Best Portable RV Steps IdeaS (with Platforms, extensions, DYI, etc)

Are you looking for convenient entry stairs for your RV? You should consider portable RV steps. As the name suggests, portable RV steps don’t require any installation. Not to mention, portable RV steps are cheaper than permanent RV entry stairs.

Beyond that, you’re less likely to cause an accident if you forget to retract your portable RV steps before you drive; we can’t say the same about permanent RV entry stairs.

So, what are your options if you want to choose portable RV stairs? In this guide, we’ll share with you the best portable RV steps ideas. Let’s get down to it!

Portable RV Steps Ideas

	Product's name	Best for	Gallons per minute	More Info
	Stromberg Carlson S-150 Steel Platform Step	Most durable option	300 lbs	See Latest Price
	Delxo Folding Step Stool One Metal Step Stool for Adults Heavy Duty Step...	Best portability	330 lbs	See Latest Price
	Wood Step Stool for Bed with 400lb Load Capacity -Assembly Required(Light...	Best multi-purpose	400 lbs	See Latest Price
	Winsome Wood -WW Stool, Antique Walnut	Best height Level	250 lbs	See Latest Price
No products found.	No products found.	Best load capacity	1000 lbs	No products found.
	Homeon Wheels Stable RV Steps, Adjustable Aluminum Folding Platform Step...	Best surface grip	1000 lbs	See Latest Price
	Bee Neat 2 Step Small Folding Stool Ladder for Office, Garage, Library,...	Most convenient for storage	300 lbs	See Latest Price
	Camco Heavy Duty 9" Folding Step with Textured Non-Slip Surface - Folds...	Best lightweight	300 lbs	See Latest Price
	Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Second Step for Fifth Wheel	Best for children and senior citizens	300 lbs	See Latest Price
	Buyers Products 3013658 Poly Step (Step, Poly, Utility, 2 Steps, Black)	Best slip resistant	350 lbs	See Latest Price
	Rubbermaid RM-P2 2-Step Molded Plastic Stool with Non-Slip Step Treads,...	Best RV steps for indoor	300 lbs	See Latest Price

If you’re looking for different portable RV steps designs, here are a few ideas:

RV steps with platform

This is a type of portable RV step with just one platform at the top and no extra steps. It looks like a mini-table but is designed with retractable legs that are slip-resistant.

A portable RV step with a platform would be convenient if you want a multi-purpose support system; you could use it to walk into your RV or access hard to clean areas on your motor home.

For the best RV steps with a platform, you could consider the following options:

1- Stromberg Carlson S-150 Steel Platform Step

This Stromberg Carlson RV Platform Step is made out of high-grade steel that can support up to 300 pounds. Don’t worry, the steel is coated with a powder finish to prevent rust and corrosion. On top of that, the platform is covered with non-skid tape so you don’t slip when you’re stepping on it.

Besides that, the platform is 24-inch wide which is more than enough space for an adult. If you stretch the legs, it will stand at 8 inches tall; but if you fold the legs, you will reduce the height by half.

The downside? Because it’s made of steel, it weighs about 15 pounds which is heavy compared to plastic or aluminum-made platforms.

2- Delxo Platform One Step Ladder

This is one of the cheapest RV steps with a platform yet it has a weight capacity of up to 330 pounds; that’s impressive considering more expensive platforms can’t hold that much weight. Like that’s not enough, it weighs just 4.5 pounds and you can easily fold the legs for easy storage in your RV.

If you open the legs, you should have a height of 6.8 inches which should be ideal for most compact RVs. Better yet, the legs and top platform are reinforced with anti-slip plastic and rubber so you don’t fall on a slippery surface.  

However, this platform is about 10 inches wide which could be a deal-breaker for some RV dwellers.

Wooden RV steps

These types of portable RV steps are made out of wood, and they’re best suited for pets or indoor use in your RV. In fact, wooden RV steps would be convenient for your RV sleeping area especially if you have a bunk bed.

