Stairwaze™ RV Kit—Installation Guide

IMPORTANT

The implementation of this product requires modification of your RV’s existing MORryde StepAbove® products. This product is not compatible with other RV step brands or models outside of the MORryde StepAbove® series. Please review all information in the product description carefully.

Included in the K-125 Kit

• Two (2) Support Channels – 14ga Galvanized Steel Powder-Coated Flat Black
• Four (4) End Cap Closeouts – 20ga Galvanized Steel Powder-Coated Flat Black
• Two (2) Hinges – Marine-Grade 316 Stainless Steel
• Four (4) Rivnut Plates – 20 ga Galvanized Steel with Steel Rivnuts
• 1 Hardware Packet:
  • Six (6) 1/4 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Sixteen (16) 5/32 x .125 inch Rivets
  • Twelve (12) 5/32 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Twelve (12) 3/16 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Twelve (12) #10-32 UNF Screws
  • Two (2) 3/8 Diameter Steel Pit-Pins with Lanyard
  • Four (4) Hinge Template Stickers
  • Two (2) Support Channel Template Stickers

Included in the K-175 Kit

• Two (2) Support Channels – 14ga Galvanized Steel Powder-Coated Flat Black
• Four (4) End Cap Closeouts – 20ga Galvanized Steel Powder-Coated Flat Black
• Two (2) Hinges – Marine-Grade 316 Stainless Steel
• Four (4) Rivnut Plates – 20 ga Galvanized Steel with Steel Rivnuts
• 1 Hardware Packet:
  • Six (6) 1/4 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Twenty (20) 5/32 x .125 inch Rivets
  • Eight (8) 5/32 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Eight (8) 3/16 x .250 inch Rivets
  • Twelve (12) #10-32 UNF Screws
  • Two (2) 3/8 Diameter Steel Pit-Pins with Lanyard
  • Four (4) Hinge Template Stickers
  • Two (2) Support Channel Template Stickers

Tools Required

• Skill saw with metal cutting blade
• Drill with the following bits:
  • #20/.161 dia.
  • 11/64 in. or .172 dia.
  • 19/64 in. or .297 dia.
  • H/.266 dia.
  • 13/32 in. or .406 dia.
• Rivet gun
• Phillips screwdriver, or cross-point screwdriver

How to Install the Stairwaze™ RV Step Modification Kit

**For a shortened video version of this Installation Guide, check out our YouTube Video: https://youtu.be/RfaeC5aHQSs. 

Step 1: Remove the Steps

To remove the steps from your RV, drill out the rivet heads connecting the steps to the hinge assembly located inside the doorway.

There will be either two (2) or three (3) rivets on each side for a total of eight (8) or twelve (12) rivets.

Step 2: Measure & Mark the Cut Lines

For a 3-step set of stairs, measure and mark the stringer just below the second (middle step). Go to the other side stringer and do the same. Use the same dimension on both sides as you mark the initial cut line. The remaining installation steps are the same as those listed below.

For a 4-step set of stairs, first, measure the length of the first stringer, divide it by two, and mark the cut line. Repeat this step on the opposite side stringer.

Counting from the bottom step up, your cut lines should be close to but just below the third step.

Next, use a square to mark along the depth of the first stringer. Repeat this step on the opposite side stringer. Make sure to measure from the same point on both sides so the dimensions are the same.

Note: For a 3-step set of stairs, measure and mark the stringer just below the second (middle step). Go to the other side stringer and do the same. Use the same dimension on both sides as you mark the initial cut line. The remaining installation steps are the same.

Step 3: Test Fit the Support Channels

Test fit the Support Channels in preparation for cutting the steps along the cut lines. The Support Channels should have three and one quarter (3 1/4) inches on either side of the cut line on the top half of the steps.

Ensure there is clearance between the bottom end of the Support Channel and the second step from the bottom. You will have to match drill a large hold on the bottom half of the Support Channel and stringer later, so ensure you have enough room for that and to install the pit pins.

Step 4: Cut the Stringers in Half

Remove the adjustable legs so you don’t cut the top of them off. Use a skill saw with a metal cutting blade to cut the first stringer along the marked line. Flip the steps over and cut the opposite side stringer.

Caution: The steps are metal and will produce sparks. Do not stand in front of the saw while cutting the stringers.

Step 5: Prepare to Install Hinges

Peel the backing off of the Hinge template stickers (four (4) holes) and place on the top side of the stringer. The edge marked with an “X” should be placed against the cut edge of the stringer. Ensure the sticker is centered. Repeat this process for the remaining three stringer edges.

Helpful Hint: Draw a line up the center of each side of the stringer top to help with centering the stickers.

Step 6: Prepare Pilot Holes

If you have one, you might use a punch to mark the hole centers before drilling the pilot holes. Use the #20/.161 dia. drill bit to make small pilot holes in the Hinge sticker templates. As a reminder, each Hinge template has four (4) holes. Repeat this process on all four Hinge template stickers as you prepare to drill.

