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Changing the Steps - Morryde Out, Alumi-tread In

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  • Changing the Steps - Morryde Out, Alumi-tread In

    Considering a modification to the 2930rl - Removing the MorRyde StepAbove that came with the RV and replacing with the Lippert Alumi-tread steps. Our previous Reflection had the Alumi-tread steps and we prefer them…so looking for community advice for tackling this.

    Remove the MorRyde StepAbove assembly - have to patch some holes in the wall and the floor. ??? Have you done it?

    Installation steps involved:
    1. Remove the metal skirting where the new stairs install. What is best way to neatly cut away the metal? Has anyone done this kind of surgery on their metal skirting?



    2) After the removal of the skirting - what kind of trim can be purchased and applied to the metal edges to give it the fit and finish, similar to stock RVs such as the Reflection line? Anyone done this?



    3) Installing the new steps - the brackets that are underneath the skirting are welded to the frame. Our Reflection had 3 steps, but the Solitude is higher and 4-steps may be better. HOWEVER! Lippert had to make this difficult - the 3-step configuration will fit into a gap of 27.5” between the two brackets, while the 4-step configuration measures 28” between the brackets. Our 2930 has a 27.75” gap…which seems to limit us to the 3-step. Some reviewers have posted they did some “convincing” and got the 28” to fit, but that seems iffy.

    So this mod isn't absolutely necessary like some have posted, regarding steps that are too long to extend in enclosed spaces. Just looking for some ideas or tips here. TIA
    Last edited by howson; 01-03-2021, 01:47 PM.
    Ed & Cindy, pups: Daisy and Penny
    2020 Ford F-450 Lariat CCLB Diesel
    2020 Solitude 2930rl-R
    Previously 2019 Reflection 260RD

  • #2
    I can't advise you on the installation procedure, but I'm in full agreement that the LCI Alumi-treads are my favorite. I was asked to do a product review on Torklift steps last year. I was provided a set of the steps at no charge in trade for a full engineering review. I disliked them so much that I removed them and returned them to the manufacturer and put the Lippert steps back in.

    Jim
    Jim and Ginnie
    2024 Solitude 310GK
    GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
    GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

    Comment


    • #3
      Originally posted by TucsonJim View Post
      I can't advise you on the installation procedure, but I'm in full agreement that the LCI Alumi-treads are my favorite. I was asked to do a product review on Torklift steps last year. I was provided a set of the steps at no charge in trade for a full engineering review. I disliked them so much that I removed them and returned them to the manufacturer and put the Lippert steps back in.

      Jim
      Thanks Jim! I was planning to try the Torklift this winter, that $500 is not going to happen. We have been relatively happy with the original LCI steps in our 2017 2600RB. Looked at the Moryde step and decided not to dump dirt inside the camper. Happy wife, happy life.

      Comment


      • #4
        Take it from a sales person who raises and lowers more steps than you could ever imagine, summer, winter, snow, ice,,,I prefer the LCI over the Torklift. If anyone complains about dirt falling off of the steps onto the floor, politely and diplomatically suggest they look at the rest of their floor. Simply put, floors get dirty when camping, period.
        Scott M. Barlag, RV Product Specialist, NW Indiana

        Comment


        • #5
          I'm going to politely disagree with the negative posts here about the Torklift steps. I've had them on my 315RLTS for longer than a year and they are fantastic for us and our two small dogs (that would NOT go up the OEM steps). I know of my friend Jim's stance towards the Torklift steps and have read his engineering report, but none of his concerns affect my family or our pets in actual usage. The only problem I've had is when I failed to secure them in the up position and damaged them myself while towing. Other than that small issue, they've been fantastic. I'd 100% buy them again in a second.

          My purpose is not to say the other opinions (or "facts" depending on your perspective) are wrong. My purpose is to provide another perspective from an owner and user. As the saying goes, to each his own. Bottom line: try them for yourself before dismissing them. Look around a campground--someone will have them. Ask if you can try them. Most folks are more than happy to show off their camper and improvements. (The steps we spotted were on a Solitude!)