If you’re searching for the best portable RV wooden steps, we recommend the following options:

3- RORKEE Wooden Step Stool 

How about a wooden step stool with a maximum weight capacity of 400 lbs? It’s approximately 15.7 inches with a height of 13 inches; this should be compact enough for your RV doorway. Besides that, you could use it as a bedside step stool, cleaning ladder, storage shelf, or a plant stand.

Another thing; the pinewood used to make this step stool is reinforced with a heavy-duty iron frame to improve durability. Surprisingly, it doesn’t weigh more than 10 pounds despite the extra material.

Unfortunately, this wooden step stool doesn’t have foldable legs. However, it’s easy to assemble since it comes with tools and an instruction manual.

4- Winsome Wood Stool Steps 

For what it’s worth, these Winsome wood stool steps are designed with two height levels; the lower level is 10.5 inches above the floor and the top platform has a height of 21.5 inches. In fact, this unit has one of the highest height levels on our guide.

But that’s not all; the stool is about 18 inches wide and it can support a maximum weight load of up to 250 pounds. Did we mention that you can also fold the lower step for convenient storage?

On the flip side, this wood stood stool is fragile and if you don’t assemble it properly, you could easily break it. 

Adjustable Leg RV Platform Steps

How about an RV platform with legs that allow you to adjust the height? They’re often made out of aluminum and the legs are fitted with non-slip rubber; this means they’re ideal for uneven surfaces.

Here are some of the best adjustable leg RV platforms on the market:

5- Camco Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform

Believe it or not, this Camco RV platform weighs about 8 pounds yet it can support a maximum load of 1,000 pounds. Of course, the manufacturer reduced the weight by using aluminum material that doesn’t rust. In addition to that, the platform is covered with grip tape and the feet are fitted with non-slip rubber.

Talking about the height, you can adjust it from 7.5 inches to 9 inches. On the other hand, the platform is about 19 inches wide which shouldn’t be inconvenient for most people. If you want to store it in your RV, you can fold the feet and cut down the height to 3 inches.

There is just one thing; we think the maximum height could have been improved. For that reason, this platform wouldn’t be convenient for RVs with very high ground clearance. However, it’s possible to use these portable platform steps with adjustable legs with your permanent RV entry stairs.  

6- Homeon Wheels SP-200 Adjustable RV Steps

If you’re looking for a low-budget option that is taller than average, you should consider the Homeon Wheels SP-200 Adjustable RV Steps with a maximum height of 12.2 inches. It’s even more impressive that you can fold it to about 2.8 inches if you want to store it.

Thanks to its aluminum material, it weighs about 6 pounds but can hold up to 1,000 pounds of weight. Just when you think it couldn’t get any better, it features a plastic carrying handle, an anti-slip gripper strip, a reflective strip, and anti-slip rubber feet.

Like most RV platforms with adjustable legs, we don’t think this would be suitable for RVs with a ground clearance higher than 15 inches. Then again, this is a multi-purpose platform that can also be used inside your RV.

Foldable RV Steps

Foldable RV steps are designed to be folded to minimize space for storage. They can also be used as a portable chair when you’re out camping.

If you’re interested, you should consider the following options:

7- Bee Neat 2 Step Folding Stool

This is not just a folding step stool for your RV doorway, but you can also use it to clean, paint or access hard to reach areas on your motorhome. In fact, you can use it as a chair when you want to sit down outside your RV.

What makes it convenient? To begin with, it weighs about 5 pounds and you can fold it to store it under your RV bed or sofa. What’s more, it has a maximum height of 17.5 inches and is strong enough to support up to 300 pounds. Not to mention, it’s fitted with non-slip rubber feet so you don’t wobble when standing.

Its biggest drawback is that it’s made out of plastic; that means you can easily break it if you’re not careful.

8- Camco Heavy Duty Folding Step

With a weight of just 3 pounds, this is the lightest portable RV step on our guide. It’s made of a durable polypropylene material that can hold a maximum weight of up to 300 pounds. Better yet, the material doesn’t degrade or fade over time even if you expose it to direct sunlight.

The maximum height of this folding stool is 9 inches, but you can reduce it to 2 inches for easier storage. On top of that, the step surface is about 12 inches wide and designed with a non-slip surface so you don’t fall.

