad bit long, but it's what the local store had in stock. Now we have a 2 or 3 step entrance.

[Bama Rambler]

It's odd that the step sat that low, but that's an excellent solution to that problem.

[OldCoot]

Cut the pins off, re-drill the pin holes and weld them to the outside of the step. Solves the problem of loosing the pins and keeps the bottom step from moving when weight gets put on it. I would even put a cord/cable/chain on the keeper pins and attach them to the step. BTW, excellent idea.

[Bama Rambler]

If you weld the pins to the steps, won't that prevent you from removing them so you can take the step off? Unless you could flex the step bracket enough to clear the shortened pins.

I do agree that it would be a good idea to cable the clips to the steps. Or just have a few sets of pins and clips.

[209surveyor]

That was my first thought to Bama, about welding the pins. But... if both pins were in the same direction, say forward to aft instead of opposite that I have now, it may work. I need to verify the aft pin has clearance when the step gets folded (with 3rd step installed).

Great idea on a lanyard for the pins, and/or extra.

[pt1655]

Well aren't you just the cleverest duck in the pond! Great thinking and great mod! Our 25' FR Surveyor only has 2 steps so I don't worry about that but I could see where that could happen; I'm amazed at how different the campground sites are for supposedly being semi level!

[DouglasReid]

Originally Posted by Bama Rambler

If you weld the pins to the steps, won't that prevent you from removing them so you can take the step off? Unless you could flex the step bracket enough to clear the shortened pins.

I do agree that it would be a good idea to cable the clips to the steps. Or just have a few sets of pins and clips.

No not if you weld them on both facing either fore or aft. as long as they face the same direction the step will just slide on and clip in place.

[OldCoot]

Weld both pins with the heads on the outside, the step supports will flex enough to disengage from the pin on one side and then the other.

[209surveyor]

OldCoot, you are correct. I was looking at this late last night. Pins should be welded with the heads out. And there is enough flex on the lower step to remove and install (pins shortened). With the pins this way, the lower step maintains alignment to the second step so it will hit the stops and stay level when extended. Thanks for the welding idea. I'll post pictures once it's completed.

[209surveyor]

Took the suggestion of welding the pins to the step, shortened, and re-drilled. Works great, can remove it in less than a minute when needed. Thanks OldCoot

[209surveyor]

2nd picture