| Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266685] |
Mon, 24 November 2014 22:52  |
Chris Tyler
Messages: 458
Registered: September 2013
Location: Odessa FL
Karma: 7
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After a bit of use, it is apparant that an entry step would be nice for the GF and guests.
The Ragusa step is nice, not sure if its $200+ worth of nice.
Anyone use any of the usual RV type steps?
Specificly like this one:http://www.amazon.com/Elkhart-124-25-Single-Step/dp/B005DX7JWQ/ref=pd_sbs_auto_5?ie=UTF8&refRID=0T5944VFQZJ69QM8BMDY
Looks like Id have to notch the back part and weld to the frame, which is not a problem for me.
76 Glenbrook
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266689 is a reply to message #266685] |
Mon, 24 November 2014 23:44  |
George B.
Messages: 213
Registered: February 2012
Karma: 1
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First thing, a good step is a useful and worthwhile addition to a coach. Just ask me, I have two coaches, one has the Ragusa step the other none. I plan on getting another Ragusa soon. Even though the GMC is lower to the ground than just about any other coach or trailer I have learned it is a pain to get in and out without it. I have been using a small stool type of step for awhile and know it would be so much better to have a built in one like my other coach.
Not sure if the one you show would work as there may not be enough ground clearance given that the step pictured has a 5 1/2 inch drop. Welding it to the frame may place the only support so far back that the step might act like a spring board when extended.
I agree it would be nice to find a lower-cost alternative but, bottom line, I think the adage "You Get What You Pay For" applies nicely to the Ragusa Step. It is designed specifically for the low-slung GMC, is very well made and looks good too. It has survived the test of time very well.
George Butts
Las Vegas Nevada
73 "Custom 26' Q" & 76 23' Birchaven
71 Honda 600 Coupe & 01 Tracker Toads
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266696 is a reply to message #266685] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 08:03 |
lqqkatjon
Messages: 2324
Registered: October 2010
Location: St. Cloud, MN
Karma: 5
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I have been trying to figure out a cheaper mousetrap for my coach step as long as I have owned my coach... just over 4 years.
I do not think that amazon step can be made to work well at all, it is just too wide on the mount. There is not much space for the step between the frame and outside of coach. I bought one similar that was on clearance one day, and thought it would fit when I measured it...and it was fine if I left it extended, but the fold back hinges came back behind the mounts, and hit the frame. so was a no go.
When you look at your time and energy, and even the price of steel, and your final outcome of what ends up being your step, I think you will find the Ragusa would be the smarter buy. Those things are just sturdy, and look nice.
If you do get something to work, post it up.
Now I have not bought the Ragusa myself, yet... too much other things to spend money on, so I did find what In my opinion is the next best thing:
Reebok adjustable aerobic step:
http://www.ebay.com/itm/REEBOK-Exercise-ADJUSTABLE-Step-Stepper-GYM-Equipment-Fitness-Yoga-Workout-ORNGE-/311184409476?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash= item4874094384
It took some looking, but I found mine on craigslist for $10. It is very sturdy, not really heavy, and each side is adjustable height. I can set it up on it's side against my dinette seat in the entry, when traveling and it seems to stay put, and leave room to walk around it when I am jumping in and out quick.
good luck, and if you find a workable solution, post some pictures.
Jon Roche
75 palm beach
EBL EFI, manny headers, Micro Level, rebuilt most of coach now.
St. Cloud, MN
http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
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| Re: [GMCnet] Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266699 is a reply to message #266696] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 08:48 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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On Tue, Nov 25, 2014 at 6:03 AM, Jon Roche wrote:
> I have been trying to figure out a cheaper mousetrap for my coach step as
> long as I have owned my coach... just over 4 years.
>
> there is this
http://gmcmotorhome.info/projects.html#paper
but that was before the photo store went down :>(
erf
> I do not think that amazon step can be made to work well at all, it is
> just too wide on the mount. There is not much space for the step between
> the
> frame and outside of coach. I bought one similar that was on clearance
> one day, and thought it would fit when I measured it...and it was fine if I
> left it extended, but the fold back hinges came back behind the mounts,
> and hit the frame. so was a no go.
>
>
> When you look at your time and energy, and even the price of steel, and
> your final outcome of what ends up being your step, I think you will find
> the
> Ragusa would be the smarter buy. Those things are just sturdy, and look
> nice.
>
> If you do get something to work, post it up.
>
> Now I have not bought the Ragusa myself, yet... too much other things to
> spend money on, so I did find what In my opinion is the next best thing:
>
> Reebok adjustable aerobic step:
>
>
> http://www.ebay.com/itm/REEBOK-Exercise-ADJUSTABLE-Step-Stepper-GYM-Equipment-Fitness-Yoga-Workout-ORNGE-/311184409476?pt=LH_DefaultDomain_0&hash= item4874094384
>
> It took some looking, but I found mine on craigslist for $10. It is very
> sturdy, not really heavy, and each side is adjustable height. I can set
> it up on it's side against my dinette seat in the entry, when traveling
> and it seems to stay put, and leave room to walk around it when I am jumping
> in and out quick.