Its biggest snag? It seems the manufacturer compromised the height to minimize the weight. However, if you prioritize portability over height, there shouldn’t be a reason to complain.

Porch Style RV Steps

Porch-style RV steps are made with handrails for extra support. Because of that, they’re a convenient option for children or senior citizens.

If you want the best porch style RV steps, you should consider the following option:

9- Stromberg Carlson EHS-102-R Steps for RV

This Stromberg Carlson porch-style RV entry step has a maximum height of 20.5 inches from the ground; this should be suitable for RV trailers with high ground clearance. If that doesn’t convince you, the landing platform is 27 inches wide and big enough for 2 adults to stand on it.

To top it off, it comes with an interchangeable handrail that would be handy for children, senior citizens, and injured or disabled people. It should be ideal for most RV dwellers as long as you don’t exceed 300 pounds. 

If we have to say it, we think it’s too heavy and bulky compared to other types of portable RV steps. But on the bright side, you don’t need another permanent entry stairs on your RV. 

Solid Plastic Box RV Steps

These types of portable RV steps are made from solid plastic with no moving parts. Based on the design and material, solid plastic box RV steps are very durable and multi-purpose.

Here are your best options for solid plastic RV steps:  

10- Buyers Products Poly Step

Surprisingly, this solid plastic box is made out of plastic but it can hold up to 350 pounds. However, it weighs about 13 pounds; this is by design so it doesn’t get blown away by the wind unless there is a hurricane.

Another cool thing is that it will lift you at least 16 inches off the ground. Similarly, the surface is not slippery even when it’s raining; and it’s 21 inches wide which is more than enough for most people.

The only fly in the ointment is that you can’t fold it to save space. This could be a deal-breaker if you have a compact RV.

11- Rubbermaid RM-P2 Plastic Stool Step

This is a multi-purpose portable RV step that can also be used as a stool. It’s about 18 inches wide with a height of about 16 inches from the ground. Talking about portability, it shouldn’t be a problem since it weighs about 5.6 pounds and you can use the cut-out handle to carry it around.

What about the load capacity? Well, it can support just about anyone with a weight of up to 300 pounds. The top platform is also covered with non-slip plastic and the legs are padded with rubber.

However, this stool step is not suitable for an uneven surface. If you have to use it outside your RV, make sure you’ve parked on flat even ground.

How To Build Free Standing Steps By Yourself

All you need to build yourself portable RV steps are 2 pieces of ¾ inch plywood, a back piece, and steps with customized 2 x 2 inch lumbar.  

If you want to build free-standing steps for your RV by yourself, this is what you need to do:

Step 1. Measure the inches from the ground to your RV door using a tape measure. Once you’ve figured out the measurement; divide it by 7; this should tell you how many steps you will need.

Step 2. Find two pieces of plywood that are at least ¾ inch thick. Make sure the plywood length matches the ground clearance of your RV.

Step 3. Cut out the plywood with a tread depth of 10.5 inches and the spaces between the steps going upwards should be about 6.5 inches.

Step 4. Find a back piece that is customized with 2 x 2-inch lumber that you can slide the plywood on both ends. Make sure the back piece of wood measurement is consistent with the width and ground clearance height of your RV doorway.

Step 5. Once you’ve attached the back piece with the plywood, insert nails into the gap to improve stability.

Step 6. Cut out the steps to match the width of the back piece attached to the plywood. The length of the steps should also be consistent with the tread depth of the plywood.

Step 7. Add 2 x 2-inch lumbers on the bottom ends of the steps on both sides close to the edge.

Step 8. Slide the steps on top of the plywood; it should be easy after you’ve customized the 2 x 2 inch lumbers.

For more detailed instructions, here is a video to explain the process:

FAQ

Conclusion

In a nutshell, portable RV steps are cheaper, lightweight, and easy to store. Of course, you can also use portable RV steps for other things besides climbing into your RV.

If we had to choose the overall best portable RV steps, we would pick the Camco Adjustable Height Aluminum Platform. This is because they’re durable, and lightweight with a load capacity of 1,000 pounds. Another cool feature is that you can adjust the height.