When purchasing boat trailer steps, prudence is required. After all you're investing for long-time service and a low-quality product can compromise your safety while climbing onto the boat.
But going through countless products on the market is a time-consuming task. That's where we come in. We've done all the research on boat steps for you and made a curated list of the best boat trailer steps on the market.
In our review section, we analyzed the features, strong points, and weak points of the options. In addition, we'll tell you exactly what factors to consider when choosing your ideal pick.
So, let's get on with it.
Top 3 Boat Trailer Steps – Comparison Chart
Best Choice
MEGAWARE FLEXSTEP
- Brand: Megaware
- Weight: 7.65 pounds
- Dimension: 5 x 15 x 18 inches
- Material: Lightweight aluminum
Editor's Pick
Heininger HitchMate
- Brand: Heininger
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
- Dimension: 5 x 4 x 6 inches
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
Budget Option
MaxxHaul 70089
- Brand: MaxxHaul
- Weight: 7.95 pounds
- Dimension: 10.3 x 10 x 6 inches
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
How to Choose the Perfect Boat Trailer Steps
Although buying a boat trailer step might sound like the simplest thing, there are chances of making mistake and wasting your money. So, read this section to find out how to choose the right one.
Check Out the Weight Capacity
The first one is the weight capacity, if you weigh over or near the maximum weight capacity of the step you should NOT buy that item because it will break.
What Material Is It Made of?
Secondly, you should check the material the item is made of and it's always good to ensure that it is sturdy. Some people have their preferences in materials, so if you are interested in a specific material look into that.
You also want to buy steps that do not corrode easily because if they rust quickly you will not be able to use them for a while.
Furthermore, you should get boat trailer steps with a handle as it will help you to maneuver it.
Does It Fit?
Another important point is to check whether the step fits the trailer of your boat. After all, you don’t want to spend money only to find that the product can’t even be installed with your boat.
If you are old or have difficulties in moving, you should get boat trailer steps with a handle for support. Lastly, you should stick to your budget and buy something within it.
6 Best Boat Trailer Steps Reviews 2022
Today we are here to suggest and review the best of the best products so you wisely invest your products. So, here are 6 detailed reviews to help you choose the right boat trailer steps for you.
1. Best for Value: Heininger HitchMate Boat Trailer Step
Key Features:
- Weight: 9.9 pounds
- Size: 5 x 4 x 6 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Fit: Universal Fit
- Lift Type: Step
- Material: Heavy-duty all steel
For people who own multiple boats, the Heininger HitchMate Boat Trailer Step would be a great investment. Since it is a universal fit, it can be used with almost all boats and you will not be having to spend extra cash on multiple trailer steps. Its heavy-duty all-steel construction gives it a sturdy built and makes it a safe choice.
You can carry weight up to 300 pounds on these trailer steps without worrying about breaking anything.
The steps also have a decent size of 5 x 9 inches, so you will not be missing a step easily. In addition to that, they are also non-slip, have a decent grip, and are powder-coated to prevent you from tripping and landing on your face.
Setting this boat trailer step is also quite simple, and it will only take you a few minutes to set it up, and then you will be good to go!
This product also comes at a very reasonable price so we must say that this is great value for money as well. Finally, you will not be having to buy additional mounting hardware because it is all included in the package.
What We Liked
- Universal fit so can be used with all boats
- All heavy-duty steel construction for a sturdy built
- Powdered-finish and non-slip step
- No additional mounting hardware needed as all is included in the package
What Could be Better
- Cannot place both feet on the step at a time
2. Best Heavy-Duty Boat Trailer Step: MaxxHaul 70089 Steel Trailer Step
Key Features:
- Weight: 7.95 pounds
- Size: ”Ž10.3 x 10 x 6 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Fit: Up to 3 x 5 inches trailer mount
- Lift Type: Step
- Material: Heavy-duty steel
The MaxxHaul 70089 Steel Trailer Step, is a product that has been engineered with the safety of the user being kept as the top priority. With a very grippy non-skid rubber step your safety is ensured, and you will certainly not be slipping even when the step is dripping wet.
Boat trailer steps are obviously in contact with water, and so some of them can get rusty quite quick, but not the MaxxHaul 70089. The step has a powder coat that is very effective to resist corrosion and the formation of rust.
This step has a weight capacity of 300 pounds which is sufficient for most people, but if you carry more weight you might want to look over this one.
An all-heavy-duty steel build makes the MaxxHaul step a reliable and robust option. Installation is also easy and takes up only a few minutes, and to make things better you will be getting mounting hardware in the box.
Since the size of the step is 3 x 5 inches, some of you may have an issue with it. The lack of space on the step may be a bit of a problem for people who have difficulty in landing their step.
What We Liked
- Heavy-duty steel built means no need for regular maintenance
- Powder coating to resist corrosion
- Rubber non-skid step for extra stability
- Weight capacity is 300 pounds
What Could be Better
- Step is not very spacious
3. Best Adjustable Boat Trailer Step: MEGAWARE FLEXSTEP PRO Adjustable Boat Trailer
Key Features:
- Weight: 7.65 pounds
- Size: 5 x 15 x 18 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Fit: Adjustable
- Lift type: Step
- Material: Lightweight, High Tensile 6063-T6 Anodized Aluminum.
If you want adjustability for your boat trailer step's fit, then this item is perfect for you.
You can adjust this step to a whopping 16 multi-angle different positions by using its pull handle and locking pin mechanism, which is by the way very secure. For areas that are difficult to reach inside your boat, you can easily extend this step from 17-2” in length.
Its high tensile 6063-T6 aluminum is an advanced material that can support a weight of up to 300 pounds while being very lightweight. This weight capacity is a standard and suffices in most cases.