>
> good luck, and if you find a workable solution, post some pictures.
>
>
>
>
>
>
> --
> Jon Roche
> 75 palm beach
> St. Cloud, MN
> http://lqqkatjon.blogspot.com/
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
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>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266706 is a reply to message #266685] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 10:24 |
rcjordan
Messages: 1913
Registered: October 2012
Location: Elizabeth City, North Car...
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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>Ragusa is the top of the heap. All else are pretenders. They fit, and they
work.
Ditto. They even work while folded. Worth the money.
SOLD 77 Royale Coachmen Side Dry Bath
76 Birchaven Coachmen Side Wet Bath
76 Eleganza
Elizabeth City, NC
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| Re: [GMCnet] Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266707 is a reply to message #266699] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 10:26 |
tphipps
Messages: 3005
Registered: August 2004
Location: Spanish Fort, AL
Karma: 9
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Senior Member |
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P.O. installed the swing out type step. Very nice and works well. Only addition that he did that works. Don't ask about the air system, water system, etc.
Tom, MS II
2012 Phoenix Cruiser model 2552
KA4CSG
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266712 is a reply to message #266685] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 11:42 |
Steve
Messages: 506
Registered: September 2013
Location: East Greenville, Pa
Karma: 1
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Senior Member |
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Ragusa step is worth evert penny.
1978 GMC Royal
Eastern Pennslyvania
1968 Chevrolet C20 396 Camper Special
1969 Chevrolet C20 Camper Special
1985 Buick Electra Park Avenue
1992 Camaro 25th Anniversary Heretage Edition Black
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| Re: [GMCnet] Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266742 is a reply to message #266699] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 16:47 |
Otterwan
Messages: 946
Registered: July 2013
Location: Lynnwood (north of Seattl...
Karma: 0
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Senior Member |
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Mr ERFisher wrote on Tue, 25 November 2014 06:48On Tue, Nov 25, 2014 at 6:03 AM, Jon Roche wrote:
> I have been trying to figure out a cheaper mousetrap for my coach step as
> long as I have owned my coach... just over 4 years.
>
> there is this
http://gmcmotorhome.info/projects.html#paper
but that was before the photo store went down :>(
erf
I think Jared/Lotsofparts has that step, or something very similar. Maybe he will chime in here with an opinion.
1977 Birchaven, Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up to us."
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| Re: [GMCnet] Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266748 is a reply to message #266742] |
Tue, 25 November 2014 18:39 |
Mr ERFisher
Messages: 7117
Registered: August 2005
Karma: 2
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Senior Member |
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I have it on my 26. In fact I have 2 , the one for sale is stainless
If the photo store comes back I will show you
Erf
On Tuesday, November 25, 2014, David Orders wrote:
> Mr ERFisher wrote on Tue, 25 November 2014 06:48
>> On Tue, Nov 25, 2014 at 6:03 AM, Jon Roche wrote:
>>
>>> I have been trying to figure out a cheaper mousetrap for my coach
> step as
>>> long as I have owned my coach... just over 4 years.
>>>
>>> there is this
>> http://gmcmotorhome.info/projects.html#paper
>>
>> but that was before the photo store went down :>(
>>
>> erf
>
>
> I think Jared/Lotsofparts has that step, or something very similar. Maybe
> he will chime in here with an opinion.
>
> --
> 1976 Royale "Twinkie II" Lynnwood WA - "We may not be able to stop all
> evil in the world, but I know that how we treat one another is entirely up
> to
> us."
> _______________________________________________
> GMCnet mailing list
> Unsubscribe or Change List Options:
> http://temp.gmcnet.org/cgi-bin/mailman/listinfo/gmclist
>
--
Gene Fisher -- 74-23,77PB/ore/ca
“Give a man a fish; you have fed him for today --- give him a URL and
-------
http://gmcmotorhome.info/
Alternator Protection Cable
http://gmcmotorhome.info/APC.html
_______________________________________________
GMCnet mailing list
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266767 is a reply to message #266754] |
Wed, 26 November 2014 00:20 |
roy1
Messages: 2126
Registered: July 2004
Location: Minden nevada
Karma: 6
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Senior Member |
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Mine has a swing step ,it comes out when the engine is not running and pulls in when the engine is running. It has a vacuum tank connected to it.
Roy Keen
Minden,NV
76 X Glenbrook
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| Re: Entry step...Ragusa or ? [message #266771 is a reply to message #266685] |
Wed, 26 November 2014 01:49 |
Ken Burton
Messages: 10030
Registered: January 2004
Location: Hebron, Indiana
Karma: 10
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Senior Member |
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I have considered several times designing something that would open and fold up the Ragusa step automatically. I have considered a vacuum driven arrangement with a spring loaded opening arrangement and also an electrical operation. This never got past the thinking stage.
Ken Burton - N9KB
76 Palm Beach
Hebron, Indiana
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