solid entry steps

[luckysmom]

Good afternoon,

I've searched the forum hoping to find someone discussing replacement solid entry stairs for a TM 2720. We have a very large, and skittish German Shepherd that does not like stepping on things that aren't sturdy, so I'm sure he'll refuse the stairs on the TM 2720.

I saw the post about a dog's nail getting caught in the holes in the stairs and I would really like to avoid carpeting the existing stairs on the unit. I'd really prefer replacement solid entry stairs, but can't find them anywhere (only ones that fold up on the inside, but these wouldn't work for a TM for obvious reasons). Does anyone know if these exist?

The only thing I can find are $40 step stabilizer bars to install on the current stairs, but that doesn't save me from carpeting.

Thanks in advance!!
-Lucky's Mom

[Bill]

Instead of steps, how about a ramp? I made one for a small and somewhat lame dog, using a piece of plywood with strips of lath attached across it. The fact that the dog can't see through the plywood provides him a secure feeling. The strips provide non-slip grip for the dog's feet, and for your shoes.

It doesn't have to be very long or heavy. With some ingenuity, it can actually rest on the TM's steps, so the plywood won't bend under the dog's weight, even if it is thin. It is light weight and easy to pick up and store.

Bill

[ShrimpBurrito]

Why not just put some black adhesive traction strips over the stairs? The ones on my steps were factory installed 22 years ago, and are showing no signs up coming up. You could not only cover the cracks, but the entire step if you wanted.

Dave

[ThePair]

Try this:

https://www.homedepot.com/p/Pet-Gear...00DR/204084071

We had one for years when our old pup could no longer handle the steps. Works great, super strong.

[rbhtrail]

Hello All, All the replies are really good sets the mind into design mode.
And Now for mine: I think a piece of wood cut to the size of the steps, then mount rare earth magnets to the bottom of the wood (maintaining proper orientation of the mag's flux attraction to the metal) in 4 places each step. Then temporarily attach the wood to the metal steps when you get onsite. Remove them when you want to collapse the metal stair system.
P.S. They make them in all sizes , I just bought a bunch 1/8 thick x .5" wide and 2.5" long, 12 with screws and mounting holes cost under $20 Round ones too. Really strong holding power !

Happy and Safe Camping

[Bill]

Great idea about the rare earth magnets.You probably got yours from K&J Magnetics. I've dealt with them quite a bit. Did you countersink the magnets into the wood at all? Some of the rare earth magnets are kind of brittle.

Bill