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Lippert® 2020109777 – Solid Stance Step Kit.
So why did we purchase the Solid Stance Step Stabilizer by Lippert? We have a 3 step foldout on our Keystone Premier and have always felt it was a little flimsy compared to others mainly when stepping on the first step. Our parents have a Jayco and theirs has far less give than ours did. Anna likes the new solid steps that come on most RV’s today but there are a few things that I don’t care for. So why did we purchase the Solid Stance Step Stabilizer by Lippert? We have a 3 step foldout on our Keystone Premier and have always felt it was a little flimsy compared to others mainly when stepping on the first step. Our parents have a Jayco and theirs has far less give than ours did. Anna likes the new solid steps that come on most RV’s today but there are a few things that I don’t care for.
I will admit that the new solid step is sturdy but I have some hang ups that has me considering asking to have the old style installed should we get a new trailer. I’m not a fan of having to fold out the steps each time to access the coach whether it be to throw in some groceries while on the road or checking the level when setting up on a site. I also like to check the refrigerator each time we stop and if you are in a tight lot you may not be able to fold out yours steps with someone next to you. Then there are the times when you get stuck tearing down in the rain and I dread folding up a dripping wet set of steps into the coach.
Ordering
I ran across the Solid Stance this fall and for the price I thought I would give it a try. The installation looked simple enough and I would be able to retain my original steps without the bouncy feel each time we are on them. I went online excited too get them ordered but found them out of stock and back ordered everywhere. I did see that CamperID had it listed so I gave them a shot thinking I would soon get an email after my order telling me they would be delayed. To my surprise they came in within two weeks of the order. They had them for about $33 and with shipping I was all in at $45.
Unboxing the Solid Stance
The box was delivered and didn’t look like it had picked up any damage in transit. There is a good amount of steel in the product so it has some weight to it. Upon opening there was the main support assembly and a bag with the included fasteners to finish the installation. I had seen several reviews reporting missing items but I am happy to say everything was there as it should be.
Solid Stance Step Stabilizer Installation
You will only need a few items to get this installed. A piece of 2×4, clamps, drill, 3/16″ drill bit, allen key, 3/8″ deep well socket, and ratchet. I saw installations where they were able to place the piece of wood on the second step to protect it while drilling but I would not be able to drill mine that way because it placed the Solid Stance under the top step making it impossible to drill. I used the board on end as a stop and had to drill and install with the bottom step mostly upright.
You need to mark a center point on the step and then on the Solid Stance to help in alignment. After marking you need to remove the keeper pins and fold the legs out so you can clamp and get access to the two mounting holes on each side of the unit. You locate it within the depressed area near the front of the step making sure the mounting surface is flat against the step. I used a couple of squeeze clamps to hold it in place once I had it aligned.
Once everything is clamped up you are ready to drill the mounting holes. I wanted to make sure the unit didn’t shift during the install so I installed each of the fasteners as the holes were drilled. After drilling just slide the bolt in from the top of the step and then install a washer and nut. Tighten and repeat until all fours bolts are installed. Remove the clamps and fold the legs back into the travel position using the supplied pins.
Solid Stance Step Stabilizer Operation
Operating is a breeze.
- Level coach
- Fold out steps as you normally would
- Remove keeper pin and lower each arm to ground raising back up to align with hole in bracket and replace pin
- Pull spring loaded pin from back of support leg and slide leg out until it makes contact with the ground
- Reverse to fold up for travel.
- Hint: I leave my legs one notch down. For level sights this will support the step without any changes and there is still enough clearance to fold the steps up for travel.
Does it work?
I am very happy with the result since adding this to our coach. We have no movement whatsoever now on our bottom step. Is it as solid as the new Solid Steps? Not on my three step configuration. While it does fix the flex in the bottom, you will notice a little movement on the second step during use. This happens because the step is full supported now on the ground but the hinge points don’t transfer all the load to the bottom when stepping on the second step. When stepping on the second I notice that it pushes the bottom step out a small amount and you can feel the little bit of give.
Would I recommend these to others? Most definitely! I don’t have to worry that we will break anything while on the steps and I don’t have to contend with the hassle of folding the new Solid Steps into the trailer each time.
Happy Camping!
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