Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: toyman on December 05, 2014, 06:55:00 pm

Title: Step Switch
Post by: toyman on December 05, 2014, 06:55:00 pm
My coach, sitting in my drive levels with the step almost touching the ground. I can see some need to be able to switch off the step, but FT didn't provide the facility. Anyone here have any pointers as to how to wire it, and where to find the wires?
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: Michelle on December 05, 2014, 07:33:26 pm
Anyone here have any pointers as to how to wire it, and where to find the wires?

Here's one thread.  I'll search for more after dinner

How to wire electric step to keep retracted (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16718.msg108401#msg108401)

eta another Xtreme steps again (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=16006.msg100583#msg100583)

U295 step (http://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=12201.msg63188#msg63188)

and more from Barry's site (covers air step in addition to the Kwikee electric, not knowing which you have) Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links (http://www.beamalarm.com/foretravel-links/foretravel-technical-help.html#Steps)
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: Barry & Cindy on December 05, 2014, 09:46:35 pm
This is our coach step retract project...

Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off... (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=house:steps:modifyairstepwiring)
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: John Haygarth on December 05, 2014, 10:19:37 pm
I installed this switch when I got our coach 4 yrs ago and love the fact I can decide which way I want it. The only problem with it all is once your air has depleted the step may drop down as that is what holds it up (or down)
JohnH
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: toyman on December 06, 2014, 08:31:22 am
Thanks for the replies. Gotta find the wires now !
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: Falconguy on December 06, 2014, 11:19:49 am
Here is my "override switch" so I can choose to retract the step or not with the ignition off. Installed on the forward bulkhead of the passenger side front bay. Work done at FOT total cost $75
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: John Haygarth on December 06, 2014, 01:25:57 pm
 I put our switch on the panel to right of door when you go up steps. Seemed to be the most obvious place and easy to get at.
JohnH
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: toyman on December 06, 2014, 06:59:41 pm
Thanks once again. Went out and looked, as I suspected, my step is a Kwikee electric, not air. Pulled the dash panel in months of the pass seat....my eyes rolled back in my head, no way to figure out where the step wiring is. Think it may become a deferred project....until my next trip thru Nac.
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: Michelle on December 06, 2014, 07:49:41 pm
Went out and looked, as I suspected, my step is a Kwikee electric, not air. Pulled the dash panel in months of the pass seat....my eyes rolled back in my head, no way to figure out where the step wiring is.

Do you have ANY switch (likely unlabeled) on the dash panel which operates the step?  Some coaches have a single switch that gives you control over whether the step always operates with the door or stays out as long as the ignition isn't on (last out mode).

Wiring for the step should go to the white magnet sensor mounted near the bottom of the door hinge.  That sensor is what controls the step in/out with the door.
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: rbark on December 06, 2014, 07:50:21 pm
Michelle, I too am thinking of installing a switch to retract the steps when we are parked.
 I tried the magnet trick and jumper wires on the magnetic door sensor but couldn't get the steps to retract. Have the original electric steps for our 2003 U320. What am I missing?
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: red tractor on December 06, 2014, 08:00:23 pm
On the Kwikee step wire harness there are 4 wires in the harness. One is the 12 volt power for the step one is an ignition hot, believe 12 volts and one is for a remote switch to supply the 12 volts to the brain, think it is white and the brown if I remember correct goes to the magnetic switch on the door. This is on my to do list when I get around to it.
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: toyman on December 06, 2014, 08:28:47 pm
I found the Kwikee schematic on the net. Looks like a piece of cake, once I can find the correct white wire, have any idea how many white wires ther are in this beast ? Looks like the thing to find is the 4 prong plug from Kwikee.
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: red tractor on December 06, 2014, 08:56:16 pm
That plug should be within a foot or 2 of the controller brain box of the step which is mounted to the base of the step
Title: Re: Step Switch
Post by: toyman on December 06, 2014, 10:34:36 pm
Thanks ! Even I SHOULD be able to find that plug ! If it isn't to cold tomorrow, only getting up to the low 60's.