Tips to keep dirt from dumping into camper when steps are raised

reneegavin

Advanced Member
Joined
May 22, 2011
Posts
85
No matter how much I clean our stairs, I always have dirt (and bugs) that gathers in the grooves underneath and dumps into the camper when folding the steps up. Have any of you found tips for stopping this from happening?
 
I keep a rugged outdoor mat out and a small washable bath mat (essentially just a thick towel) inside. I sweep off the steps, but still get plenty of dirt inside.

I'm going to buy a small battery operated leaf blower like TitanMike suggested. And my nephews bought me a small shop vac for christmas that is the same brand as the other cordless tools I keep in the RV.
 
My bride uses a whisk broom to clean them off. Not a big deal, just the nature of the beast when camping. This year we are trying out the "Muddy Mat" to see if it really catches the dirt and debris off of footwear. :nodding:
 
Keep a whisk per room in the passenger door of the truck and then we have the Ryobi cordless back that we usually take with us but a leaf blower could work as well
 
I use a aluminum ramp we found
It’s only a inch or so high …then sloped to the front
Stops the legs from digging into the dirt
Only use it at home though not dragging it to campgrounds
The mat is good enough for short term
 
Not much can keep bugs from getting into the grooves under the steps.
You might try spraying with bug spray to discourage them from finding a resting place under the steps.
A tire inflator would blow out the dirt, but bugs are a bit more difficult.
 
Floor mat outside with a sign to remember to use it
Bigger mat inside because sign don’t work.
The sign won't work for our little dog Clyde. He hasn't learned to read.
We adopted him 3 years ago at 8 years old so he might be too old to learn now.
We have the foot mat outside and a 24" X 36" rug inside.
We also have a shoe brush outside. Clyde hasn't figured that out either.
I've decided I can't stop all of the dirt/sand from dumping off the steps I when raise them up. Oh well.
 
Choose your battle.
The Camco step covers held in place with springs work for me.

But:
Seems like every move day it rains the night before. :)

I just toss them in the pass thru standing up inside one of my stab jack supports after letting them sit standing up while tearing down.
 
The bigger mat inside is to try and catch the dirt … then once in a while shake the mat outside

No matter how much we clean the steps something always drops onto the floor when we pack up

My door is at the rear …..so under frame steps are not a great option

I’d probably wipe them out each time I reverse the trailer over my sidewalk
 
Boot brush kinda hard on toes when you wear flip flops 89% of the time

Can try it though… what’s one more form of Aussie abuse?
 
Out camping in the bush and brambles. Expect some dirt. Just likewise, expect to clean it up from time to time. Even hospital surgical rooms have to be cleaned from time to time. No big deal on either front. :(

Bob
 
My bride uses a whisk broom to clean them off. Not a big deal, just the nature of the beast when camping. This year we are trying out the "Muddy Mat" to see if it really catches the dirt and debris off of footwear. :nodding:
We use one of these for our back door, for the dogs going in/out. Seems to work fairly well, unless they are really wet or just jump over the mat because they're running.
 
After listening to our friends that have RVs with solid stairs, it sounds like no matter how they clean the stairs, there is always debris on the floor when they bring them in and again after traveling. They keep a cordless vac nearby to quickly clean it up. And if it has rained, they put a towel underneath.

One of the many reasons solid stairs did not make it onto my list of things to have on a new RV.
 
Boot brush kinda hard on toes when you wear flip flops 89% of the time

Can try it though… what’s one more form of Aussie abuse?
My bride is the sandals and flip-flop queen. She's been known to wear flip-flops out on the deck to BBQ at -20° F, but she quit wearing them during camping after she sliced open her toe on a glacial rift rock! She now wears sneakers or hiking boots. :nodding:
 

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