Boarding Steps

Safe, Reliable Access for Your RV or Boat

Whether you're stepping down from a travel trailer doorway or boarding your vessel at the dock, a quality set of boarding steps is one of the most practical pieces of hardware you can add to your rig or watercraft. The gap between ground level and an RV entry door — or between a dock and a boat's gunwale — can be surprisingly tall and awkward, especially for children, older adults, pets, or anyone carrying gear. Boarding steps bridge that gap safely and predictably, every time.

What to Look for in Boarding Steps

Not all boarding steps are built for the same application, and choosing the right style can make a significant difference in safety and convenience. Here are the key factors to consider:

• Material: Aluminum and steel offer strength and durability for RV applications, while UV-stabilized polyethylene is common in marine environments where corrosion resistance and light weight matter most.
• Step count and rise height: Measure the distance from the ground or dock to the entry point. Steps are typically available in single, double, triple, and quad configurations to match different rise heights.
• Non-slip surfaces: Diamond-tread steel, textured aluminum, and molded non-skid polyethylene surfaces all help prevent slips in wet or muddy conditions.
• Weight capacity: Boarding steps are rated by the load they can safely support. Verify the capacity matches the heaviest anticipated user or load.
• Adjustability and terrain compatibility: For RV use at varied campsites, self-adjusting scissor steps that adapt to uneven ground are especially valuable.
• Portability and storage: Folding and scissor-style steps are designed to be removed before travel, so ease of attachment, detachment, and compact storage are important practical considerations.

Top Boarding Step Brands

Brophy Products is the leading name in RV scissor steps, offering both steel and aluminum models across a range of step counts and rise heights. Their aluminum scissor steps feature heavy-gauge construction for maximum strength and durability, and are designed to self-adjust to the terrain while folding for compact storage. Brophy's scissor design is especially popular among camper and truck camper owners who need a stable, adaptable step solution at varied campsites.

Stromberg Carlson brings decades of RV aftermarket expertise to their boarding step lineup. A third-generation, family-owned company serving the RV aftermarket since 1959, Stromberg Carlson offers their well-regarded Flexco pull-out steps, which are easy to install and fold up underneath the camper for simple storage — a popular choice for travel trailer owners who want a seamlessly integrated step solution.

Todd Marine is a go-to brand for boat boarding steps at the dock or swim platform. Their steps are molded of rugged UV-stabilized white polyethylene with a non-skid step surface, making them highly resistant to the harsh marine environment. Available in single, double, triple, and quad configurations, Todd steps are a trusted fixture at marinas and private docks across the country.

Torklift International is known for precision-engineered RV accessories, and their scissor-style boarding steps are no exception. Torklift's GlowStep series is designed with the same attention to fit and finish that has made the brand a favorite among truck camper enthusiasts, offering tool-free removal and optional all-terrain landing gear for use on soft or uneven ground.

Installation and Safety Tips

For RV steps, always use the mounting bracket provided and remove the steps before driving — these products are designed for stationary use only. For marine boarding steps, ensure they are properly positioned at the dock edge and consider adding a handrail for additional security, especially in wet conditions. When in doubt, size up: a step assembly with a slightly greater rise range gives you flexibility across different parking surfaces, tide levels, and dock heights.