Removing cabin steps in 2000 3500 Open - Can't find anyone who has a real solution...

[recppd]

So I noticed I had a hose disconnected from the shower sump which was draining into the front bilge and causing a mess.  I can't reach the hose or sump box because I don't have 5' arms and need to remove the cabin stairs.  Can anyone tell me how to do this properly?  There are cleats screwed into the floor along the inside of the staircase, but I've read so many people say that did nothing to get the stairs undone.  I don't have the battery charger or anything else in there that would interfer, except disconnecting the wiring for the step lights.  Any help would be appreciated!