Question Do you retract your steps at night?

[RKins]

We leave ours out.
Kevin, I have one of the rare types of steps that do exactly what you said - I usually leave them out while parked, so the switch is in the position to keep them out and if I turn the ignition key toward the start position for some reason, they are immediately retracted. If I open the door the steps stay retracted. I have to close the door, change the switch to the position that makes the steps follow the door and now they work correctly again. I put a clothes pin on the ignition key to remind me to not start until I change the switch.
I guess one good use of the operation is if you have physical steps at a long term site and you don't want the coach steps to come out at all. Otherwise it is certainly dangerous if you go outside without a light on.

 

[Neal]

Leave mine out, I don't want to extend/retract that motor any more times than needed. I've seen some people leave theirs in and use a platform stair setup instead, not sure why.

 

[Kevin D Pem]

Leave mine out, I don't want to extend/retract that motor any more times than needed. I've seen some people leave theirs in and use a platform stair setup instead, not sure why.

maybe because they used up the action when it was new.
a new step type for tt's that folds out making a much sturdier step that doesn't rock the trailer when someone goes out the door is much better. My door would not accommodate so I built my own.

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

Over time I have become much more cautious regarding our safety.

Keeping random folks from having an easy path to us is becoming more important than ever. Dissuading a determined perpetrator does require something different than the random actor or casual opportunist.

While being armed may provide some sense of security (false or not), having many alternatives is becoming more important to me. Quite honestly the last thing I want is to be responsible for someone's death, for whatever reason, bad actor or not.

The thought of splattering some person inside my RV is quite repulsive, never mind the risk of inadvertently hitting some innocent person with a stray projectile. In a dynamic environment it is very difficult to hit your target. If you doubt that, try some dynamic target training at night. It is very difficult, then add being woken up in the middle of the night to an unknown situation by unknown persons. Ask any patrol police person that has been put in a dynamic deadly force incident.

If you spend some time thinking about all the potential repercussions of drawing and firing a firearm in a; crowded space, home neighborhood, urban street or campground. The less likely you are to use a firearm for defense, in my opinion.

Non lethal methods abound today. If you have any defense plan, all you need is some time to act. Non lethal means should give you some time. From simple application of a fire extinguisher to deter some person, fire extinguishers are at the door of many RV's, to purposes built items like Pepper Spray. These should dissuade all but the most determined perpetrators.
Of course if the perpetrator is armed, that is a different problem. How do you know? That is a good question....I'm back to try to slow things down and get some time to respond....non lethal means might just do that for you.

And if it turns out that the person banging at the door is some lost drunk, or emotionally challenged person having a problem, you can apologize for spraying them with Pepper Spray when they calm down...

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

We seem to have gotten a bit off-topic here. Returning to the retracting steps discussion, I really don't see much of a difference in terms giving a bad guy an advantage. It may be a little easier to see in the entry door window, but that's about it. Anyone pounding on my door at night will result in the security lights being turned on immediately so than a threat assessment can be made..

So, I'm not seeing the advantage to bringing the steps in each night. And, as I said in a previous post, I think any perceived advantage is more than offset by the additional wear and tear on the already troublesome steps.

I do like the cautions regarding using a firearm that @JoeHogan posted above, however. Doing so brings with it many legal, moral and psychological ramifications.

TJ

 

[CoreyinWP]

the less cycles the better
the less chances of stepping on them while they are extracting
won't deter anyone from banging on door
leave them out always

 

[Joe Dutchstar]

We seem to have gotten a bit off-topic here. Returning to the retracting steps discussion, I really don't see much of a difference in terms giving a bad guy an advantage. It may be a little easier to see in the entry door window, but that's about it. Anyone pounding on my door at night will result in the security lights being turned on immediately so than a threat assessment can be made..

So, I'm not seeing the advantage to bringing the steps in each night. And, as I said in a previous post, I think any perceived advantage is more than offset by the additional wear and tear on the already troublesome steps.

I do like the cautions regarding using a firearm that @JoeHogan posted above, however. Doing so brings with it many legal, moral and psychological ramifications.

TJ

Well yes, I thought I'd share more of my reasons and Plan than I otherwise might but I'm trying to put my thoughts on steps in context.

For the Random and Opportunist problem person, retracting the steps removes the "invitation" to step up to your door and look in to the Coach. Again this is just a small piece of an overall Plan. Security lights is another excellent way to help combat this issue.

 

[redbaron]

My kids bicycles obstructing the path to door help deter strangers.

 

[kangarooelaine]

When you're thinking about safety, exit is just as important as entrance. And I think it's more likely that when emergencies arise, it's more often a situation of needing to exit the RV quickly rather than preventing someone from entering.

On that note, I know that some RVs can trap occupants with the entrance grab bar. If someone comes to your trailer and puts the grab bar into the locked position that you put it into while driving they can trap you in your trailer. So it's important that whether you put your steps up or not you make sure your emergency exit window is clear and everyone can get to it. Right?

 

[TJ&LadyDi]

When you're thinking about safety, exit is just as important as entrance. And I think it's more likely that when emergencies arise, it's more often a situation of needing to exit the RV quickly rather than preventing someone from entering.

Excellent point!

TJ

 

[IdahoDen]

This is an interesting question that has garnered many diverse response on various Group Boards. This is something I have started to do after a late night visitor banged on my door in a unsecured camping area. I am interested in you thoughts...

It would not work on our RV. The steps fold inside the door and would block me from my side of the bed if I got up in the night to head to the bathroom. Walking into that would not be fun.

 

[amullis59]

I always believed they needed to be left extended in case you need to evacuate the coach for fire.