          Howard
          Forum moderators are not GD employees--we are volunteers and owners presumably just like yourself. Unless specifically mentioned otherwise, we have nothing to gain should you choose to purchase a product or engage a service we discuss on this forum.

          2017 Ford F-350 DRW, '19 315RLTSPlus

          Comment


          • #6
            I’ve only had two kinds of steps - the original 3 step ‘diving board’ type that came on our 337 (not sure what they actually were), and our new four step TorkLifts. Like Howard, I love the TorkLifts. They are a little harder to deploy than the original steps, you do need to use two hands rather than one. But they are great for sites that are not level, and much sturdier than the diving board type. We had considered the flip down kinds like the MorRydes, but I don’t think we would have been able to get them out in our storage unit where we are very close to the next camper. Agree with asking other owners at a campground to try what they have, that’s how we decided to go with what we got.
            Andi
            Brookings SD
            2018 Reflection 337RLS
            2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax

            Comment


            • #7
              I agree with the “ try them yourself” advice. Everyone values different attributes. We almost purchased a 4 step version with feet . . . until we tried them. We did not like having to fiddle with the feet at every site and not being able to reach the door latch from the ground. Opening the door wth the 4 step stairs means going up one step to reach the latch and then back down to avoid the swing of the door. We have stayed with our original 3 step stairs. I can appreciate Andi’s “ diving board” description (LOL) but this is a reasonable compromise for us, to retain the simplicity of the original steps.

              Our Border Collies have no problems with these stairs. (They seldom use all the steps anyways!)

              Rob
              Cate & Rob
              (with Border Collies Molly & Angel + Kitties Hazel & Elsie)
              2015 Reflection 303RLS
              2022 F350 Diesel CC SB SRW Lariat
              Bayham, Ontario, Canada

              Comment


              • #8
                If anyone wants to read the engineering report on the Torklift steps, send me a PM and I'll forward a copy to you.

                Jim
                Jim and Ginnie
                2024 Solitude 310GK
                GDRV Technical Forum Moderator
                GDRV Rally Support Coordinator

                Comment


                • #9
                  Originally posted by Andi View Post
                  I’ve only had two kinds of steps - the original 3 step ‘diving board’ type that came on our 337 (not sure what they actually were), and our new four step TorkLifts. Like Howard, I love the TorkLifts. They are a little harder to deploy than the original steps, you do need to use two hands rather than one. But they are great for sites that are not level, and much sturdier than the diving board type. We had considered the flip down kinds like the MorRydes, but I don’t think we would have been able to get them out in our storage unit where we are very close to the next camper. Agree with asking other owners at a campground to try what they have, that’s how we decided to go with what we got.
                  Mike said to me this past week when camping with you guys that you only need one hand to operate, Andi !....lol !

                  Dan
                  Last edited by Canyonlight; 08-24-2020, 09:30 AM.
                  Dan & Carol
                  2014 303RLS Reflection #185 (10/2013 build)
                  2012 Silverado LTZ Crew Duramax 2500HD - 2700/16K Pullrite Superglide

                  Comment


                  • #10
                    Originally posted by Canyonlight View Post

                    Mike said to me this past week when camping with you guys that you only need one hand to operate, Andi !....lol !

                    Dan
                    Yeah, I'd like to see him manage that . Might work if he uses one foot like the waiter did on the door at Ode's!

                    Andi
                    Andi
                    Brookings SD
                    2018 Reflection 337RLS
                    2019 GMC Sierra 3500HD Duramax

