Hello crew, so we just bought a 2002 U320 4010 and would like to close the loading steps while its in storage. How do I make the steps retract while coach if off? Thanks
Let air out of system by draining tanks and push it close
Jeremy,
Depending on which step you have will determine what wires you have to modify to accomplish this. There are several threads here on the Forum that have instructions as to how and what to do. I didn't notice what step system you had when I ran across you in the Wmart parking lot. See if you can post what step system you have and then we can hunt the proper instructions.
Mike
This is from the way back machine...
This applies to air operated fold down steps but likely other versions as well. The idea is to "trick" the step into thinking ignition is on when it is not by providing a switch and a power source. Unfortunately this article did not provide a wiring diagram, something that should be included when someone makes wiring changes or adds new wiring. Makes the job easier for the next one doing the same thing.
Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off... (https://wiki.foreforums.com/doku.php?id=house:steps:airstep)
Modify Outside Air Step Wiring
I also have modified outside step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off. I did it for security reasons and have used it several times. It prevents someone from stepping up to look in door window. And makes a parked Motorhome less inviting and secures the small storage behind the outside step when folded up. And in a confined parking situation, makes step less vulnerable to physical damage.
The 3-way step air control valve on our 1997 U270 is powered when ignition is on. This 12 volt ignition power feeds through the magnetic door switch to retract step. With ignition on, if screen door or main door is opened, the magnetic door switch is opened, air valve de-energized and step will lower. When the 3-way air valve does not receive 12 volts, it feeds air pressure to air cylinder to force outside step open. When the 3-way air valve receives 12 volts, it feeds air pressure to the other side of air cylinder to force outside step closed. When ignition is off, the air valve is de-energized and step stays open, no matter what position magnetic door switch is in.
To retract step when ignition is off, supply 12 volts to magnet door switch to simulate that ignition is on. When screen or door is opened, magnet door switch will open to lower step so we don't fall on our face when leaving coach. Step will NOT change from open to close and back to open, etc. if front brake air tank is depleted.
In this situation, step can easily be physically moved to closed or open position and will stay in the position.
HOW TO MODIFY WIRING
To modify outside step circuit, I found wire 'C11' leading to magnetic door switch. I mounted an inexpensive single pole double throw switch.
Switch does not have a center-off position. I cut wire 'C11".
I connected cut wire that goes to magnetic door switch to center pole of switch. I connected other side of cut 'C11' to one of the side poles of switch. I then connected a house battery hot wire to other side of switch. This circuit modification will not interfere with normal coach operation. It will be another small constant draw on the house battery when ignition is off and switch is in modified position.
Hope this help to explain how outside step works on our coach and is an aid for you to design a modification that works for your coach.
Rick's solution (above) is the easiest answer. You could drop the coach down to the hard stops (using the "DUMP" button on HWH panel) before you drain the tanks. That would avoid the coach possibly getting off level as the air bags gradually loose pressure.
You might be able to lift the step to the upright position once the door is closed.
Jim
2002 U320 42'
The simplest solution offered to me when I asked that question was to use a magnet on the door sensor. This keeps the steps from deploying when the door is opened. As long as you leave the magnet on the sensor, the steps will not deploy. When you return, open the door and remove the magnet and the steps will deploy (if they are electric or there is still air).
How to make steps operate with door (split from New owner...) (https://www.foreforums.com/index.php?topic=42113.msg421355#msg421355)
There's also a valve behind the step that you can shut off (of the two, it's the one further towards the back of the coach IIRC). It'll kill the air pressure to just the step and then you can push it up. At least on my 01, that is.