Do you wish that it was easier to access your caravan or RV?
Maybe you have young children who struggle to stretch their legs up to the top. Or perhaps you don’t have enough space to fully open the caravan door and use the in-built step. Whatever the reason, there’s an easy solution.
A set of caravan steps will make your life much easier. Of course, you could just go to a hardware store and buy any old set. But the best caravan steps are specially designed to be compatible with camping vehicles.
In this guide, we’ll look at some different steps from several manufacturers. Let’s get started!
| Fiamma RV Step Magnum | Wanderer Folding Aluminium Caravan Step | Coast Single Pull-Out Caravan Step - Galvanized Steel | Milenco MGI RV Double Step |
---|---|---|---|---|
best value | ||||
200 kg | 200 kg | N/A | N/A | |
Polypropelyne | Aluminium | Zinc-plated steel | Recycled plastics | |
1.3 kg | 3.7 kg | 7 kg | 2.9 kg | |
Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | |
580 x 400 x 240 mm | 480 x 370 x 210 mm | 180 x 300 x 530 mm | First step: 185mm | |
1 year | 1 year | 1 year | 1 year |
Best Caravan Steps Australia
Fiamma RV Step Magnum
Best Value
Let’s start with one of the best products in this guide. At around $30 (with a 1 year warranty) it’s also one of the cheapest.
This Fiamma RV Step is basic to the extreme. But it doesn’t compromise on quality despite the price. Firstly, it’s made from UV resistant polypropylene. This is very useful because it will face a lot of exposure to the Australian sun.
A max load of 200kg is as good as any of the other caravan steps we’ll look at. Meanwhile, it has a large surface area with a non-skid surface so you don’t need to worry about losing your footing.
Another nice touch is that you can peg the legs to the ground for extra stability. These little details make a world of difference.
If there’s one flaw with these caravan steps it’s the fact that you can’t fold them away. They’re clunkier and less compact than other models but that’s the compromise you make for the price.
There are fancier caravan steps in this guide. But if you’re looking for a safe, cheap, and effective set, then the Fiamma Magnum is perfect for you.
Wanderer Large Folding Aluminium Caravan Step
Runner Up
Folding caravan steps are popular because it’s very easy to stow them away. That’s what makes the Wanderer Large Folding Aluminium Caravan Step a decent option.
These caravan steps are made from aluminium so they’re quite light. However, they’re still strong and sturdy so you can use them without worrying about stability. Like all good caravan steps, they also have a non-slip tread.
The Wanderer has the same 200kg weight limit as the Fiamma option. This is impressive because folding steps often have a lower maximum weight to ensure their integrity isn’t compromised.
However, there’s no pretending that these steps aren’t expensive. At almost $90, they’re the priciest in this guide. But they do come with a 1 year warranty and added convenience factor.
Coast Single Pull-Out Caravan Step - Galvanized Steel 530mm
Runner Up
What’s better than a set of folding caravan steps? If you want to remove the storage issue, then pull-out steps could be the right fit for you.
This Coast single pull-out step is retractable so you can pull it out or slot it away as you wish. It’s made from galvanized steel with non-slip zinc plating so it’s durable and safe. You can also affix it to different types of vehicles.
However, it’s not as flexible as other options because it is fixed to one caravan or motorhome. With other types of caravan steps, you can use them for other purposes, e.g. home DIY.
Unfortunately, Coast doesn’t disclose a maximum weight capacity.
It’s cheaper than the Wanderer at around $75 with a 1 year warranty. It’s difficult to say that one is better than the other because it depends on personal taste.
Milenco MGI RV Double Step
Best Double Step Option
Now let’s check out the final product in this guide.
The Milenco MGI RV Double Step makes it easier to access your motorhome because you can ease your way up to the doorway. Anybody with mobility issues will find this type of step extra useful.
There’s plenty of space to step on its large surface and non-slip tread. Milenco designed the step with a larger base for enhanced stability so it won’t overturn. It also has rubber feet so it stays fixed to the ground when placed on wet tarmac.
You can even peg it to the ground for further security like the Fiamma RV steps.
It’s also one of the most environmentally-friendly options available. It’s made in Australia from 100% recycled plastic so you don’t need to feel guilty when you use it.
At around $50 (with a 1 year warranty) it’s not overpriced. The only downside is that it is clunky so it may be awkward to stow. But that’s a compromise that many people with balance or mobility issues will be happy to make.
Points To Consider When Purchasing Caravan Steps
Sure, folding steps and pull-out steps are fancier than other options, but not everybody wants to go to that expense. Let’s look at some different aspects to think about so you can find the best caravan steps for your needs.
Type of Steps
As you’ll have noticed there are several styles of caravan steps. Check out the pros and cons of these now.
Non-folding Steps
This style isn’t the fanciest but they’re highly effective. You can buy single or double versions and trust in their stability. Usually, they’re made of some type of hardened plastic. Furthermore, they often come at a great price.
An obvious con is that they’re not the easiest to store because of their bulky structure. But they are light!
Retractable Steps
Fans of retractable steps love their convenience. They’re so easy to use and don’t get in your way when you’re not using them. Also, as they’re fixed to your caravan or motorhome, there’s no way to forget them.
The downside is that because they’re fixed you can’t use them for anything else.
Portable Folding Steps
These steps are great because they’re easy to store. Sometimes they have a lower weight capacity but premium options are as good as any of the other styles. However, they can be expensive as we saw with the Wanderer above.
Caravan Steps With Handrail
If you’re looking for added peace of mind when stepping into your van, then a fitted handrail might be the solution. All of the caravan steps in this guide have non-slip surfaces but anybody with mobility issues may benefit from this extra feature.
If that's not enough, you can even look into a motorised option instead!
Materials
Manufacturers use a range of materials to make caravan steps.
Plastic units are typically cheaper but they’re still strong and reliable. Check to see if they’re UV resistant like the Fiamma option for a longer-lasting lifespan. Some brands are more environmentally-friendly like the Milenco caravan steps.
A variety of metals are popular for caravan steps. Steel is durable but it can be on the heavy side. That’s why some makers prefer aluminium like the Wanderer. They’re usually more expensive but there is less chance of slipping on them.
Single-Step or Double-Step
Depending on the height of your RV or caravan you’ll choose between single or double steps.
Double-steps are preferable for any vehicle with a high towbar. Also, if you or any of your passengers have mobility issues they’ll make life easier. Otherwise, a single step should be more than enough.
Also bear in mind that if you use caravan annex matting, this may lift your step up off the ground and impact how tall a step you will need.
Final Thoughts
It’s very difficult to say that one set of caravan steps is better than the other. Of course, certain styles have more features but not everybody wants these.
That’s why you must do your research and decide what suits your needs. If a single step is all you want, then Fiamma have you covered. Why spend an extra $70 if you don’t need to?
But these other caravan steps represent great value if they’re what you want. The best thing to do is check your caravan and consider who will use them most frequently. That way, you can figure out which are the best caravan steps for you.
If you have any questions about the products in this guide or caravan steps in general, please leave a comment below!