2012 X23B questions

Frontier83 · 02-26-2013, 09:20 AM

I am looking for some advice on 2 things.

1st - The step on my X23B is 13" from the ground when level. This is way too high for my young kids. The obvious solution would be to bring along a portable step to compensate, but the price of a replacement double step is surpringly reasonable. Has anyone replaced their single steps with doubles?

FYI - Jayco Customer Service was not much help. This was their response: The double step sets lower and by the time the lower step dropped I think will be very close to the ground. There are no code requirements for this issue . I do not have a step to recommend but I will tell you that a double step would need to be welded to the frame and attached with the bolts that go through the floor. In fact, I located the manufacturers drawings and the double step would be 8" from the ground when level......Perfect height!

2nd - The small grab handle at the entry door is also too high for my kids. Has anyone installed a folding grab handle on their X23B? I was advised not to by my dealer, so I called Jayco. They also did not recommend it due to insufficient "blocking" in the wall to support the handle. There has to be blocking to support the current small grab handle, and the door for that matter, why wouldn't there be blocking to support a taller handle. Doesn't make sense to me.....

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

Jagiven · 02-26-2013, 10:24 AM

For the step, I made a wooden box out of ½” plywood, with a piano hinge on the cover. From memory the box is close to the size of a standard stair well step in your house, about 32” (L) x 10” (W) x 8” (D). Inside the box I keep my blocking. When we are at camp I use the box as my extra step. When traveling I place it right inside the door (I have two handles on the short sides). I do not have a picture of it, but it only took a few minutes to build.

I understand the handle. We have considered replacing it too, as it is way too high and small. My kid tends to put his hand inside the door frame to help pull himself up before we added the step.

mcfarmall · 02-26-2013, 04:38 PM

Head to your local garage sale and pick up a step aerobics step thing. They usually have a choice of 2 heights, have a large stepping area and are built for heavy loads...if you know what I mean. I picked up mine for $15 plus installation ($0).

amabee · 02-26-2013, 04:50 PM

I'd have to agree on the idea of getting a separate step, the Ultralights have very light frames, not sure I'd want to mess with having something welded to it.

As to the handle, Jayco only puts "backers" where they are needed, so there would be one for the current handle but that's about it. You could contact Jayco and get a schematic for the door side, which will show the location of the backers and framework.

Frontier83 · 03-01-2013, 08:52 AM

Thanks for the help Guys.

I may take a trip to visit my trailer this weekend to check out the factory step. Unless a double step would be a direct bolt on modification, I may just go with a separate step.....
I like Jagiven's idea of having somewhere to store my blocks anyways.

29BHS ECO · 03-02-2013, 08:03 AM

x2 on the box , we also store our chocks when traveling. I stapled a outdoor floor mat to the top. Larry

Ladywendolyn · 03-02-2013, 09:42 AM

We did the arobics step.. glad we did it because its a bit more flexible. Walmart was the best price.. for a new one..

Jpetrey · 03-03-2013, 09:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frontier83

I am looking for some advice on 2 things.

1st - The step on my X23B is 13" from the ground when level. This is way too high for my young kids. The obvious solution would be to bring along a portable step to compensate, but the price of a replacement double step is surpringly reasonable. Has anyone replaced their single steps with doubles?

FYI - Jayco Customer Service was not much help. This was their response: The double step sets lower and by the time the lower step dropped I think will be very close to the ground. There are no code requirements for this issue . I do not have a step to recommend but I will tell you that a double step would need to be welded to the frame and attached with the bolts that go through the floor. In fact, I located the manufacturers drawings and the double step would be 8" from the ground when level......Perfect height!

2nd - The small grab handle at the entry door is also too high for my kids. Has anyone installed a folding grab handle on their X23B? I was advised not to by my dealer, so I called Jayco. They also did not recommend it due to insufficient "blocking" in the wall to support the handle. There has to be blocking to support the current small grab handle, and the door for that matter, why wouldn't there be blocking to support a taller handle. Doesn't make sense to me.....

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

We are going camping this weekend and I will post a picture of what I built originally for our last pop-up but works great with the X23B as well. I even have rope lights on it...

Also we had the dealer put the folding grab handle on ours and so far with 4 trips it works well and does show any signs of malfunctioning.

dave89 · 03-08-2013, 09:48 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jpetrey

We are going camping this weekend and I will post a picture of what I built originally for our last pop-up but works great with the X23B as well. I even have rope lights on it...

Also we had the dealer put the folding grab handle on ours and so far with 4 trips it works well and does show any signs of malfunctioning.

We got the x23b last year and the first thing my wife mentioned was the height of the step. I made a 2x2 foot step that serves as a storage place for things when we travel. The handle thing is something we're going to address this spring when we have it in for the state inspection. I am going to have the dealership install a swinging handle so if there are any issues, it will fall on them. I have already been told it can be done with out any problems. But it has to go in a specific area.

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