Step It Up

by Bill Gehr | Jan 18, 2023 | Pro Tip, RVEXPERT

a woman's legs walking down the entry steps of an RV

Photos by Lorie Swaffer

When it comes time for safe footing, you can’t have too much “stickiness” on the entry-step rungs. ShadePro’s covers are easy to install, trap dirt and rocks and provide a safe, non-skid surface for getting in and out of an RV.

Negotiating pull-out steps on a RV requires the utmost in caution — primarily because the rung spacing is usually less than optimal. Even if you get used to the difference in step width and height, using the stamped steel steps can be somewhat dicey when they get wet and slippery. The use of some type of material to enhance footing can prevent accidents, and I’ve used step-rug covers for as long as I can remember on every RV I’ve ever owned. However, while they offer better rung “stickiness” it seems like the covers I’ve been using are getting thinner and wearing out faster than ever before — maybe two or three time faster. And they seem to rip at inopportune times.

While searching for higher-quality step covers, I discovered the ShadePro RV Step covers on Amazon (“Adjustable Wrap Around Stair Rug Covers for RVs Fits Straight and Curving RV Steps;” $39.95 for two). These covers appeared to be durable, and the advertised details indicated that they would last a long time, while providing a nice look and better footing.

ShadePro RV Step covers (shadepro.net) are made of water-resistant vinyl coated polyester that has a loop design, which traps more rocks and dirt than their smooth-material counterparts. The loop configuration is attached to a heavy-duty rubber base and provides a non-slip surface that safely holds feet steady on the rungs. While there are not that many color choices at this time, we did find covers in brown that fit the bill nicely.

ShadePro RV Step cover materials laid out

ShadePro RV Step covers are made of vinyl-coated polyester and have a rubber backing. The loop design traps rocks and dirt while providing a non-skid surface that also sheds rainwater.

an RV's entry way steps with old covers, save for the first step

an RV's entry way steps with new ShadePro RV Step covers, save for the first step

The old step covers were thin and wore out quickly. ShadePro’s covers are thicker, more stylish and fit snugly on the step rungs. In both cases, covers were not able to be placed on the top step because the additional material made it impossible to fold the steps for travel.

ShadePro RV Step covers are made of vinyl-coated polyester and have a rubber backing. The loop design traps rocks and dirt while providing a non-skid surface that also sheds rainwater.

The old step covers were thin and wore out quickly. ShadePro’s covers are thicker, more stylish and fit snugly on the step rungs. In both cases, covers were not able to be placed on the top step because the additional material made it impossible to fold the steps for travel.

Installation is very straightforward, but there will be some clean-up of built-up dirt after removing the old covers (if so equipped). Once the steps are ready for the new covers, all you need to do is wrap the material around the rungs, keeping the grommets on the bottom, and attach the four springs that come with each step cover. You may need a pair of locking pliers to pull the springs into place as they are fairly strong, which is a good thing. There are multiple holes for attaching the springs so the covers will wrap around the width of your step and provide a tight fit.

For some reason, my step had two steel tabs that stuck out into the area where the cover wraps around in back, which required notching of the material; tin snips were used to make the cuts. Another temporary dilemma was posed by the step support legs on the bottom of the lowest step that fold down and reduce the flexing when weight is applied when entering and exiting the fifth wheel. This proved to be a bit of a challenge as one of the springs was in the way; not a major problem, but it did extend the installation time.

hands remove the old RV step covered, showing the spring fastener

The old step covers were held on with springs, which were removed easily. Some covers are held in place with cable ties, which require cutting. In either case, the material came off the steps with no effort. Once the old material was off the step rungs, the surface was cleaned with a wet rag; the old, stick-on non-skid surface under the step covers was left in place.

a ShadePro cover spring is attached to a grommet after being wrapped around a rung

fingers point to two grommets, allowing adjustment in fit around the rung

The new ShadePro covers are simply wrapped around the rungs and held in place with springs attached to grommets. For a tighter fit (to accommodate various rung widths), the farther grommets can be used to secure the springs.

a notch is made in a ShadePro cover to allow space for steel tabs present on the RV's steps

In our case, there were two steel tabs that stuck out into the area where the cover wraps around in back, which required notching with tin snips.

hands accommodate the fold-down stabilizer legs attached to the ShadePro covered bottom rung

Accommodating the fold-down stabilizer legs attached to the bottom rung presented somewhat of a challenge; a little spring massaging made it work.

The ShadePro RV Step covers also help wick away rain, which makes a big difference in maintaining safe footing in inclement weather. While they may be more expensive than others on the market, they may prove to be cheaper in the long run since they will likely last a very long time.

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