Question Do you retract your steps at night?

[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 Hogan]

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.