Additionally, the aluminum construction is anodized so you will not have to fret about your step getting rusty. Installation takes merely 4 minutes with the screwing in of only 4 bolts, and of course, the mounting hardware comes with the package. The easy installation also means that it is easily removable and safe for traveling.
The step is coated with rubber to provide more friction, but it is a bit small which some people may find uncomfortable. Before you pick the Megaware flexstep pro we must mention that it is on the more expensive side.
What We Liked
- Adjustable to 16 different positions
- Can be extended from 17-21” in length
- Lightweight aluminum is also very strong
- Easy installation
What Could be Better
- Quite pricey
4. Best Ladder Step: Quality Mark 28800 Bow Step – 3-Step
Key Features:
- Weight: 45.32 pounds
- Size: ”Ž40.51 x 13.5 x 7.52 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Lift type: Ladder Steps
- Material: Carbon Steel
For people with taller boats, the Quality Mark 28800 bow step is a phenomenal option. Having wide steps, you quite comfortably use these steps and can get a good landing of your feet.
Also, these are non-skid steps so you will not be at risk of falling. The carbon-steel construction is also sturdy enough and can bear a lot of weight. However, the steps do not have a powder coat so they can get rusty as they are used.
Although the ladder steps can be a bit heavy, one good thing is that you can easily fold it up when it's not being used so it doesn’t poke out.
For adjustability you can technically adjust the ladder steps to infinite angles, so you can fit it with almost any trailered boat. Installation is simple and all the tools are included in the box. If you own a tall trailered boat, you HAVE to buy this item, although it is a bit costly.
What We Liked
- Wide and comfortable non-skid steps
- Foldable ladder steps
- Robust carbon-steel design
- Can be adjusted to infinite angles
What Could be Better
- No powder coating or anodizing so the carbon-steel can get rusty
5. Best for Regular Use: Extreme Max 5001.5783 Galvanized Trailer Step
Key Features:
- Weight: 7.88 pounds
- Size: ”Ž9.92 x 9.84 x 5.83 inches
- Exterior: Unpainted
- Lift Type: Step
- Fit: Universal Fit
- Material: Galvanized Steel
A galvanized steel construction is not very common amongst boat trailer steps, but Extreme Max did a great job with this product. The steel used for this design has proven to be sturdy and has a maximum weight capacity of 300 pounds. Meanwhile, the galvanization ensures there is no corrosion happening to your trailer steps, and it remains free of the ugly rust throughout its time of usage.
The stepping platform is also quite wide with dimensions of 5 x 9 inches so you can nail your foot landing without any risks. It also has a rubber pad on it to prevent any skidding.
The item can fit with frames of 2 to 3.5 inches in width and height of up to 5 inches. You will get the 4 bolts and other hardware needed for installation in the box, and the setup is easy. This step will sit just at the right height on your boat so you can safely and easily get in and out of your boat regularly.
What We Liked
- Durable steel body for long-lasting
- Great galvanization resists the formation of rust
- Wide step with no-slip rubber pad for safety
- The setup is hassle-free and won't take much time
What Could be Better
- Some bolts in the package may not be the right size
6. Best for Fishing Boats: EZ-Troll Fishing Boat Side Step
Key Features:
- Weight: 7.5 pounds
- Size: 18.3 x 12.3 x 6.9 inches
- Exterior: Painted
- Lift Type: Step
- Material: Rotational Molded Polyethylene Plastic
Unlike all the products on our list, this boat trailer step is made out of plastic. However, the EZ-Troll Fishing Boat side step is no less durable than other metal steps.
Even if a person weighing 300 pounds is on the step, the plastic will not be flexing one bit, thus proving that the rotationally molded polyethylene plastic is very high-quality. It is also high impact resistant and even the paint will not chip so it will not be breaking upon bumping into something.
Another concern that arises with plastic parts is if it can endure the rays of the sun: well thankfully this step comes completely UV color molded.
Since this item is made out of plastic you will not have to be worrying about it rusting throughout its time of usage. Another good thing about this step is that it is very spacious, 16 inches in length and 13 inches in width, which makes it perfect for unloading heavy buckets of fish and fishing gear.
One thing to note is that the product does not come with rubber padding, hence you have to mind your step a bit when it’s wet. For installation, two long bolts are needed which are included in the box, and the setup will take up only approximately 10 minutes.
What We Liked
- Very Spacious Step
- Lightweight yet durable plastic body
- No rusting, fading, or paint chipping
- Resistant to high impacts
What Could be Better
- Does not have a rubber pad so can be a bit slippery
FAQs About Boat Trailer Steps
1. Which boat trailer steps are better for preventing corrosion, galvanization, or powder-coating?
This varies from company to company as both of these techniques can be effective if implemented properly, but galvanization is seen to be better in some cases.u003cbru003eBut if you ask us, we'd choose the Heininger HitchMate Boat Trailer Step as the best option.
2. What size of the step is the safest?
Too small steps can be risky since it increases the chance of slipping, so 5 x 9 inches steps should be good.
3. What are the primary advantages of having a boat trailer step?
Firstly, it reduces the chance of people falling when getting in and out of the boat, and then it also prevents any damage that could occur to the boat.
4. What should be the minimum budget for a boat trailer step?
It's preferable if you could keep at least 50 USD for buying a boat trailer step.
5. Which tools are needed to install boat trailer steps?
Most boat trailer steps come with all the required hardware, so you'll just need a screwdriver.
Conclusion
After going through all the details, we hope you were able to get an idea of which boat trailer step would be the right one for you and your boat. Make sure to consider all the factors before making your purchase, and be smart with it!
We hope you have found the best boat trailer steps for yourself!
