Entry door well

[John P]

I have a 2018 Intent. Does anyone make a cover to prevent falling into the stairwell? Here is a picture of our well.

[SLOweather]

Our preowned Sunstar came with one that was apparently made by the previous owner.



It was 2 layers of 3/4" plywood, vinyl flooring on top, and an aluminum angle flange around the 3 sides of the step well.


There may have been 2 aluminum flanges, one facing in to trim the vinyl, and the other facing out to rest on the floor.



It wouldn't be difficult to make one.

[John P]

Thank you.

[be happy]

I used to own a Thor product and on their forum there were 4 or so folks had made covers for their well. It seems that over a short period of time they stopped using them as they became a pain.

[John P]

Thanks

[blueridge-fl]

I've seen several homemade covers but never a store bought one.

Interesting story. One guy that had one was at a rest stop and had the cover in place. Suddenly the RV door burst open and a couple of guys attempted to invade the RV. Fortunately, they were flummoxed by the cover and it delayed them enough that the RV owner could fight back. The two guys took off. So I guess the covers can serve multiple purposes.

[John P]

Interesting story I never thought of it as a security measure.

[Morich]

One point on the security is the value of keeping the door bolted as well as locked while we are driving. It may not help much but having both locked locked will help somewhat if there is a crash as the door is less likely to pop open.
I have considered adding a floor cover but rejected the idea as too much pain for every time I wanted to go out. A hinged flap and it becomes a toe stubber when open and a loose item has to be stored but where?

[BobC]

Making one isn't a big deal, nor is it expensive, so make one and, if you don't like it, you haven't lost anything. Our's isn't hinged, we just lean it up against the wall when stationary and, flat on the floor when traveling.

[Wyatt]

Actually, Winnebago makes one for their “Accessibility Enhanced” models.https://my.matterport.com/show/?m=HHArrhxxmSC

[John P]

Thank You. That is just what I had in mind.

[jllarson3]

Our 2004 Chieftain is a fine coach. When we first travelled with the Grandkids, we saw the potential, so I built one. We used it until they were no longer toddlers.

Yes, they can be a bother, but the potential of a broken ankle...

We don't need it for ourselves because our stairwell is blocked by the fridge on one side, and a stock railing on the other.

[rhodesaz]

Our Holiday Rambler has the same issue. I also was thinking of 3/4" plywood and then a nice flooring to finish it. But, what has everybody used to hold the plywood flush to the floor inside the door well? 3/4" L bracket?

[SLOweather]

Originally Posted by rhodesaz

But, what has everybody used to hold the plywood flush to the floor inside the door well? 3/4" L bracket?

See my post #2. Sorry, no picture. I took it apart. Frame it with aluminum angle. Double the plywood.

[Nmdoug]

I made one from a single laminated piece of wood from Home Depot. I reinforced the bottom to make sure it wouldn’t split, put side and interior blocks under as well to make sure it wouldn’t shift and routed the edges to help prevent catching your toe on it. As the cabinet next to the door is part of the slide out it has to be stored during travel. Was not very difficult to make and is critical if one of you is vision impaired. (Hopefully not the driver&#128514.

[powercat_ras]

I made one out of 3/4" plywood and stick on vinyl tile squares. I reinforced the 3 edges away from the outside door a second 3" wide layer of 3/4" plywood. I did not double layer the whole thing with 3/4" plywood to save weight to make mine easier to handle. I used 10 angle brackets normally used for deck construction to hang over the edges of the well.

In addition to the flat floor benefit, it also helps reduce heat loss out the step well in the winter.