Boat Trailer Steps

[Captain Phil]

I own a new Ranger RT178 aluminum bass boat with a Ranger Trail trailer.  I am considering the installation of a three step ladder system on my trailer to make getting in and out of my boat safer and easier.  Any advice?

[InfantryMP]

They are nice. I think the ones I saw were around $500. And they bolt in so the install shouldn’t be bad. 
 

If you value the ease of getting in and out I would make the investment. I will be doing the same here within the next year or so

[newbiedmv]

Didn't know they existed. Can you send me a link. I keep a kitchen type ladder in the back of the truck and another in the garage.  Climbing on and off it does get old real fast.

[flatcreek]

I have the Bow Step.com and love it

[Fishes in trees]

Another vote for the Bow Step.  I tore up my knee pretty good, and getting into the boat was a chore.   I happened to see the Bow Step advertised in a recent Bass Pro catalog.   This is the second year for me.   Be mindful that there is a learning curve to this toy.  Getting it set just right and tight enough is important.   It can get a little bouncy and you have to learn that that's ok.  Price wise - it seemed comparable to other trailer steps on the market, not the cheapest, but not the most expensive either.     I had many questions about this toy before I bought it, and I called them up and they helped alot over the phone.

[Junger]

Trick Step and Boatefx are the two I was considering for my Lund. 

[TOXIC]

A lot of guys I know have the trick step brand.  Seem to like it and most have Rangers.  
 

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwjD1_-gk6TxAhUBEVkFHZ6NBzoQFjAAegQIBxAD&url=https%3A%2F%2Ftrickstep.com%2F&usg=AOvVaw1SeW1pS1MWVyqbtq15sovP

[GaryH]

Trick steps all the way. Sturdy and a perfect fit made for the exact boat you tell them.

[Captain Phil]

Thanks for the feedback.  After looking at the videos, the Bow Step is cool as it folds away for towing.  It does look somewhat rickety.  I'm not sure that would work for us as we are older and could use all the support we could get.  The Trick Step seems a bit more solid.  They also make one specific to the Ranger RT178.

[HenryPF]

Dunno about Boatefx but the guys at trickstep will custom make them for you double wide if needed. Something to think about if you have knee problems and need to go up steps two feet on one step per time. (note this may interfere with your max backup angles)

[gim]

I am not familiar with a step system like this to get in and out of the boat. I assume you use it while it’s on the trailer in the garage when you want to get in there? I’ve got the same boat you do Phil and there is a step attached to both sides of the fenders on the trailer I use to get in and out.

[Captain Phil]

  On 6/20/2021 at 12:25 AM, gimruis said:

I’ve got the same boat you do Phil and there is a step attached to both sides of the fenders on the trailer I use to get in and out.

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The side steps are not much help when you are loading the boat on the ramp.  Climbing over the front of the boat to walk up the trailer while it's still half in the water is not some thing I wish to do these days.  My wife has a bad knee which makes getting in and out the boat difficult.  I ordered the Trick Step kit that is made for the Ranger RT178.  Thanks for all the help.  Makes things easy when you have someone to ask.

[gim]

  On 6/20/2021 at 10:40 AM, Captain Phil said:

The side steps are not much help when you are loading the boat on the ramp.  Climbing over the front of the boat to walk up the trailer while it's still half in the water is not some thing I wish to do these days.

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Ahhhh, gotcha. I wondered how that was supposed to work. I usually get in and out on a dock. Every place I normally fish has a dock but I can see a delicate balancing act if there was no dock.

[TOXIC]

Steps work when in your driveway and on the water loading the boat.  A dock is of no help when you have to climb over the bow of the boat and step down on the trailer tongue to wrench the boat up.  I’m seriously considering a set for my Ranger Z21.  

[newbiedmv]

My neighbor has steps on the front of his pontoon trailer. I can use them to get on but not off. Large distance, small steps steep grade. He is 6' 2" and he hates them. He stiffened up the swimming ladder on the boat and put a few cinderblocks under it. I looked at them on-line and my legs can't do that anymore.?

[gim]

  On 6/20/2021 at 4:36 PM, TOXIC said:

Steps work when in your driveway and on the water loading the boat.  A dock is of no help when you have to climb over the bow of the boat and step down on the trailer tongue to wrench the boat up.

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I am able to reach mine from the bow without getting out and snugging it up with the wench. I’m also young, tall, and have long arms too though.

[Captain Phil]

I will be installing the Quick Steps as soon as I receive them.  I'll post pics and my thoughts. Thanks for the input.

[TOXIC]

  On 6/20/2021 at 8:59 PM, gimruis said:

I am able to reach mine from the bow without getting out and snugging it up with the wench. I’m also young, tall, and have long arms too though.

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And I used to jump out of my boat in the driveway.??. Now I do the ape hang and search for that fender step.  ?

[Team9nine]

Missed this post somehow, but Trick Step facility is just down the street from me. Good people, and very popular locally with a lot of anglers. Always see boats coming and going from their shop. 

[gim]

  On 6/21/2021 at 2:17 PM, TOXIC said:

And I used to jump out of my boat in the driveway.

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Haha.  I still do that too.  I'm sure a day will come when I am unable to or simply don't want to anymore.

[Captain Phil]

  On 6/21/2021 at 4:27 PM, gimruis said:

 

Haha.  I still do that too.  I'm sure a day will come when I am unable to or simply don't want to anymore.

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I spent my life doing stuff like that and never worried that I would do myself any harm.  After 74 years, it caught up with me and I had to undergo a quadruple vertebrae fusion last March.  I'm mending well, but it was no picnic. 

[J._Bricker]

I think you’ll like the Trick Step @Captain Phil, makes it easy to get in and out of the boat without acrobatics around the trolling motor, graphs, and fishing rods. It can be installed by one person in roughly 20 minutes.

[Captain Phil]

Installed the Quick Step system on my Ranger boat trailer today.  Very impressed with the quality.  Strong stable steps with a long handle for easy boarding.  I decided to purchase two upgrades, an easily removable bottom step and a locking cover for the bracket.  

[TOXIC]

Looks good. 

[Captain Phil]

Here's a followup on Trick Steps.  When I purchased my Trick Steps, the manufacturer advised me to buy a removable bottom step. This is a $75 option.  I purchased this option and it reduces the space between the steps and the tow vehicle.  After installation, I removed the bottom step and went to the gas station to fill up the boat.  The first pump wasn't working, so I went to another pump.  When I made a tight right turn, a piece of the main Quick Step unit cut a hole in the bumper of my new Explorer.  This was totally my fault.  My wife was with me and I told her it was a good thing it happened to me and not her.  She agreed 100%. If you are going to install Trick Steps, be aware of this.

 

Since I have had my Quick Steps for awhile, I can tell you the bottom step is optional.  I don't use it as I can step on the trailer and step directly on the second step.  My wife is shorter and needs the bottom step installed.   The Quick Steps are amazingly strong.  I weigh 230 pounds and they are very steady.  They make getting in and out of the boat much easier.