                    Comment


                    • #11
                      Hi again,
                      I would like to BUMP this up - the thread meandered into the pros and cons of different RV steps. So here is where we are at now --
                      Yes, we want to take out the MorRyde steps and replace with the 3 step Alumi-tread. I respect everyone's right to chose what is best for them - and we like the Alumi-tread. Looking for input on the following:
                      • Grand Design used part number 570059 to trim the cut-out for the pre-2017/2018 Solitudes with the Alumi-tread steps.
                      • I would like to know the dimensions of Part # 570059 so if @GDRV-Emily or GDRV-Megan OR ANYONE with a 2015-2017 Solitude WITH this trim would u please post the measurements?
                      • I have contacted GD Parts and Pharr RV has contacted them, and because my VIN number is for a 2020 model they tell me it won't work - but I think it CAN be done. The measurements would determine that.
                      The steps are going in - and I would really prefer to use the nice trim that is/was made for Solitudes 3 or 4 years ago instead of using black pinch trim. I'm attaching a picture from the Parts description - you can see no measurements are given. Thanks!
                      Cindy
                      Click image for larger version  Name:	Part_570059.png Views:	0 Size:	292.0 KB ID:	34345
                      Attached Files
                      Last edited by TS_Breezes; 11-09-2020, 12:41 PM.
                      Ed & Cindy, pups: Daisy and Penny
                      2020 Ford F-450 Lariat CCLB Diesel
                      2020 Solitude 2930rl-R
                      Previously 2019 Reflection 260RD

                      Comment


                      • #12
                        Originally posted by TS_Breezes View Post
                        Hi again,
                        I would like to BUMP this up - the thread meandered into the pros and cons of different RV steps. So here is where we are at now --
                        Yes, we want to take out the MorRyde steps and replace with the 3 step Alumi-tread. I respect everyone's right to chose what is best for them - and we like the Alumi-tread. Looking for input on the following:
                        • Grand Design used part number 570059 to trim the cut-out for the pre-2017/2018 Solitudes with the Alumi-tread steps.
                        • I would like to know the dimensions of Part # 570059 so if @GDRV-Emily or GDRV-Megan OR ANYONE with a 2015-2017 Solitude WITH this trim would u please post the measurements?
                        • I have contacted GD Parts and Pharr RV has contacted them, and because my VIN number is for a 2020 model they tell me it won't work - but I think it CAN be done. The measurements would determine that.
                        The steps are going in - and I would really prefer to use the nice trim that is/was made for Solitudes 3 or 4 years ago instead of using black pinch trim. I'm attaching a picture from the Parts description - you can see no measurements are given. Thanks!
                        Cindy
                        Click image for larger version Name:	Part_570059.png Views:	0 Size:	292.0 KB ID:	34345
                        I'll reach out to the parts dept to see if I can get these measurements for you.

                        Comment


                        • #13
                          Thank you Megan!
                          Ed & Cindy, pups: Daisy and Penny
                          2020 Ford F-450 Lariat CCLB Diesel
                          2020 Solitude 2930rl-R
                          Previously 2019 Reflection 260RD

                          Comment


                          • #14
                            Originally posted by TS_Breezes View Post
                            Thank you Megan!
                            I apologize for the delay. We have been working with the parts department and the vendor for more information on this. Unfortunately, they do not have the dimensions or a print that they could provide. We also don't have any in stock to measure.

                            Comment


                            • #15
                              UPDATE: Purchased GD part number 570059 - black, smooth-finish, step trim. Upon inspection it fit the bend in the skirting on the Solitude, but had excess material to reach the bottom of the door. The aluminum skirting was trimmed away with tin snips (measure multiple times before cutting!!!) then the new 3-step Alumi-Tread stairs were installed using bolts, washers, lock-washers and nuts purchased from Lowes and a jack to lift them into place. They went in with no problem. Once stairs were in place - the new molding was trimmed to fit tight under the door and installed using black aluminum rivets (Amazon) at the dimpled locations indicated on the molding. When the install was done, then the Mor-Ryde Easy Lift steps were disassembled and removed...leaving 4 holes in the linoleum floor and holes in the lower interior door trim. That trim will get replaced eventually. Total job took about 3 1/2 hours. New steps are appreciated - first trip with them I-81 was closed several exits ahead of us due to a multi-vehicle crash and we got off the road to sit it out on an entrance ramp. We were pretty close to a guardrail and if we had the Mor-Ryde steps we would not have been able to get completely over onto the shoulder. Click image for larger version

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                              Ed & Cindy, pups: Daisy and Penny
                              2020 Ford F-450 Lariat CCLB Diesel
                              2020 Solitude 2930rl-R
                              Previously 2019 Reflection 260RD

                              Comment

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