othertonka wrote: The step should extend any time you open the door for safety reasons. To rewire it to not open when you open the door is irresposible. If you have seen someone open the door and walk out and the step was not there, you would see why. It is not a pretty sight, that is a long way down without that step being there. Just an opinion, I know it does not answer the original posters question but offered as food for thought to those who advocate making these changes.
I have seen steps extend half way due to a curb. And twisted an ankle as a result.. I would rather they not extend at all in that condition.
Thus I wired in a 2nd switch (all but hidden) to do that.
However I know when it is in the "Stay closed" position. And even giving directions to my wife she can't find the switch.
Nothin adds excitment like something that is none of your business
Kenwood TS-2000 housed in a 2005 Damon Intruder 377
fltoftheconcord wrote: We have a Kwikee step issue right now as well. I replaced the controller unit, but still not working. Suspecting it may be the motor (although I'll try the 2x4 method described in this thread as well). Failing that working, is there a way I can detatch the linkage in order to use the step manually by pulling it out, until I can get it repaired? We are about to have take a trip and I doubt we'll have it fixed before we leave.
Thanks,
Mike
The motor seized on our steps. We had the control arm removed and now we have manual steps. The motor gave up the ghost shortly before a big trip. We thought about repairing it when we got home, but manual steps work just fine for us.
Recently we had to replace our steps. They were bent when we bought the RV and hubby helped it along a few times.
We had to replace the steps and the magnetic switch. With the new steps, when the door opens, they go out. Door shut, they retract. Hubby called Fleetwood and they said that's the way they work now.
It elimiinates people bending the steps because they aren't in the proper position when you move the unit.
However, it takes getting used to. When you open the door you have to stop and wait for the steps to extend. I have to really watch when taking dogs out -- I put them on leashes and have to shorten it up so they don't fall out, as they are used to going when the door opens (which worked with the old steps).
I really wish there was a way to make them stay out when you are parked. I have to be careful when opening the door from the outside to put dogs back inside. If they would get a foot caught on the step coming down, it could probably break a leg for them.
I have visions of me falling out. I don't like it.
Whatever hits the fan will not be evenly distributed.
Thanks for all the input...I finally figured it out.
To Raindove: On my unit, I turn the step switch OFF and that will keep the stairs extended whether you open or close the door. When I turn the switch ON, that will extend and retract the steps when you open or close the door. It took some getting used to it but I can live with it. I don't know if this will work with your unit but you might try it.
fltoftheconcord wrote: We have a Kwikee step issue right now as well. I replaced the controller unit, but still not working. Suspecting it may be the motor (although I'll try the 2x4 method described in this thread as well). Failing that working, is there a way I can detatch the linkage in order to use the step manually by pulling it out, until I can get it repaired? We are about to have take a trip and I doubt we'll have it fixed before we leave.
Thanks,
Mike
The motor seized on our steps. We had the control arm removed and now we have manual steps. The motor gave up the ghost shortly before a big trip. We thought about repairing it when we got home, but manual steps work just fine for us.
If you have a problem witha Kwikee step take the motor to NAPA and match up the gear teeth and screw holes with the power window motors in their book. My step is 3 steps and takes a motor from a '79 Lincoln Town Car LF window. That was about $65 compared to $260 from Kwikee. Some take other motors for fewer steps. Be careful working on those steps. There is enough torque in the mechanism to remove a fnger or break body parts.
2003 Newmar Mountain Aire, Workhorse W22, 2008 Saturn Vue, Falcon 5250, & US Gear Unified Tow Brake
olygene,
Our steps, and I guess all Kwikee steps, work as you described. The one thing you didn't mention is that the steps are also tied into the vehicle ignition - SO - If the steps are extended and the switch is OFF and you start the engine - THE steps will retract even if the switch is off.
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