Solid step mod to allow removal when parked in a narrow spot

[bcdiesel]

Like others, I park my 5th down the side my house. I only have about 2-3 feet of room on the door side next to a 5 foot high fence. I'm unable to lower the solid steps from the entry door to enter the trailer. I've gotten around this so far by removing all the mounting screws and taking out the entire solid step assembly. This way I can go in and out of the trailer as needed without the stairs in the way. Unfortunately those mounting screws can be very difficult to get to with the stairs up. A new way was needed to accomplish the same thing... but easier.

Today I drilled out the pop rivets holding the stairs to the tilting mechanism. I replaced the rivets with nutserts so I could use 1/4 SS bolts in place. I can now simply remove 8 bolts with easy access to pull the stairs leaving the tilt mechanism in place. I still have to step over the mechanism, but it much easier gaining access now.

[bcdiesel]

[bcdiesel]

Reinstalled in trailer and works great. I can install and remove steps with them tilted up inside the door. The stairs without the base are much lighter and you can make them even lighter by removing the extending feet.