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Steps for Campervans

Comfort starts with the very first step
Anyone who gets in and out of their vehicle every day quickly realizes how much of a difference a well-positioned step makes: a shorter stride, a more secure footing, and less tugging on the door frame—especially with children or a dog on board. In vehicles with higher ground clearance, such as the Sprinter, VW Crafter, or Fiat Ducato with off-road suspension, the distance to the ground increases noticeably, and rain and wet shoes make the situation even more challenging.

That’s why VANME installs systems commonly used in commercial vehicles, such as those from AlphaDynamik or Dutch Van Parts: sturdy supports, slip-resistant surfaces, and tested mechanical components. Whether it’s an electrically extending step on the sliding door, a step securely bolted to the rear, or an additional step into the cab—the right solution depends on the vehicle, its body, and how it’s used.
  • 150 kg load capacity
  • A secure footing in any weather
  • automatic extension
  • Full height, half step
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Have a step professionally installed

High-quality electric and mechanical steps ensure easy access—whether you’re traveling, going about your daily routine, or off-road.

All services can be requested and ordered individually. Put together your own custom setup and send us your request.

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Vehicle Model
MAN TGE
Mercedes Benz Sprinter
VW Crafter
FIAT Ducato and models of the same design
VW T5, T6 & T6.1
Ford Custom V710
Ford Transit
Iveco Daily
Vehicle Doors
Sliding Door on the Driver's Side
Sliding Door on the Passenger Side
Front door, driver's side
Front Door, Passenger Side
Rear doors
Types of Steps
Electric
Permanent
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High-quality products from leading brands
AlphaDynamik
Dutch Van Parts
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Electric steps on the sliding door

The sliding door is where people get in and out most often—this is where an electric step pays off the fastest. It extends automatically when the door opens and retracts flush with the vehicle floor when it closes, ensuring that ground clearance on gravel or off-road remains unaffected. Sensors detect obstacles and stop the mechanism before any damage occurs, even when encountering curbs or parked luggage. For the Sprinter, VW Crafter, or Fiat Ducato, AlphaDynamik and Dutch Van Parts supply custom-fit systems that withstand the rigors of daily commercial vehicle use.

Quality from the commercial vehicle sector

The components VANME installs are drawn from everyday commercial use—from delivery vehicles, emergency services, and trades fleets, where the same door is opened dozens of times a day. AlphaDynamik and Dutch Van Parts come from exactly this environment. The drive mechanism, bearings, and corrosion protection are designed to withstand this continuous stress, as well as road salt, dust, and moisture. What lasts for years in those conditions is generously sized to handle the demands of passenger transport. Even after weeks of off-road use or continuous rain, the step therefore functions as intended—without jamming, play, or loss of guidance.

Rear Step Rungs for the Garage and Everyday Use

The rear garage is where most of the action takes place: wheels in, toolbox out, table and chairs stowed away again. Anyone balancing on the bumper will eventually slip—especially if they’re wet or carrying something in both hands. A securely bolted step at the rear creates a level standing surface in front of the doors—deep enough to reach into the garage and high enough for roof racks and a rear ladder. Especially with a high loading sill, such as on the Iveco Daily or Ford Transit, it noticeably shortens the step—even on sand or soft forest ground.

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Why the Choice of Step Affects Everyday Life in a Camper

An off-road suspension, larger tires, a weight increase: Each of these changes raises the vehicle by a few centimeters. Individually, it’s hardly noticeable, but together, getting in becomes a bit of a climb—and that happens a dozen times a day on a trip. A step reduces this climb by half. Kids can get into the vehicle on their own, older dogs don’t have to jump, and after eight hours on the mountain, that extra step makes all the difference when getting into the camper in the evening.

The same applies to the rear when loading the garage and when accessing the roof rack or bike rack. VANME doesn’t rely on RV accessories here, but rather on commercial vehicle technology that withstands thousands of cycles in delivery operations. On the MAN TGE, VW T6, or Ford Custom, a step will last just as long when used for travel.

Steps for Campervans: What to Look for When Choosing

Whether a system will fit is determined before installation. The wheelbase, ride height, side skirts, underbody protection, and an electric sliding door determine how much installation space is actually available—which differs between the short-wheelbase VW T5 and the long-wheelbase Ford Tourneo. Equally important is what will be added later: If you’re planning to increase the load capacity or install larger tires, you should mention that now; otherwise, the mounting bracket won’t fit afterward. After that, we’ll determine the application.

Whether you have a family with small children, frequently load heavy luggage, need off-road capability with maximum ground clearance, or require a step that also serves as a work platform during roof installation—these factors determine, regardless of whether the system is manual or electric, which design and load class are most appropriate. From the AlphaDynamik and Dutch Van Parts product lines, we select the step that’s right for the job.

