EXTERIOR single step alternative to Ragusa
- Thread starter LARRYT
- Start date
I've seen some really nice DIY electric steps that worked great, but never a store bought step other than the Ragusa.
Here's a rabbit hole for you, Larry. Free of charge!
Search results for query: "Electric step"
www.gmcmotorhome.org
Either DIY custom step. Or carry an exercise step.
The issue is height and depth. So most custom steps I see swing out horizontal.
The issue is height and depth. So most custom steps I see swing out horizontal.
There was a gorgeous Palm Beach for sale at the Samsel's Bean Station rally several years ago that had a very nice electric step that worked beautifully. Open the door, and sharp and smooth, the step swung out, close the door, sharp and smooth retraction. I've lusted after a step like that ever since!
Very straightforward design.
Here's a complete photo album on the electric step for the GMC.
A drawer slide's life expectancy in the harsh underbody environment would be measured in days.
The body also moves in relation to the chassis, and that needs to be taken into account when designing the attachment points or things break.
Richard as a retired cabinet maker the slides at HD 200 lbs capacity .. i know would last longer than just days.. however it is a very good point ,you make. thank you.. thinking now of some sort of covers and well greased ..simple enough have the slides already from my past life .as far as isolated mounting reinforcing the underside of the coach floor and attaching slide frame to that.. should hold up .. still in the development stage. but it appears as it could work .. thanks again for the input it really helps... something i could do at low $ larry
Sand and ball bearings do not play well together. If you come up with a way to seal the slides I'd be very interested. They'd also have to be locking slides, yes? 12", heavy duty, locking slides... perhaps you'll get lucky.
Your coach, your cash, your call, Larry!
I have a engine vacuum operated retracting step that the PO had installed. It stays extended in the absence of vacuum and retracts with vacuum. I have it plumbed so that it retracts when I shift in to drive. It's great! Unfortunately they are no longer available as far as I know.
From reading the old forum messages from the early 2000s, Ken Rose made and sold a vacuum operated step, but I never knew there was another. I'd really like to have an automatic step, and generally if I make one of something I make more and sell them.
Please post a few pictures of the step and elaborate a bit on the vacuum setup. That'd be a great help!
Richard long way from doing it. everything you said is right.. i have and idea it maybe simple. when a get preliminary schematic would you mind to review? curious on what the auto step slides on ? also Onan slides hold up well tucked away like that ! maybe fab aluminum box where the step and slides are inside with a piece of ply to reinforce and mount to under floor. done a lot of this kind of thing in my day always bugs !! but most work out thanks again it is a pleasure larry
The auto steps I've seen don't slide, they swing - they have pivot points, not slides or bearings. I'd like to get more information on the various auto and manual swing away steps then pick the best features and design a new one. We'll talk more.
I wonder if there's a retractable pickup truck step that could be adapted? It's a huge market so I'd think there would be something that'd work?
