Hi. We are waiting for our Van to be built and in this idle time have been trying to decide what type of Step we need to get in and out of our Van. The Van is a Brilliant Cobra Off road and has NO step fitted. At recent Caravan shows we have seen the Van on display and the seller has a plastic step for people to use. I have also looked at other Vans and seen many different types of steps, plastic, steel, wide, narrow, 2 step, 1 step and most recently a similar van parked on Deakin Ave in Mildura with a FIXED step. I liked this idea but could not contact the people of that van. We will not be going fully off road so having a fixed step that hangs a bit wouldn't be a problem (I hope). Thoughts??
Dougwe said
04:56 PM Jul 28, 2016
Welcome to the gang Bon, enjoy here and out in the playground.
After checking I noticed you joined up in February this year but must have slipped in the back door as I missed your arrival, naughty me.
I have a fixed caravan step that is used all of the time but still have a metal fold up portable that is also used to make it a little easier as the bones are getting older. All works for me. Maybe think of both for your Cobra.
macka17 said
06:00 PM Jul 28, 2016
I'd say, if your missus shorter, or older legs.
Get a built in/under. slide or swing out single/double step.
I've tried a few and prefer that one.
Welded/bolted to underneath the chassis at point of door.
I once went right through a single free standing step.
Admittedly old and well used.
BUT....
Meredith said
09:41 PM Jul 28, 2016
Our van originally came without a fixed step, and for the first couple of years we used a plastic step. We found it occasionally felt unstable and installed a fixed swing out step, and we are much happier with it now. My husband installed it himself, but if you are having the van built I would ask the builder to install one.
Treecrest14 said
10:12 PM Jul 28, 2016
I'd suggest a double fold out step as your van will be quite high being off road. There are 2 issues with a separate step, 1) it takes more storage when travelling and 2) can be unstable if the ground is not flat. The step can be either bolted, but I prefer welded to the chassis.
Bruce and Bev said
10:47 PM Jul 28, 2016
Ours has a metal slide out step which is completely hidden when not in use, but Ive got size 30 feet and often kick it when getting in the 'van making one hell of a clatter.
We don't use it at all - bought a standalone metal one which in much wider and deeper and with foldup legs that lock out so it doesn't inadvertently close on you when you stand on it. Most caravan Dealers have them and no doubt you can buy them on E Bay. Cost us about $70.
Have a mate with an off-roader and an electric fold-out step. He recently went through some deep puddles on a metal road and water got into the electrics - now it doesn't work. Hes not going to fix it - buy a free standing step instead.
Don't buy a plastic one. Over time the plastic breaks down and there have been posts on this site previously of news reports where someone has stood on one and their foot has gone right through it with serious foot and ankle injuries from the jagged plastic
Cupie said
09:26 AM Jul 29, 2016
Bruce and Bev wrote:
snip
Don't buy a plastic one. Over time the plastic breaks down and there have been posts on this site previously of news reports where someone has stood on one and their foot has gone right through it with serious foot and ankle injuries from the jagged plastic
Not a problem for me. I usually loose them by leaving behind before they get that old.
the rocket said
01:20 PM Jul 29, 2016
Hi bon, cannot help with your question just wanted to pop in and say hi. Regards rocket n strop
LLD said
03:10 PM Jul 29, 2016
Had a pullout metal on my old van. This van has a standalone metal one that just sits inside the van on the step when not in use. Never had any issues with stability. Just make sure you get one that will carry your weight plus what you are carrying (incl grandkids - think mine is 120-130kg).
I also often need same step to attach the de-flappers or climb up into my ute. Not missing to pullout one.
Friends who have a pullout one still have to carry a portable step as the pullout one is often too high when on a bit of a slope.
Eaglemax said
04:09 PM Jul 29, 2016
Just completing our round oz trip. Get a fixed pull out one installed by the manufacturer. One less job to worry about, cleaning legs etc. Our double alloy steps carry a bit of water after raining so if we don't dry it water seeps onto the floor.
Were building another van soon so we'll have the mounted steps
Tony
I have the single step at the bottom of the RHS under the bottom shelf in my kitchen pantry as there is no way wife or I can reach top shelf without help.
Also have the old fashioned stool with the legs that fold down in my shed.
Hi. We are waiting for our Van to be built and in this idle time have been trying to decide what type of Step we need to get in and out of our Van. The Van is a Brilliant Cobra Off road and has NO step fitted. At recent Caravan shows we have seen the Van on display and the seller has a plastic step for people to use. I have also looked at other Vans and seen many different types of steps, plastic, steel, wide, narrow, 2 step, 1 step and most recently a similar van parked on Deakin Ave in Mildura with a FIXED step. I liked this idea but could not contact the people of that van. We will not be going fully off road so having a fixed step that hangs a bit wouldn't be a problem (I hope). Thoughts??
After checking I noticed you joined up in February this year but must have slipped in the back door as I missed your arrival, naughty me.
I have a fixed caravan step that is used all of the time but still have a metal fold up portable that is also used to make it a little easier as the bones are getting older. All works for me. Maybe think of both for your Cobra.
Get a built in/under. slide or swing out single/double step.
I've tried a few and prefer that one.
Welded/bolted to underneath the chassis at point of door.
I once went right through a single free standing step.
Admittedly old and well used.
BUT....
We don't use it at all - bought a standalone metal one which in much wider and deeper and with foldup legs that lock out so it doesn't inadvertently close on you when you stand on it. Most caravan Dealers have them and no doubt you can buy them on E Bay. Cost us about $70.
Have a mate with an off-roader and an electric fold-out step. He recently went through some deep puddles on a metal road and water got into the electrics - now it doesn't work. Hes not going to fix it - buy a free standing step instead.
Don't buy a plastic one. Over time the plastic breaks down and there have been posts on this site previously of news reports where someone has stood on one and their foot has gone right through it with serious foot and ankle injuries from the jagged plastic
Not a problem for me. I usually loose them by leaving behind before they get that old.
Hi bon, cannot help with your question just wanted to pop in and say hi. Regards rocket n strop
I also often need same step to attach the de-flappers or climb up into my ute. Not missing to pullout one.
Friends who have a pullout one still have to carry a portable step as the pullout one is often too high when on a bit of a slope.
This is the step we use. It would work well with an off road van.
I have the single step at the bottom of the RHS under the bottom shelf in my kitchen pantry as there is no way wife or I can reach top shelf without help.
Also have the old fashioned stool with the legs that fold down in my shed.