Raising the entry door.

[Cottengim]

My wife and I have recently taken over ownership of my parents 2007 3400RL as they will no longer be RVing (age and health issues). We have already done a bunch of interior updates (flooring, paint, general refresh) and will be on the road by Labor Day.

While the 3400RL is a nice rig, a major improvement over our 2003 Wildcat 26FBS (28' tow trailer), I do not like the step down that is inside the trailer. First, the step is a little higher than a regular step. Second, it puts the door about 8" lower, which means the handle to open the door is also 8" lower. Third, if you are not paying attention, it could cause a stumble since you have to step down before going through the door. Lastly, as taller person, even with the step down, my head comes close to hitting the top of the door when I step down.

Question is, has anyone tried to raise the door on their Montana? There is plenty of room above the door and cutting through the siding should not be an issue provided there is no structural steel/aluminum in the way. The stairs would not be an issue as I plan to replace them with a fold in set anyway. Filling in the step area should not be difficult either. The hardest part will be patching the area under the door so that it matches the rest of the trailer.

Quick note: A shout out to Hblick48 for his 2021 post in a thread about entry stairs that included the attached image. I am writing this while at the office and forgot to take a picture before leaving for the day. He has a 2002 Montana 3280RL which has the same step well. With other models having this same issue, I am hoping someone has done what is in my mind.

[Mikendebbie]

I would not attempt that project. I drew the probable aluminum stud framing around the door and the slideout on my rig - which is similar enough to yours. I am not sure the cripple stud exists above the door header. You will never be able to replace the structural value of the wall panel which is vacuum bonded to the studs and insulation if you cut into the header. That would introduce a weak spot into the middle of your RV. My advice is to try to get use to the step. It will get better with time.

[Carl n Susan]

Having learned to live with the "death" step when I had a 2005 2955RL and having been fairly active here for almost 20 years, I don't recall anyone having attempted such a modification.

The bottom replacement would be easy using a J wrap panel. You need a nice dewy morning (or a good stud finder) to locate where the metal frame exists. I don't believe there is a header per se above the door but who knows where the structural pieces are located. Removing a section of the bonded wall shouldn't cause a structural problem. We have installed windows into walls where one didn't exist before and it had no impacts.

This is an interesting idea. Let us know if you attempt it and progress along the way.

[BB_TX]

Had the same step down on my 2007 3075RL that I had for 14 years. At 6’-5” I wasn’t fond of it either. But didn’t take long to adjust to the point I hardly noticed it any more. Just accepted it for what it was.

[jimcol]

I lived with the same set up for 16 years. Never an issue at 5"8". In the 16 years I owned it I learned a little about the structure of these beast. I can't imagine you being happy with the end result of your proposed solution. My advice is learn to step down and duck.

[Cottengim]

Thank you all for the replies. I especially appreciate Mikendebbie's reply with the picture and projected framing members. I had a feeling that would be the case and it was a nice confirmation of a a gut feeling.

True, this was a bit of a "pie in the sky" idea but it would be a nice mod in my opinion.

[Daryles]

Maybe check with Affinity RV Group in Goshin Indiana. They may have some ideas about this.

[BB_TX]

If you are serious enough about it you might check to see if there are any RV customization shops near you. A good one would have the expertise and equipment to do that kind of work. Of course then it would be paying to have it done rather than a DIY.

[Carl n Susan]

I would wait for a dewy morning to see where the aluminum frame actually exists before giving up. I really doubt there is a header above the door.

[Mikendebbie]

Screen shot from one of the many Montana factory tour videos.
Definitely no cripple stud above the header.

[MuddyPaws]

Our 2955 was like that. But the bonker that got me most often was the hanging cabinet over the kitchen counter. I even tried putting a sliced pool noodle on it.

Give it some time. You'll probably get used to it after getting bonked a few hundred times

[Mark7]

We have owned our '04 3295RK for 7 years now. The first year the "Suicide Step" was an issue, but we have gotten used to it now and never even think about it anymore.

[NCFischers]

If the door was raised, you would have an issue with the awning rubbing on the top of the door when open. Our first rig had that step but it didn’t take long to get used to it.

[chessera2527]

that is the worst design i have ever seen, would never buy a camper like that