How to Measure for RV Steps: A Complete Guide for RV Owners

If you’re replacing or upgrading your RV steps, the first and most important step (pun intended) is taking accurate measurements. Correct measurements ensure your new steps fit securely, provide safe entry and exit, and don’t interfere with your RV’s frame, slide-outs, or ground clearance. In this guide, we’ll walk through exactly how to measure for RV steps so you can choose the right fit for your rig.

Every RV is built a little differently, and even small variations in doorway size, ground clearance, or threshold height can make a big difference in step installation. When RV steps don’t fit properly, they can create safety risks and long-term maintenance problems. A set of steps that’s too short may leave a steep gap between the ground and your doorway, forcing you or your passengers to climb awkwardly. On the other hand, steps that are too long can scrape against the ground or fail to retract smoothly.

Improperly sized steps also affect stability. Wobbly steps can shift under your weight, making it harder to enter or exit safely, while steps that don’t align with the frame can put unnecessary strain on the RV itself or simply won't fit the entryway at all. Measuring before you buy is the simplest way to avoid these frustrations and ensure that the steps you choose will perform the way they’re designed to.

Before you begin, gather these tools:

• A tape measure (at least 25 feet for versatility)
• A notepad or phone to record dimensions
• A level (helpful for checking slope or uneven ground)
• A helper if you’re measuring larger RVs or taller entries

Whenever possible, measure on level ground to get the most accurate results. If you're looking for other tools or replacement parts, check out Lippert's full collection of RV step parts and accessories.

When learning how to measure for RV steps and shopping around for the right fit, these are the most important dimensions to understand:

1. Entry Height (Ground to Threshold)
   Entry height, also known as ground-to-threshold height, is the total vertical distance from the ground to the RV’s entry door threshold. This is often the first and most important measurement, as it determines whether you need a double, triple, or quad step configuration.
2. Step Height / Rise
   Step height, or rise, is the vertical distance between individual steps in a multi-step assembly. A comfortable rise (typically 7"–9") ensures safe and easy climbing.
3. Step Width
   Step width is the side-to-side measurement of a single step, taken from outer edge to outer edge. This determines how much foot space is available and whether the step assembly will fit your RV’s mounting area.
4. Step Depth / Run
   Step depth, also called run, is the front-to-back measurement of a single step. A deeper run provides more surface area for your foot, improving stability and comfort.
5. Door Frame Clearance
   Door frame clearance is the space between the bottom of the RV’s entry door and the threshold or floor. This is especially important for solid step models that fold into the doorway. Insufficient clearance can prevent the door from closing properly.
6. Mounting Width / Bracket Width
   Mounting width, or bracket width, is the distance between the mounting brackets or the available space under the RV where the step assembly will be installed. This is crucial for manual pull-out or electric step systems.
7. Diagonal Length
   Diagonal length is the angled measurement from the pivot point or crossbar of the step assembly down to the outer edge of the bottom step. This helps determine how far the steps will extend when deployed and ensures proper clearance.
8. Ground Clearance
   Ground clearance is the vertical distance between the bottom of the step assembly (when stowed) and the ground. This ensures your steps won’t scrape or drag when driving over uneven terrain or inclines.

Before purchasing anything, it’s important to take accurate measurements to ensure your new RV steps will fit your rig perfectly. The last thing you want is to unbox your upgrade only to find it doesn’t match your setup. Follow these steps to measure correctly and avoid installation headaches down the road.

Begin by measuring the overall width of your current step assembly. This is the total width from one side of the step unit to the other. Next, measure the rise, which is the vertical distance between each step. This helps ensure your new steps will be comfortable and safe to use.

To determine the length of your step assembly, measure diagonally from the center of the crossbar (where the steps pivot or attach) down to the outer edge of the bottom step. This diagonal measurement helps confirm the overall footprint of the steps when deployed.

Now, measure the vertical distance from the ground to the threshold of your RV’s entry door. This is a critical measurement that determines whether you need a double, triple, or quad step configuration, especially if you're installing a fold-down model.

Important: Take this measurement while your RV is at tow height and on a level surface. If your jacks are deployed or the ground is uneven, the measurement may be inaccurate. Incorrect step height can cause issues at campgrounds with raised concrete pads or sloped terrain, potentially preventing your door from closing properly.

Finally, measure the inside edge to inside edge of your RV’s entry door frame. Round this number up to the nearest even number. This will help you determine whether you need a standard-width or wide step assembly.

One of the biggest mistakes RV owners make when measuring for steps is focusing only on doorway width. While this dimension is important, it’s just one part of the equation. Ignoring entry height — the vertical distance from the ground to the threshold — can result in steps that either don’t reach the ground or extend awkwardly, creating safety concerns.

Another common oversight is forgetting to account for slope or uneven ground at campsites. While you may measure on level pavement, RVs are often parked on gravel pads or grassy areas where the ground isn’t perfectly flat. If you don’t consider this variation, your steps may not provide the stable footing you expect.

Clearance issues are also frequently overlooked. Slide-outs, storage compartments, and even doors can interfere with how your steps extend or retract. Without checking this space carefully, you may discover after installation that the steps block access or collide with another feature of your RV.

Finally, many RVers round their measurements to the nearest inch instead of writing down the exact numbers. Even a half-inch can make a difference in fit, so it’s important to record precise measurements.

Once you’ve gathered your dimensions, it’s time to match them to the right RV step. Lippert offers a wide range of options, including:

• Solid Step®: Ultra-stable, ground-supported steps with adjustable legs and wide treads
• Alumi-Tread®: Lightweight aluminum manual steps with slip-resistant tread
• Tread Lite® Power Step: A sleek, motorized step system for convenience and comfort

Also consider weight capacity, material (steel vs. aluminum), and accessories like step stabilizers or motion-activated lights for added safety.

Now that you know how to measure for RV steps, explore Lippert’s complete line of RV step solutions and find the right fit for your next adventure.