Wednesday, July 20, 2016

Even The Simple Things - Tiny Folding Plastic Step Stool

Taken While Standing On The Stool.
    Let's face it, unless you are a vampire or some other form of immortal ( ;) ) you will get older. I know I am. Nowadays, when I want to check the battery water levels or find something in my storage bay I like to have something to sit on that's low enough to give me easy access and strong enough to hold my weight easily. Not to mention high enough to get up from! To be honest, I'd seen those small folding plastic step stools often at RV shows and at large RV and camping retailers but thought only of how short they were. Since I am "vertically challenged" I am always on the lookout for a compact device that let's me get close to my roof. This really wasn't going to work for that. Turns out I was looking in the wrong direction. I should have been looking down this stool is perfect for sitting on and working on something you would otherwise have to bend down to see or touch.

In addition to using it as a seat, I've found that it does work as a step of sorts. Great for cleaning the RV windshield when there isn't a long-pole version of the squeegee available at a fuel stop. It's also great for replacing clearance light bulbs. (Or just smacking them a bit so they turn on!) It's very sturdy even though it is made from molded plastic. I've jumped up and down on it without any issues. I don't RECOMMEND doing that as a matter of course, but it held up fine. Both open and folded it has a convenient carry handle built into the seat so it's easy to grab and go.


It folds down essentially flat, and fits nicely behind my barrel chair up against the wall near my fire extinguisher. I've never secured it, it just sits there comfortably and hasn't moved or fallen out...ever. Pretty remarkable, really. I would recommend securing it in a compartment or using a strap or bungie to hold it down. At the the princely sum of $9.95 retail, it's a bargain. Something functional and useful is often hard to come by. If you want some beauty added in, it comes in a variety of colors. Of course, I liked the plain black version. I've been using this quite a bit, and it still looks new.

You may not need this little beauty....yet. You may never need it. More power to you! But I find it makes many tasks much easier on my back and knees. Try it, you'll like it.

Be Seeing You...Down The Road,

Rich "The Wanderman"
www.thewanderman.com

Editor: Here's the link for the folding step stool at Amazon

6 comments:

  1. I had to jump in on this one. We have that exact stool, we won it at some Camping World event years ago. At first I thought, "Oh crap, another piece of useless plastic." But, Mary wanted to keep it for her use to reach higher storage cabinets. Guess what? I have become the main user. It is perfect for just a bit of lift both inside and out. And it is a great stool for working on lower spots like wheels and other stuff in between on your back and standing up. Ours is stored between the sofa and the bench seat of the booth. Who knew? ;-)

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Monte,
      I couldn't agree more! I never thought i would find so many uses for this tiny step. Cleaning my wheel covers was a bonus. Not that I ENJOY that...but it's definitely easier.

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  2. I use both this size and the larger stool (with the integrated step). The only precaution I would add is that you need to be certain the the stool is fully open before using it as a seat. Otherwise you risk a decent pinch to you sitting place.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Anon,
      OUCH! That's a top tip. I like my..um..nether regions.

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete
  3. We found out this spring that the hinges on the freezer unit, which pulls down toward you (higher than my reach) had broken, and I am sure it is because I was pulling it down toward me and pulled too far. So after my husband fixed the hinges, I bought one of these little stools - they are perfect! I can now see into the freezer, reach deep into the upper cabinets, turn on the air conditioner without standing on the bed - it works great and stores perfectly behind our sofa unit. I didn't think either that they would be high enough to really make a difference, but it's perfect!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Cheryl,
      You are so right....it's really the perfect size for lots of uses.

      Rich "The Wanderman"

      Delete

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