Foretravel Owners' Forum

Foretravel Motorhome Forums => Foretravel Tech Talk => Topic started by: Bill & Deanne Brown on June 08, 2010, 12:39:37 pm

Title: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: Bill & Deanne Brown on June 08, 2010, 12:39:37 pm
I am about to replace my double electric steps and was wondering if I should go back with the Kwikee brand and live with the need to lubricate often or move up to Stromberrg Carlson model which advertises it uses 15 self-lubricating bushings.  Is the extra $150 worth it??  I know that many avoid these drop down type steps altogether but we prefer the ease of having the lower first step.

Any experience would be appreciated.... Bill

Bill Brown
'03 U-320 in Houston
Title: Re: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: Rudy on June 08, 2010, 12:57:36 pm
Bill,

James Stallings at Xtreme Paint and Graphics in Nac has an excellent replacement for the steps.  I am sure it costs more than a simple replacement but the upgrade is color matched and is very robust in construction.

Here is a link  http://www.xtremegraphics.net/step.html (http://www.xtremegraphics.net/step.html)
Title: Re: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: Barry Beam on June 08, 2010, 10:18:08 pm
Bill,
What problems are you having with your Kwikee steps.
I have been pretty happy with mine.
Title: Re: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: D.H. Spoor on June 10, 2010, 08:59:29 am
FWIW on Kwikee Steps

Just had to replace the innards on my step - it failed to operate, and I found a fracture across the gear case cover, unknown origin, and presumptive cause of the failure.

Used a Kwikee "kit", P/N 44-8127, called IGML (Integrated Motor, Gears,Linkage) and this replaces everything including the electronic control module (Tech/Installer @ Foretravel was willing to replace just the broken component, but I decided to use the whole thing).  Cost of kit was $344.03 from non-Foretravel source and that included TX tax and shipping.

We have only had this 2003 Coach for 3 months, and so far, the only concerns w/ the Kwikee are a) it is a bit wobbly when you stand on it, b) it hits curbs if you park too close, and c) on a slope where leveling will put the nose down, the coach can end up resting the right-front corner on the step which can't be too healthy for the step and maybe (?) was the cause of our case fracture.

Lastly, I spent 2 weeks trying to get 3 different phone numbers at Kwikee to work, and never did get to talk to a "Help" person - not thrilling!

What is the price of the Step Conversion from Xtreme?

Dan Spoor
FTV 11082
2003 34' U270
Title: Re: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: Rudy on June 10, 2010, 09:11:17 am
Dan,

A quick call to James or Jennifer at 936.560.1389 will tell get the answer.
Title: Re: Electric Entrance Steps
Post by: John S on June 10, 2010, 12:05:54 pm
I would call James and look at his step. It is a great step and removes the problem of the step hitting the ground or curb and you can wire it so it will stay in if you are parked for the night somewhere too.