Habitation steps & Filling the void? (1 Viewer)

[Imbiber]

Hello,

I'm hopefully looking for inspiration in how to solve our habitation door step problem whilst travelling with our two dogs.

I would like to make better use of the void left by the three steps up into our lounge area and had thought about the manufacture of some steps 'inverted' with a base to create a level with the motorhome floor. We could then use the 'additional' floor space to greater effect whilst travelling - somewhere for the travel crate to go.

Has anyone constructed something similar or come up with an alternate solution for their motorhome?

Something modular would be ideal if possible.

As always your ideas and engagement will be greatly appreciated!

A picture of our steps to give some indication of where I'm starting from........

 

[Lenny HB]

Blimey that's a long way up, simplest method would be some Z profile alloy extrusion with a timber insert.

 

[peterc10]

I would just use a single sheet of thick ply with inverted ali angle on each side so that it could sit supported on the existing aluminium each side.

Edit Bugger beaten by Lenny, but the same conclusion.

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[Imbiber]

Is the 'z' profile alloy something I could find in Wickes or B&Q or would it be an online search and order?

 

[Lenny HB]

Don't think Wickes or B&Q do it but there is some here.

 

[The Nomad]

As above suggestions but I would go with "L" profile aluminium strip, installed on three sides at a height where a thick piece of well varnished marine ply could just slot into the hole with its top surfed level with the internal floor.
Maybe a couple of small handles on each side to help with lifting it up, or maybe even be hinged on one side if there's space for it to hinge up to vertical to get it out of the way?

It might be possible to use that piece of ply up on end too as a dog guard if needed.

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[Lenny HB]

As above suggestions but I would go with "L" profile aluminium strip, installed on three sides at a height where a thick piece of well varnished marine ply could just slot into the hole with its top surfed level with the internal floor.
Maybe a couple of small handles on each side to help with lifting it up, or maybe even be hinged on one side if there's space for it to hinge up to vertical to get it out of the way?

It might be possible to use that piece of ply up on end too as a dog guard if needed.

I suggested the Z as no need to make any holes in the van, my 1st thoughts were an L section screwed in place, but it leaves an edge to bash your legs on.

 

[andyman]

Why not just a sheet of 1/2" ply and shape the edge where it meets the hab floor.

Andy

 

[Richard n Ann]

Great idea, we've got a metal step and it's too big to sit nicely in the van step.
I'll see what I've got in the bat shed when it stops raining

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[Richard n Ann]

Not as good as a step:

But fantastic inside :

Needs finishing off with a rubber mat glued on top.

 

[pappajohn]

You're putting a dog crate on it so why make it level with the floor....you aren't going to see it or be standing on it.
Seems your fixing a non existant problem.
A sheet of varnished ply laid on the existing ally moulding will fit the bill.

 

[Neil Bedwin]

Easy enough to knock a hole filler up.....

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[Richard n Ann]

Not as good as a step:
View attachment 253561

But fantastic inside :

View attachment 253562

Needs finishing off with a rubber mat glued on top.

Just ordered some rubber chequer plate to go on it

 

[Sandancers]

Easy enough to knock a hole filler up.....View attachment 253591 View attachment 253592

Only problem I can see with this is that when the step insert is sitting on the outside ground acting as a lower step, then creepy crawlies might be making their homes in it, then you lift it back into the MH taking the creepy crawlies with you.

 

[The Dotties]

Easy enough to knock a hole filler up.....View attachment 253591 View attachment 253592

Blimey, you still got snow up north?!!

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[Lenny HB]

Blimey, you still got snow up north?!!

Is that the white stuff we see for few hours every 5 years?

 

[Richard n Ann]

Just ordered some rubber chequer plate to go on it