Interior Steps

[Sharon98382]

2017 303RSL here with 2 very high step to get from living area to bedroom. Has anyone changed the 2 step to 3 step modification? If so how.
Thank you!

[TedS]

I have the same in my 2021 310rls. The rises, yes different rise per step, are 8.5 and 9 inches. A trip and stumble hazard.
I have not yet decided on a solution other than some kind of rebuild to three steps. I don't have quite enough run from bedroom landing to livingroom slide.

Does GD know about stairstep standards for rise and run?

[Canyonlight]

QUOTE=Sharon98382;n68318]2017 303RSL here with 2 very high step to get from living area to bedroom. Has anyone changed the 2 step to 3 step modification? If so how.
Thank you![/QUOTE]

Early build Reflection Fivers starting in 2014 (and Rob's Cate&Rob ) also have the two step design. Feedback from owners lead GDRV to re-design to a 3 step build. Until this happened in late 2017 as I recall, there were a number of folks who shared their design and pictures elsewhere on another forum. I don't think I can share that forum name but possibly if Rob as a Moderator chimes in he can share what may be allowed.

Dan

[tgodrich]

I am going to modify my 2016 303RLS to have three steps instead of the two I have. But I have had the new steps (got part numbers from 2018 model) on order since last March and still have not gotten them. The dealer says they ordered directly from GD.

[Cate&Rob]

As Canyonlight Dan notes . . . this was a much discussed topic on an earlier forum. The limitation is that to get a reasonable rise and run, the steps will partially overlap the doorway. There are some successful designs that accomplished this.

Also as Dan notes, the separation from that forum (where I was a moderator) was complex and included the stipulation by the new owner of that forum that there be no cross communication or mention of one forum on the other. Although we are not bound by that requirement on this forum, we choose to abide by his wishes.

However . . . Google is your friend . . . Search on “steps Cate&Rob” and you will likely find what you are looking for .

Rob

[Yoda]

The other option is to check with a local carpenter. Steps are not hard to build and as there is access to the back from the pass through should be fairly easy for them. However have them mock them up for you to try first. My thought is the run may be a little short for comfort unless the landing can be extended. I have built a lot of deck and other steps in my time and getting the rise run comfortable is sometimes difficult.

Hope this helps

[Cate&Rob]

The ideal rise and run for stairs is 7 - 11 (7" rise with 11" run) and all should be as close to identical rise as possible. As you reduce the rise of each step (going from two steps to three) you should increase the run for comfortable walking. This is where it gets difficult in the space available between the entry door and the upper level of the RV. Grand Design builds with two steps of slightly greater than ideal rise because there is not enough space for three steps with sufficient run. It will be a compromise . . . no matter which way you go.

The attached picture is from another similar discussion. I would give appropriate credit if I could recall who's work this is. It is very well done. Note the overlap on the entry door opening to gain sufficient run for each step.

Rob

[Guest]

There is a range of rise to run and can vary between OSHA, IBC, Canada and the US. Had an odd height porch on a previous home and purchased a pre-cast step with 8" risers that met code.

Jim

[TedS]

My steps three rises are 9", 8", 9". The first step down in the morning is almost always a surprise. I've come to appreciate the handrail.

[Guest]

TedS Ted,

The inconsistency is bad. Same issue I had with a sticks and bricks vacation home where it was down right dangerous. Oh and the three tier step was solid concrete. LOL Who does that?

Jim

[Jlawles2]

IIRC there is a requirement in home building that steps be no more than 1" different. Any more than that and it creates a tripping hazard.

[TedS]

This link notes 3/8" max variation. A person is surprisingly sensitive to step variation.

https://stairs4u.com/code/maximum_va...tair_riser.htm

Local codes may vary. Any opinion from GD?

[GeoTech]

2017 303RSL here with 2 very high step to get from living area to bedroom. Has anyone changed the 2 step to 3 step modification? If so how.
Thank you!

Our new to us 2017 Reflection two step (sounds like a dance move 🕺🏻) has a total rise of 21-3/4". The lower step was 10.5" & the second was 11.25! Our first real trip (4 weeks traveling/camping this spring) saw my wife hanging on for dear life to the small railing. A trip to a local hardware store in Murfreesburo Ar. we picked up another railing for her. Later this summer I (finally) rebuilt them after recovering from having major open heart surgery. Made one huge mistake, that was not taking before the work pics!

[Country Campers]

Our new to us 2017 Reflection two step (sounds like a dance move 🕺🏻) has a total rise of 21-3/4". The lower step was 10.5" & the second was 11.25! Our first real trip (4 weeks traveling/camping this spring) saw my wife hanging on for dear life to the small railing. A trip to a local hardware store in Murfreesburo Ar. we picked up another railing for her. Later this summer I (finally) rebuilt them after recovering from having major open heart surgery. Made one huge mistake, that was not taking before the work pics!

That is a very nice looking set of steps, you may have inspired me but not sure if the wife will stand for that though. Thanks for the picture.

Brian

[Cate&Rob]

Changing from two steps to three means extending the lower step past the entry door opening. This step should be easily removable. If you ever need to replace things like the fridge or large furniture . . . you will need the full width of the doorway all the way to the floor. Ask me how I know this . . . .

Rob