Helpful hint: Creating pilot holes ensures a cleaner cut. It also secures the end of the drill from “walking” or “traveling” as you begin your first deeper drill.

Step 7: Drill the Hinge Holes

Using the pilot holes as your guide, drill the 19/64 in. or .297 dia. holes as indicated on the Hinge template stickers. Complete the process on all four stringer ends.

Next, use sandpaper, a small, fine-toothed file or emery paper to clean up any burs that may be left from drilling the holes. This ensures a clean surface.

Step 8: Install the Rivnut Plates

The Stairwaze™ RV Step Modification Kit comes with four (4) Rivnut Plates. Install the first Rivnut Plate by sliding it inside the top of the stringer until the small #20/.161 dia. hole in the stringer and the Rivnut Plate are aligned.

Next, use a 5/32 x .125 inch Rivet to install the Rivnut Plate, ensuring the through holes on the stringer and the Rivnut Plate are aligned. Repeat this process on the remaining stringer ends.

Step 9: Prepare the Support Channel Template Stickers

Flip over the step halves. Peel and apply the Support Channel Template Stickers to the two (2) upper edges of the top half of the stringers. Like the Hinge Template Stickers, the hole pattern on the Support Channel Template Stickers has an “x” that goes against the cut end of the stringer. It will again be helpful to draw a line up the center of the stringer to align the sticker.

Step 10: Drill Pilot Holes & Support Channel Holes

If you have one, you might use a punch to mark the hole centers before drilling the pilot holes. Use the #20/.161 dia. drill bit to make small pilot holes in the Support Channel sticker templates. Repeat the process on the opposite side stringer.

Next, use the pilot holes as your guide to drill the H/.266 dia. holes as indicated on the Support Channel Template Stickers.

Finally, use sandpaper, a small, fine-toothed file or emery paper to clean up any burs that may be left from drilling the holes. This ensures a clean surface.

Step 11: Install End Cap Closeouts

The Stairwaze® RV Kit comes with four (4) End Cap Closeouts. With the step halves laying flat, step side up, take one (1) of the four (4) End Cap Closeouts and slide it over the cut end of the stringer and down to the surface, floor or table top upon which it is sitting.

Next, match drill 11/64 in. or .172 dia drill the four (4) holes, two (2) on each side, on the End-Cap Closeout. This means you will drill into the side panel of the stringer.

Helpful hint: It would be a good idea to slide a piece of 2×4 or 2×6 inside the stringer to use as a drill block as the outside panel of the stinger is very flexible.

Once these four holes are drilled, use a 5/32-inch Rivet to attach it to the stringer side. Repeat this process on all four stringer ends.

Step 12: Install the Hinges

Keeping the steps in their place–step side facing upward–slide the two (2) step halves together so that the End Cap Closeouts are butted up against each other.

Take one (1) of the Hinges and three (3) of the #10-32 UNF Screws and install. The screws will go through the Hinge holes, through the stringer holes, and fasten into the Rivnut Plate. Repeat this process on the opposite side stringer.

Upon completion of Step 12, the two halves of the steps should be connected.

Step 13: Secure Support Channels

Flip over the steps so that the bottom side is facing upward. Use the 1/4-inch Rivets to fasten the Support Channel to the upper half of the steps.

Next, match drill the four (4) holes using the 11/64 in. or .172 dia. drill, two on each side, and install the 5/32 x .125 inch Rivets in each. Important: Leave the rivet hole on the outside of the Support Channel, closest to the cut edge, empty. (This last rivet is where you will attach the pit-pin lanyard.)

Take one (1) of the Pit-Pins with Lanyard and line up the last link of the chain to the hole. Install the last rivet. This will keep the chain attached to the steps and prevent the loss of the Pit-Pin.

Upon completion of Step 13, the Support Channel and stringer sides should be fixed together.

Step 14: Install Pit-Pins

Again, use the #20/.161 dia drill bit to drill pilot holes into the sides of the stringer through the holes in the Support Channel.

Helpful Hint: Try tackling this in phases. For example, first, #20/.161 dia. drill; next, #H/.266 dia. drill; and finally, 13/32-in. Or .406 dia. drill. Drill each side individually rather than drilling from one side all the way through to the other side. This will ensure proper alignment for the Pit-Pins.

When the process is completed, install the Pit-Pin, much like you do when adjusting the foot of your MORryde StepAbove® steps when setting up for camp.

Upon completion of Step 14, you should have a set of bi-folding RV steps.

Step 15: Re-install Your Modified Steps

Use the 3/16 x .250 inch Rivets to re-install the steps to your RV.

Once the steps have been fully re-installed, you may pull the Pit-Pin from each side, fold the bottom half of the steps upward, and then fold the bi-folding steps upward and into the doorway—just as you would have prior to the modification.

Step 16: Enjoy Smarter Steps for Every Stop

Congratulations! Your Stairwaze™ RV Step Modification Kit is installed and you’re ready to hit the road!