This is a warning to anyone owning or considering buy one of these steps.

These steps are not stable unless used only on solid (eg concrete, not grass) and near dead level ground, as they have a tendency to roll over unless the weight is put in the very centre of the step.

I'm currently suffering a broken ankle as a result.

My local caravan shop is well aware of this problem and refuses to stock them.

Thanks Jim sorry to hear about your Ankle hopefully this post will save other from the same faith if you have one throw it out

Thanks for the warning Jim and sorry to hear of your mishap. Take care.

that's terrible Jim, we were looking for a step similar to that - thankfully we didn't get one. Rob knocked up a nice wide wooden box type one with slats on top. (4 sides and top) bottom left open. Gosh does that make sense??? Anyway here's hoping for a good recovery. cheers Val and Rob

Sorry about your mis-hap Jim.   Wish I could see it.  Repco had a good solid one in their catalogue a few months ago.  Was capable of holding a  heavy person, I think up to 130kg.

Forget the price, but under $50.00.  Friend of mine bought one after I alerted him to them.  He'd found his folding one useless.

 Cheers,
Sheba.

Geez Jim hope its better by Xmas mate, thats not good news.

We have one of those, will go look for another type now.

Thanks for the warning Jim, hope you ankle gets better quickly.

Hope the anklle mends quickly, Jim. Thanks for the warning. Cheers Dellie

Thanks friends for the kind comments, the main reason for the post however is warn of the dangers of this step.  It did not collapse, it just rolled over, which indicates that the shape is fundamentally unstable, probably because the base or "footprint" is too small relative to its height.  I mention this for the benefit of anyone making a DIY step.

Fortunately I landed on soft ground and the twisting of the ankle fractured the fibula. Could have been much worse if the tibia had broken, so fortunately I'm still able to get around and not "confined to barracks".  I had to buy a walking stick which I call my "sympathy stick"

I have replaced the step with Fiamma "Magnum" plastic step. It's much more stable and has provision for anchoring to the ground with a couple of tent pegs.

cheers,

Clumsy Jim

(edit to correct typo and spelling)


-- Edited by jimricho on Friday 26th of November 2010 06:14:32 AM

same thing happened to my wife 2 weeks ago.luckily we were at home and no damage.the step was supposed to hold up to 150kg and she is only half that weight.
rocan

Ankle! That's not good....Your other half will have to wait on you hand and foot......I use a Pura Milk crate for more steps.....Has other use's too..Storage

We use a set of folding steps from ALDI, it has three steps, takes up a bit of room, but is excellent for packing the roofrack or whatever, and doubles as an extra seat. I would suggest liberal applications of Bundy for the pain Jim... cheers pete

-- Edited by petengail on Friday 26th of November 2010 08:43:02 AM

Welcome be careful using milk crate has they get old they get brittle has been some nasty accidents, foot breaks through the crate and nasty cuts to leg has brittle plastic is very shape

Thanks for the warning Jim, hope the ankle gets better soon. I got an "exercise stepper" that somone had thrown on a street verge pick up, although 2nd hand charity stores may have some too, or keep your eye on garage sales/verge throw outs etc. It is wide and long and very stable, also has grooves for non slip (and lets water run off), it is the best step yet so if anyone can get hold of one of these they are great. Also has four stable clip on legs for extra height, although we don't use these as for us the height is ok without them. The whole unit is made of a strong plastic material including the clip on legs.

Thanks for that Brickies...I have it covered..Though .I also have a piece of board I cut just over size and sit on it with the help of a sheep skin cover.......Though I know  what your saying....Thanks

These steps are in the Repco Catalogue again.  $29.99.

Cheers,
Sheba.