A good set of steps can make your Airstream Classic safer, more comfortable, and easier to live with. The tricky part is fit: Classics often need specific mounting widths (for chassis-mounted steps) or doorway clearances (for threshold-mounted steps). Use the quick fit notes below each pick, measure before you buy, and verify against the linked manufacturer pages.
Quick measuring checklist
- For chassis-mounted steps (bolt to frame): measure the inside mounting bracket width between the outrigger plates (common sizes are about 25.5" and 27.5") and your threshold height to decide 2/3/4 steps.
- For threshold-mounted steps (fold into the doorway): measure clear door opening width, threshold height, and make sure the door can close over the folded step and your screen door clears.
- For electric steps: verify the mounting footprint/series and wiring availability.
- Torklift GlowStep Revolution (3-Step, 25.5" bracket) — Best overall chassis-mount for Classics Why it’s a top pick: Stable, adjustable, and purpose-built for travel trailers. The All-Terrain Landing Gear gives you sure footing on uneven ground and the 25.5" mounting width matches what many Airstreams use.
- Source: Torklift product page with fit and specs: https://www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Mounting bracket width: 25.5"
- Ideal threshold height for 3-step: roughly 25–30 inches (measure your rig)
- Key specs:
- Aluminum treads (22" wide typical), adjustable legs, optional handrail
- Weight capacity: 350 lbs (per Torklift)
- Pros: Very stable, doesn’t bring dirt inside, field-adjustable feet
- Cons: Higher cost than basic steel steps
- Torklift GlowStep Revolution (4-Step, 25.5" bracket) — Best for lifted/high Classics Why it’s a top pick: Same stability as the 3-step with an extra tread for taller entry heights or when you prefer a shallower rise.
- Source: Torklift GlowStep Revolution overview: https://www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Mounting bracket width: 25.5"
- Choose 4-step when your threshold height is on the higher end
- Key specs:
- 350-lb rating, adjustable landing gear, glow-in-the-dark treads
- Pros: Easiest on knees, excellent for uneven sites
- Cons: Slightly heavier and more expensive than the 3-step
- Torklift GlowStep Revolution (3-Step, 27.5" bracket) — For wider outrigger spacing Why it’s a top pick: Same proven system sized for trailers with a wider step mount. Some Airstreams benefit from the 27.5" bracket width.
- Source: Torklift GlowStep Revolution fit details: https://www.torklift.com/rv/glowstep-revolution
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Mounting bracket width: 27.5" (measure between frame outriggers)
- Key specs:
- 350-lb rating, aluminum construction, adjustable feet
- Pros: Factory-grade feel, secure stance
- Cons: Verify body clearance during stow/deploy on curved Airstream skirts
- MORryde StepAbove with Strut Assist — Premium threshold-mounted stability Why it’s a top pick: Locks to the ground for exceptional stability and the gas struts make lifting easy. Many travel trailers use these successfully; some Airstream owners have adopted them where doorway clearances allow.
- Source: MORryde StepAbove product page with door/height fit guide: https://www.morryde.com/products/stepabove
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Requires specific clear door opening width and threshold height; verify MORryde’s measurement guide before purchase
- Ensure the step can fold inside without hitting the curved door/screen
- Key specs:
- Up to 500-lb capacity (per MORryde), adjustable feet, strut-assisted lifting
- Pros: Rock-solid feel, easy to lift/lower
- Cons: Folds into the cabin (brings dust/moisture if not cleaned), may not fit every Airstream doorway
- Lippert SolidStep — Trusted threshold-mounted alternative Why it’s a top pick: Similar to StepAbove with a large installed base and straightforward sizing by door width/threshold height.
- Source: Lippert SolidStep overview: https://store.lci1.com/solidstep
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Choose by door width (e.g., 26", 30") and entry height per Lippert’s guide
- Confirm door/screen clearance in Airstream applications
- Key specs:
- Typically 400-lb capacity (per Lippert), adjustable legs, wide top step
- Pros: Very stable at campsites, secure feel
- Cons: Interior stow; may require threshold/door checks on Classics
- Lippert Kwikee Electric Steps — 32 Series (24" mount) for powered convenience Why it’s a top pick: Kwikee steps are OEM on many RVs; the 32 Series is a common 24"-mount option that auto-deploys with the door.
