The original Thule step
When it comes to steps, most Grand California owners are likely to get nervous straight away. The factory-fitted step from Thule is, let’s put it kindly, not exactly a masterpiece. 😁
In the beginning, Volkswagen initially had software problems with the control system, which meant that the step either did not extend at all or – even worse – could no longer be retracted. These problems have now been solved, but there are still two major issues that quickly spoil the fun of the Thule step:
1. as soon as the step gets dirty, dirt can get inside the housing and cause it to jam – and then nothing works.
2. the step is mounted extremely “low”, which often leads to unsightly bumps, especially on the 680 models.
In short, the Thule step is unfortunately far from ideal when it comes to suitability for everyday use.
A quick word of advice: If you’re wondering how to clean the Thule step, we have a video on this very topic:
AlphaDynamik ETB Series
AlphaDynamik specializes in the development of high-quality steps for motorhomes and commercial vehicles. The portfolio also includes the ETB series, a specially developed solution for the VW Crafter and MAN TGE.
I was immediately in love with it when I saw the step on a Grand California for the first time. Not only does it look much better than the original Thule version, but its narrow design is also impressive. The elegant “sinking” under the vehicle immediately appealed to me.
In the photo – yes, our Cali was dirty – you can see that you can’t actually see anything. It almost looks as if the vehicle has no step at all at the entrance. When retracted, the ETB disappears almost completely under the sill and thus provides significantly more ground clearance.
Unfortunately there is a problem...
In the Grand California, Volkswagen relies on the much-loved KFG control unit, which is also responsible for controlling the step. The original step extends automatically when the sliding door is opened and retracts again when the door is closed. The step can also be operated via the camper unit. The great thing about this is that no extra switch is required as the step is fully integrated into the vehicle system.
Other manufacturers often cut corners here and equip their steps with a separate switch on the door that has to be operated manually each time the step is to be extended.
Now we come to the problem: The AlphaDynamik ETB step cannot simply be operated plug-and-play in the Grand California. It has its own control unit that cannot easily communicate with the KFG. 🥺
As I didn’t want to accept this situation, I looked for a solution and contacted some people who had already fitted the ETB step to their Cali. Some of them had simply installed an additional switch to bypass the KFG and the camper unit. However, this was out of the question for me – I wanted the step to function exactly as it did in its original state.
Finally, a Facebook user came up with a possible solution: he had clamped a relay between the original wiring harness of the Grand Californias and the step. This probably worked so well that he had already implemented this solution for several customers.
However, I wasn’t really happy with it. So I got my Cali electrics specialist on board. After a bit of brainstorming, our plan was set: we would develop a plug-and-play cable set that would enable installation without any “tinkering”. And that’s exactly what we did!
The cable set
A few prototypes later, the time had finally come in November: we were able to install the cable set in our Grand California. And not only that – we also tested it successfully!
The advantages of our solution at a glance:
-Connection as ex works: The cable set is connected directly to the fuse box.
-Robust workmanship: All components are firmly encapsulated, which prevents loose contacts.
-Reliable switching: Even if the KFG control unit is reset, the step remains extended and is not activated unintentionally.
-Easy installation: The cable set can be easily routed under the vehicle and pulled up to the fuse box.
With this solution, the AlphaDynamik ETB step finally works the way you want it to – without any compromises and just like ex works!
Enough talk, show me 😏
ETB facts
- Load capacity: 240 kg
- Extension time: 2 seconds
- Basic equipment: integrated obstacle detection (Autostop), 2 holders, cable set, control unit, vehicle-specific mounting material, LED lighting
- Ideal access height thanks to swivel mechanism
- Timeless design
- Immediately ready for use thanks to automatic and fast extension
- Tested for more than 100,000 folding and unfolding operations
- Developed for temperatures from -30°C to +80°C
Contrary to popular rumors, the step is fitted without having to drill any new holes! Only the existing mounting points in the bodywork are used.
Test result
We were able to test the step extensively on our trip to Sweden over New Year’s Eve. Even in snow and ice, there were no problems – the step could be used without any problems. We often had problems with the Thule step, especially in winter, because snow accumulated and made the step unusable.
Another plus point: the extension time is just 2 seconds, which is a tad faster than the original step. The load capacity of 240 kilos is also impressive – significantly higher than the factory-fitted step, which is only designed for 150 kilos.
How much does the fun cost and where can I get it?
Let’s talk about money. 💸
The ETB step costs around 1,600 euros, plus the cost of the cable set. Yes, that really is a lot of money for a step. But to be honest, the function and appearance make up for it in every respect. But I can also fully understand when someone says: “I’d rather remove the original step and put a stool in front of it.”
For us, the Cali is a hobby and we want to make our leisure time and travels as pleasant as possible – and for us, this also included replacing the step.
We may not have reinvented the wheel with the cable set, but we have created a solution that theoretically allows anyone to install the step themselves. Simply plug and play 😊.
After some consideration and in consultation with AlphaDynamik, we have decided to add the step to our online store. You can now order it there. The price including the matching cable set is 1,700 euros.
For those who do not feel confident or do not want to carry out the installation themselves, we also offer installation at our premises in Kempen.
