Fiamma Step
Price £7.50
Supplier Burden Group
Tel 0247 642 7344
Available in grey, green or beige, this is the standard step you find at just about any dealer. It does not have EN 1645 accreditation, which could explain why it flexed when our tester stood on it, though. As it is made out of polyethylene, a tough durable plastic, it should last well yet will not inflict too much damage if it broke loose and rolled around the van in transit. Holes in the feet for pegging it down suggest that it might have a tendency to slide.
Verdict Not all that strong – it flexed when our tester weight. Quite a surprise from such a popular brand.

Curver Step on Toolbox
Price £19.95
Supplier Rubbermaid
Tel 0160 487 5555
We liked this product’s versatility. It combines a reasonably capacious toolbox with a strong step. Although not EN 1645 accredited (it is a toolbox first and a step second), it didn’t flex and it seemed pretty stable. The box area is useful for stowing, say, a pair of wet shoes, and the handle means you can carry it easily. Secure it firmly, though, as with all those tools within, it could make a nasty dink if it hit the furniture.
Verdict This product blends durability with versatility for a reasonable price.

Milenco double steps
Price £30, £40, £50
Supplier Milenco
Tel 0190 822 0104
Available in three sizes – original, large and giant – and fully EN 1645 approved, these Milenco steps are a premium quality product. Made from high-quality aluminium, all the joints are screwed or riveted – the same way aircraft are put together – and they are all light, very strong and extremely stable. The steps are also well finished with no sharp edges, so shouldn’t damage an interior too badly in transit. Its two tiers also mean that access is made easier.
Verdict Well built and sturdy, these steps looks like they will last the distance – but for this price, you’d expect them to.

Grove Products Single Step
Price £14.95
Supplier Grove Products
Tel 0161 367 7303
This step has EN 1645 accreditation, which is hardly surprising as it is sturdy and stable. Made of steel, it is topped by an ABS-moulded plastic mat which is not only a useful grid for removing mud from soles, but should help keep slipping to a minimum. The four individual legs could mark an awning carpet or groundsheet, though, and any scratches to those painted rubber legs will soon result in unsightly rust.
Verdict Sturdy enough but the steel frame could rust if it gets scratched.

Burdens Aluminium Single Step
Price £15
Supplier Burden Group
Tel 0247 642 7344
Another accredited step, this is a very sturdy piece of kit. It may look a little plain next to rivals but it certainly does what you want of it. Made of aluminium it is light, as well as being stable and strong, although keep your feet away from the edges as it can tip over. This workmanlike step should ideally be covered in bubble wrap if you want to save your furniture.
Verdict What this step may lack in sophistication, it makes up for in strength.

Grove Products Step Stools
Price £2.99-£4.99
Supplier Grove Products
Tel 0161 367 7303
These steps are sold as being ideal for small children – the large one has a step area of 38cm x 30cm and the small one offers 29cm x 21cm – though why you would want to buy a step that only your children can use, we are not quite sure. They are neither very strong nor particularly robust, and while parking the small one next to a conventional step may offer a toddler an easier climb, the narrowness of the two steps would suggest that it would not take much for little Johnny to go flying. On a positive note, they probably wouldn’t do any damage to the interior.
Verdict Small on size, small on practicality.

Milenco Single Step
Price £12-£22
Supplier Milenco
Tel 0190 822 0104
EN 1645-compliant, these are the smaller brothers of the double steps featured on page 71, but are made to the same high standards. They look like they will take a lot traffic and still look good. Only caution is that they are so good, it might be worth attaching them to a caravan with a bike lock.
Verdict Small and perfectly formed.

Milenco plastic step
Price £8.99
Supplier Milenco
Tel 0190 822 0104
This EN 1645-accredited step is light and easy on furniture yet has a ruggedness its plastic rivals lack. Pipped for the star buy as it offers only one tier, this is the benchmark that plastic step manufacturers should aim to beat.
Verdict Plastic fantastic.

Grove Products Double Step
Price £29.50
Supplier Grove Products
Tel 0161 367 7307
Also EN 1645-approved, this is the Single Step’s big brother that offers an easier route in and out of a van. This larger, two-tiered steel step is unsurprisingly much heavier and may be tricky for some to lift and stow away. It will need careful storing – our sample had suffered scratched paintwork even before we got it out the delivery box.
Verdict This is a heavyweight champ of caravan steps, but it is this bulk that could make it too hefty for some caravanners.