- Source: Lippert Kwikee electric steps overview and series info: https://www.lci1.com/kwikee-steps
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Verify your existing series/mounting footprint; many Classics with powered steps align with 24" mounts, but measure before ordering
- Requires 12V wiring and door switch
- Key specs:
- Typically around 300-lb capacity (per Lippert series specs), integrated control
- Pros: Hands-free operation, keeps interior cleaner
- Cons: Electrical complexity; exposed components need maintenance
- Lippert Kwikee Electric Steps — 34 Series (triple step, 24" mount) Why it’s a top pick: A taller, triple-step configuration for higher thresholds, using the well-supported Kwikee ecosystem.
- Source: Lippert Kwikee steps overview: https://www.lci1.com/kwikee-steps
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Confirm series and bolt pattern; triple steps help when you want shallower rises
- Key specs:
- Typically 300-lb rating (series dependent), compatible with Kwikee control modules
- Pros: Smooth deployment, good parts availability
- Cons: Added weight; ensure ground clearance when stowed
- Stromberg Carlson Manual Pull-Out (Flexco) Steps, 24" Triple — Budget-friendly steel replacement Why it’s a top pick: A simple, durable steel pull-out that matches many 25.5" mounting brackets found on travel trailers.
- Source: Etrailer listing with detailed measurements (SMFP-3100 triple): https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Stromberg-Carlson/SMFP-3100.html
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Mounting bracket width approx. 25-1/2" (see product specs)
- Heavier than aluminum; check clearance under Airstream body skirting
- Key specs:
- 300-lb capacity (per product listing), steel construction
- Pros: Affordable, widely available
- Cons: Heavier; can rust without care
- Lippert Alumi-Tread Manual Triple (24" steps) — Lightweight, grippy treads Why it’s a top pick: Aluminum treads reduce weight and add traction versus plain steel steps.
- Source: Etrailer product page with specs (LC432698): https://www.etrailer.com/RV-and-Camper-Steps/Lippert/LC432698.html
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Designed for 25-1/2" mounting bracket width (see listing)
- Triple step suits common Classic entry heights
- Key specs:
- Approx. 300-lb capacity (per listing), aluminum treads, anti-slip strips
- Pros: Lighter than steel, improved grip
- Cons: Higher cost than basic steel steps
- Safety Step Folding Platform (Portable) — Fast fix for tall first step Why it’s a top pick: Not a chassis replacement but a rock-solid, 1,000‑lb‑rated platform that reduces first-step height and improves stability at unlevel sites.
- Source: Safety Step manufacturer page with ratings: https://safetystep.net/
- Fit notes for Airstream Classic:
- Place under your existing bottom step; height-adjustable models fit most campsites
- Key specs:
- Up to 1,000‑lb capacity (per Safety Step), slip-resistant, folding
- Pros: Instant stability, great for guests or pets, no installation
- Cons: Another item to stow; not a full step replacement
How to choose the right step for your Airstream Classic (quick guide)
- Decide mount style:
- Want OEM-style, underbody steps? Choose chassis-mounted (Torklift, manual Lippert/Stromberg, Kwikee electric).
- Want maximum campsite stability and don’t mind interior stow? Consider threshold-mounted (MORryde StepAbove, Lippert SolidStep).
- Measure first:
- Chassis mount: outrigger/bracket inside width (often ~25.5" or 27.5"), bolt pattern, threshold height.
- Threshold mount: clear door opening width, threshold height, interior clearance with door/screen.
- Pick your step count:
- Lower thresholds: 2–3 steps; higher or lifted trailers: 3–4 steps. Shallower rises improve comfort.
- Think about use and maintenance:
- Electric convenience (Kwikee) vs. ultra-stable ground contact (StepAbove/SolidStep) vs. rugged, adjustable chassis-mounted (GlowStep Revolution).
- Consider corrosion resistance and parts availability.
Installation and care tips
- Always dry-fit before final bolting; check door and body clearance through the full arc.
- Use anti-seize on hardware and torque to spec; recheck seasonally.
- Keep pivots clean; lube per manufacturer guidance.
- For electric steps, protect wiring and periodically test the door switch.
The bottom line For most Airstream Classic owners wanting a direct, stable upgrade that keeps dirt outside, Torklift’s GlowStep Revolution (25.5" bracket) is the safest bet. If your doorway and preferences suit a threshold-mounted design, MORryde StepAbove and Lippert SolidStep deliver maximum stability. Prefer power? Verify your series and footprint, then go Lippert Kwikee. Whichever you choose, measure carefully and confirm against the manufacturer’s fit documentation linked above.