Has anyone removed the bottom step?

[JustKip]

I really want ground clearance, everywhere really, including behind the right front wheel. When making the RV type entry door, has anyone removed the first step, so the bottom is even and level the full length?
I'm pondering how to make a folding or retractable atep?

[Danjo]

A friend of mine brought that up. I was just looking at how it’s constructed on my bus. Looks easy to just cut that much step off, but stair height uniformity is important for safety reasons, so that needs to be considered. You’d need to shorten the door or find a different one.

Here’s a retractable step.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Rv+Electric+Step

[CMORGANSKOOL]

look underneath. On mine the step hangs low, but not lower than the oil pan which is about the same height as the rear pumpkin. which is about 17" off the ground.

[HazMatt]

On my FE Thomas 3800, the very bottom step is the same height as the heavy cross member between the front rubber, also the bottom of the fender. The next step up is about the same elevation as my oil pan.
Figure any serious high spots encountered on a trail will be taken on a tire, if possible, to avoid the risk of center-punching my suspension or mill.
Ultimately, I plan to score an entire set of steps, hinge them at the back of the top tread, cut the existing stairs mostly out (leaving several inches on either side for support), and build a storage box in the currently wasted space.

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by JustKip

I really want ground clearance, everywhere really, including behind the right front wheel. When making the RV type entry door, has anyone removed the first step, so the bottom is even and level the full length?
I'm pondering how to make a folding or retractable atep?

I would say drive it until your bottom step actually hits something, and then worry about cutting it off.

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by musigenesis

I would say drive it until your bottom step actually hits something, and then worry about cutting it off.

...and modifying the brand new RV style door (yeah, assuming that's sometime in the near future, instead of never)

[Danjo]

Originally Posted by Danjo

A friend of mine brought that up. I was just looking at how it’s constructed on my bus. Looks easy to just cut that much step off, but stair height uniformity is important for safety reasons, so that needs to be considered. You’d need to shorten the door or find a different one.

Here’s a retractable step.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Rv+Electric+Step

Yeah, after posting this I was under my bus chasing wires and saw that it really isn’t all that much. I think I’d focus on everything else and come back to that at the end to see if it’s still important.

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by Danjo

A friend of mine brought that up. I was just looking at how it’s constructed on my bus. Looks easy to just cut that much step off, but stair height uniformity is important for safety reasons, so that needs to be considered. You’d need to shorten the door or find a different one.

Here’s a retractable step.

https://www.etrailer.com/search/Rv+Electric+Step

Thanks for the link! Fabricating a new door anyway, so I want to do it at the same time.
As for safety reasons, I have a marginally functional left leg, and rely on grab rails for every step anyway. Other than me, it's every man for himself!

[plfking]

Originally Posted by JustKip

I really want ground clearance, everywhere really, including behind the right front wheel. When making the RV type entry door, has anyone removed the first step, so the bottom is even and level the full length?
I'm pondering how to make a folding or retractable atep?

I removed mine, for clearance considerations, and cut a new door on the driver's side.

The Armageddon build removed his, same reasons, and modified his existing door.

[The bus stops here]

What is the benefit of removing the door it came with and adding a different door?

[Sleddgracer]

Originally Posted by The bus stops here

What is the benefit of removing the door it came with and adding a different door?

if the door is moved, it allows a shot gun seat to be put beside the driver

[Polarweasel]

Replacing the existing door in-place lets you have whatever you want there. Perhaps you want a screen door? Better weather sealing? Less flapping over bumps? A lock?

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by Polarweasel

Replacing the existing door in-place lets you have whatever you want there. Perhaps you want a screen door? Better weather sealing? Less flapping over bumps? A lock?

^^THIS^^
RV style door, with insulation and dead bolt lock, and a screen door.

[HazMatt]

Hot spit!
Where can I find one of those insulated RV doors with insulation..? [emoji6]
Prolly the same place that sells hot water heaters...

[musigenesis]

Originally Posted by haz.matt.1960

Hot spit!
Where can I find one of those insulated RV doors with insulation..? [emoji6]
Prolly the same place that sells hot water heaters...

Just to be pedantic, you could have a device that thaws ice and produces water just above freezing. This would technically be a cold-water heater.

[HazMatt]

And that would be semantically correct! Seriously, short of spinning a steam turbine, who needs to heat hot water..?

Originally Posted by musigenesis

Just to be pedantic, you could have a device that thaws ice and produces water just above freezing. This would technically be a cold-water heater.

Hey now!
Careful who you're waggling your pedant at!

[Joe45]

I'm considering removing the standard entrance completely and installing a passenger seat. The space below will likely be for the generator.
The main entrance will then be the old lift gate door, using fold down steps.


My only concern is that the entrance in the new location eliminates a bit of space by its very nature.


Have also considered removing the steps and keeping original entrance, but with folding steps. However, that seems like it would pose a problem of having to go around passenger/seat to get out. Also, that area can be a small office, with a wrap around counter/desk if sealed off.


Seems like a waste to have two big doors right next to each other, so it's 99% old entrance nix, and lift door as entrance.




Here's my bus so you can see where the lift door is exactly...

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by Joe45

I'm considering removing the standard entrance completely and installing a passenger seat. The space below will likely be for the generator.
The main entrance will then be the old lift gate door, using fold down steps.


My only concern is that the entrance in the new location eliminates a bit of space by its very nature.


Have also considered removing the steps and keeping original entrance, but with folding steps. However, that seems like it would pose a problem of having to go around passenger/seat to get out. Also, that area can be a small office, with a wrap around counter/desk if sealed off.


Seems like a waste to have two big doors right next to each other, so it's 99% old entrance nix, and lift door as entrance.




Here's my bus so you can see where the lift door is exactly...


Attachment 35175

The handicap door is, IMHO, a perfect place for an outdoor kitchen. I only cook inside when it's raining. I plan to have a slide-out stove top and small top opening fridge that can be accessed via a hatch inside. But mine is at the back.

[Joe45]

Originally Posted by JustKip

The handicap door is, IMHO, a perfect place for an outdoor kitchen. I only cook inside when it's raining. I plan to have a slide-out stove top and small top opening fridge that can be accessed via a hatch inside. But mine is at the back.

That's not a bad idea. However, I will be installing some exhaust fans for the stove. I may just use two of the ones I took off the A/C condensers (there were three fans on each side).



Also, I will likely install a small propane grill into the side of the bus, that will slide out to use as a barbecue.

[JustKip]

Originally Posted by Joe45

Have also considered removing the steps and keeping original entrance, but with folding steps. However, that seems like it would pose a problem of having to go around passenger/seat to get out.

You can replace the door with an out swinging RV type door, and fill in most of the stairwell, leaving only a small step at the top step level. Then build in a foothold step outside for the bottom one.
If you mount the passenger seat just a few inches back there will be plenty of room to get past it.