Height of the electric step when extended

Anyone who has raised the suspension on their vehicle doesn’t want to sacrifice the gained ground clearance for an aftermarket accessory. When retracted, an electric step lies flat against the underbody, leaving the distance to the road surface virtually unchanged—whether on gravel, in ruts, or when driving over a hilltop. When the door is opened, it extends far enough that the step surface can fully support even someone wearing hiking boots. Standard solutions from the RV sector are often significantly taller in this area. Taken together, these factors are why these systems have become the standard for off-road-capable campers.

Turn off the step separately if necessary

Sometimes you don’t want the step to extend at all: on the steep ramp leading up to the ferry, in the car wash, when there are deep ruts, or when snow and mud might clog the mechanism. A separate switch disables the automatic function—the doors can be opened normally, and the step remains retracted. This protects the step and its drive mechanism from impacts and maintains full ground clearance. A single press of a button is all it takes to switch back to normal operation. Simple retrofit solutions do not offer this operating mode and extend the step every time the door is opened.

Integrated LED lighting for greater safety

If you arrive at an unfamiliar parking spot at night, you can barely see the ground in front of the door. An integrated LED strip in the step lights up when the door opens, revealing what’s there: roots, loose stones, a curb, or the edge of a wet meadow. The light shines downward onto the step and the area in front of it—bright enough to see without illuminating half the site. If you want this lighting, it’s best to decide before installation: adding it later usually means replacing the entire unit.

Manufacturers at a Glance

AlphaDynamik

AlphaDynamik develops access solutions for commercial vehicles, some of which are integrated as standard equipment by the vehicle manufacturer. The data sheets demonstrate just how serious this is: The E1 series cassette step supports 250 kilograms with an installation height of 74 millimeters and is slip-resistant in accordance with R13 (DIN 75078-1). A system with a 500-kilogram load capacity has been tested over 750,000 cycles and is designed for temperatures ranging from minus 30 to plus 80 degrees. If ice or dirt gets in the way, a brief increase in power clears the obstruction. VANME incorporates this technology into its campers—ensuring that the step will last a long time.

Dutch Van Parts

Three steel brackets on the driver’s side, four on the passenger side, bolted to the chassis with blind rivet nuts instead of just to the side sills: that’s how Dutch Van Parts mounts its running boards on the Sprinter. They were developed for lifted 4×4 vans. The passenger side features a double step spanning the front door and the sliding door; the step at the sliding door is shorter—which helps in tight turns. The overhang is adjustable by 20 millimeters on each side. For vehicles with an electric step on the sliding door, there is a version designed exclusively for the front doors.

How VANME Designs Your Step

From Inquiry to Installation

The quickest way is to include all the essential details in your inquiry: the vehicle model, year of manufacture, and wheelbase, along with everything that’s already installed or planned—a few photos of the entry area are also helpful. This allows us to determine in advance which systems are suitable before we speak on the phone.

During the consultation, we’ll discuss your specific needs, and then decide whether to install an electric or mechanical step. Our workshop handles the installation: mounting the brackets, connecting the door contact switch and control unit to the vehicle’s electrical system, and testing the function. Finally, we’ll show you how to operate it—including the switch to deactivate it and what to keep in mind in case of frost or dirt.

Frequently Asked Questions About Steps

What are the advantages of a retractable step over a fixed one?

Electric models extend only when needed and retract completely beneath the vehicle while driving—ground clearance is maintained, yet boarding remains comfortable and safe. Fixed steps are simpler in design but restrict the vehicle’s maneuverability off-road.

Is a step worth it even without an off-road suspension?

Yes. Even standard panel vans have a considerable step height. Children, older passengers, and dogs will therefore definitely benefit from a step aid. For vehicles with a raised suspension or larger tires, the benefit increases significantly.

Can electric steps freeze in the winter?

High-quality systems are designed for year-round operation and are protected against moisture and dirt. In the event of heavy icing, the same rule applies as for any moving vehicle part: Remove ice and snow before use. Regular cleaning also extends the system’s service life.

How durable are electric steps?

Systems designed for commercial use are built to handle heavy loads and, depending on the model, can easily carry an adult and their luggage. The exact load capacity depends on the specific system—we’ll provide you with the value for your configuration during your consultation.

Can steps be retrofitted?

Yes. Most campervans and cargo vans can be retrofitted with electrical or mechanical systems. Existing modifications, such as the suspension, side sills, or off-road accessories, are taken into account during the planning process.

For which vehicles does VANME offer step bars?

We provide entry-level solutions for vehicles such as the Mercedes Benz Sprinter, VW Crafter, MAN TGE, Ford Transit, Fiat Ducato, Peugeot Boxer, Citroën Jumper, and Iveco Daily, as well as for buses like the VW T5 through T7, Ford Tourneo, and Ford Custom. Together, we’ll find the right solution for your vehicle and your needs.
Would you like to have a step installed on your camper? Then get in touch with us. We’ll help you choose the system that best suits your vehicle and your travel style.
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