The Towsure double alloy folding step is supplied flat-packed and is easy to assemble with the most basic of tools. When assembled it folds in on itself to make storage and passing through the narrow van doorway easier than with a large, fixed, double step.
In this 'how-to' guide we look at how to quickly and easily put your new caravan step together so that it is sturdy, stable and level
- LAY OUT ALL PARTS & TOOLS
The first thing to do is to lay out all the parts so that you are sure that all parts are present, and that you have all the necessary tools that you need. Retain the box for a visual guide of how the complete step should look.
You should have:
- 2 long step platforms
- 2 short step platforms
- 2 main frame tubes
- 2 lower step frame tubes
- 2 lower braces
- 2 upper step braces
- 5 rubber feet
- Fittings kit containing 4 x securing pegs, 1 x plastic peg storage clip, 8 x short bolts with nyloc nuts, 16 x long bolts with nyloc nuts, 2 x extra-long bolts with nyloc nuts, 4 x long screws, 6 x short screws, 2 x grey plastic bushes
Tools required: 1 x 8mm spanner, 1 x 10mm spanner, 1 x phillips screwdriver, 1 x flat-bladed screwdriver
- ASSEMBLE MAIN FRAME
Join the two main frame tubes together with the lower braces, using the 8 x short bolts and nyloc nuts. At this stage of assembly do not tighten any of the bolts, simply insert the bolts and put the nuts on the threads with fingers.
The 2 frame tubes should be positioned so that they converge towards each other at the top
- ATTACH THE UPPER STEP BRACES
Using the long screws, secure the upper braces into position. Using a phillips screwdriver, almost (but not fully) tighten the screws. Do not be concerned at this point if the step appears to be out of line or uneven, leaving the assembly loose allows the step to be levelled when you come to tighten the fastenings later.
- ATTACH THE UPPER STEP PLATFORMS
Using 8 x long bolts & nyloc nuts, loosely attach the upper platforms, noting the offset positions of the holes. Once again, any uneven-ness is not a concern at this stage. Do not tighen these bolts, leave them loose with the nyloc nut just screwed on a couple of turns with the fingers - you will need these platforms to be loose in a moment when you come to tightening the brace screws
- ATTACH THE RUBBER FEET
Insert 4 of the rubber feet into the open ends of the frame tubing - no need to secure them for now, but inserting them will prevent damaging the step tubing or any surfaces during the next step
- TIGHTEN THE BOLTS IN THE FOLLOWING ORDER
This especially applies if the step appears uneven, but following this order can prevent one bolt pulling others out of line.
Place the step, feet-down, on a level surface and either kneel on the platform or have an assistant put some weight down on the step (it is not recommended to STAND on the step at this point, pushing down with the knee or hands is enough)
First, tighten the bolts securing the lower braces, using a screwdriver and 8mm spanner or socket, whilst exerting a downward force on the step
Tighten all 8 bolts fully
Secondly, without any downward pressure on the step, tighten the 4 phillips screws securing the upper braces in place. This MUST be done whilst the step platforms are loose, otherwise their lip will prevent them from being tightened
Thirdly, once again exerting a downward pressure on the top of the step, tighten the bolts securing the 2 platforms using a flat screwdriver and 10mm spanner/socket
The upper step is now fully assembled and should be stable and steady on the feet.
- INSERT FEET INTO LOWER STEP FRAME
Take the 2 lower step frame tubes and insert the rubber feet
- ATTACH THE LOWER STEP PLATFORMS
Using the remaining long bolts & nyloc nuts, attach the 2 lower platforms to the frame tubes, again leaving the bolts loose at this stage of assembly
- FIT THE LOWER STEP ASSEMBLY TO THE MAIN FRAME
Using the 2 extra-long bolts, attach the lower step assembly to the main frame, with the plastic tubular bush between the two separate parts.
Once both bolts are in position, tighten these both until any gap between framework and bushings is closed. DO NOT OVER-TIGHTEN, tightening until the gaps are closed and there are at least 2 threads protruding from each nyloc nut is sufficient.
10: TIGHTEN THE LOWER STEP PLATFORM BOLTS
Using a flat screwdriver and 10mm spanner/socket, tighten the 8 remaining bolts securing the lower step platform, applying a gentle downward pressure on the lower step, on a level surface, to ensure that is stays aligned properly
11: SECURE THE FEET IN PLACE
Making sure that the peg holes are aligned to the outer side of the step, where the frame will not interfere with peg insertion or cause a tripping hazard in front of the step, use the 6 small screws to secure the 6 rubber feet into position
11: INSERT THE PEGS INTO THE STORAGE CLIP
Insert the 4 wire pegs into the plastic storage clip. This can then be clipped onto your step frame as preferred, keeping the pegs to hand ready for use when you arrive on-site
YOUR STEP IS NOW ASSEMBLED AND READY TO USE!
