V owners rarely pay attention to how many times they have gone in and out of the entry door, climbing and descending the folding steps, not to mention how many times they pushed them in and pulled them out. As long as they continue to do their job, that’s all that matters. Over time, however, the joints holding these steps together will wear out and eventually fall apart — usually at an inopportune time and sometimes making a fall and injury possible. Even if that never happens, the bigger 3- and 4-step models have a tendency to flex and bounce, which many RVers find disconcerting.

If you have compromised entry steps or would like a quality upgrade, Torklift International offers a practical system for all RV trailers and fifth wheels. This versatile and flexible step configuration, called the Smartstep Glowstep Revolution, requires no drilling to complete the installation and will adapt to almost any terrain once deployed.

To start with, Torklift designed an upper pivot point that has three positions for raising or lowering the top step, which provides a level surface — and the space between the top step and the entryway into your trailer is reduced to provide an easy transition without losing one’s footing. The steps have a 7.5-inch rise height, which is claimed to be the shortest in the industry. In addition, the lower section has an additional five adjustment positions via all-terrain landing legs that can easily be adjusted individually to give the best possible support. Perhaps best of all, you will no longer have to tote a portable folding step or a bunch of loose lumber in your storage compartment to enable safe passage into and out of the trailer.

Torklift’s unique entry doorstep system has several advantages when compared to a standard factory-installed step. The multi-link design allows for operation in very tight spaces (only 6 inches are needed to deploy), and a cleverly designed bushing at every hinge point promotes longevity — the company promises it won’t come loose over time and backs that claim with a lifetime warranty.

Torklift’s three-step model (A8003) is designed to fit the Cameo Carriage. All the hardware is included for a direct replacement of the original folding steps.

Removing the Torklift step assembly from its frame is the recommended procedure for a one-person install (which is the method we used for this installation); the installation can also be accomplished by unfolding the steps and resting the adjustable feet on the ground for support while installing the fasteners. If the step is too heavy to hold in place, you can cut a piece of 2×4 lumber to fit between the ground and the bottom step to support the weight. While removing the Torklift step assembly from its frame takes a little time, the recommended procedure makes the most sense.

Start by removing the bolts that hold the pivot arm and latch using the supplied hex key wrench; this will release the step assembly from its frame (save the bolts for when reattaching the steps to the frame later). Mount the step frame assembly to the factory metal enclosure below the entry door using either the 3/8- or 5/16-inch bolts through the designated holes, depending on the requirements and bolt pattern of your make and model trailer. Be sure to torque the 3/8-inch bolts to 25 ft-lb and the 5/16-inch bolts to 15 ft-lb.

Using the bolts previously removed, reattach the step assembly to the pivot arms. A word of caution here: Do not put the bolts through the latch assembly into the pivot arms. Snug the 3/8-inch bolts and Nylock nuts, backing them off approximately 1/4-turn, allowing the step to pivot around the bolt.

With most models, the step can be successfully installed with no modifications. However, to make the install work using the model A8003 step on a 2011 Carriage Cameo (as shown), it was necessary to cut a notch into the factory frame on the sides to provide clearance for the two pivot bolts. Follow the owner’s manual instructions to adjust the steps as needed so they are level. Installation time is one to three hours, depending on the application and any necessary modifications.

After unboxing, the bolt that secures the steps for shipping is removed and the pin that locks the steps in the stored position is installed. The shipping bolt that was removed after unboxing is installed in the top link permanently.

One feature that really enhances safety are the unique glow strips that are embedded into the step. These strips of light are designed glow for up to 10 hours after exposure to at least 5 minutes of light during the day. They do a very good job of guiding you during the night, providing enough light for safe foot placement on the steps. The aircraft aluminum and stainless-steel construction of the scissor-action mechanism is sturdy enough to provide a long life without compromise. And the SureGrip non-slip tread, built into the step surfaces, promotes positive footing.

Torklift offers several accessories that can be added to the Smartstep Glowstep Revolution that makes life easier — think of these clever products as additions to enhance the functionality of the step system. The GlowGlide multi-use handrail adds a big element of stability and safety to users who need a little help when negotiating steps. The SafeStep riser safety panels, meanwhile, install in the rear space between the steps to close them off, which is a big help for dogs unsure of the footing needed to climb aboard. And the Dirt Destroyer shoe scraper will remove the muck and leave it outdoors where it belongs.

The U.S.-made Smartstep Glowstep Revolution system is easy to deploy and retract, and the mechanism operates smoothly with no binding. Torklift and its website can guide you through the ordering process to make sure the right steps are purchased (MSRP is $620.99), which will fit 25/25.5- to 27.5-inch factory step openings (width). The product is available in two-step to six-step applications.

A hydraulic bottle jack and wood block are placed under the bottom step of the original system to ensure safety when removing the bolts.

When installing the new steps, the best option is to remove the step assembly from its frame to reduce weight and make it practical for one person to make the swap.

New bolts are installed through the Torklift frame and into the steel step-well panels.

New bolts are installed through the Torklift frame and into the steel step-well panels.

Bolts that are integral for the scissor mechanism to move while the steps extend/retract are first snugged and then backed off ¼-turn.

The new steps were removed and the travel areas were marked on the original step well panel.

A grinder was used to make the cut. The owners of this particular fifth wheel had to make 3-3/8- x 4-inch cuts in the factory panel.

Landing jacks can be adjusted to support steps, even on undulating terrain. This feature makes it unnecessary to carry wood blocks for stabilizing the steps.

An aforementioned pin prevents the steps from unfolding while in storage/travel mode.