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Topic: Step Problem (Read 710 times) previous topic - next topic

Step Problem

The air operated step on our 2004 U270 3610 goes out when the coach door is opened. However, the step will not go back in with the engine running and the door closed. With the engine running and the door closed, the step will close after pushing it about two thirds way in. Then, after opening the door, quickly going inside and closing the door, the step will have started to extend but will retract completely. Any ideas as to the problem will be appreciated. 
Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Step Problem

Reply #1 –
Hmmm.  I would examine the rods to make sure they are smooth and not hanging up.  When I took mine apart to replace/clean the ends, I scored the rod a little, and that prevented it from smoothly closing.  I ended up getting a used pair from Extreme...that were also scored in their removal, but not as badly.  I sanded the rough spot and they work fine now.  Those buggars are nearly $200 each new.  I disassembled the bad one (found the directions online) and they are pretty simple affairs, and supposedly able to be rebuilt.
The selected media item is not currently available.Brad & Christine Slaughter
Was:  1990 U280 36'
Was:  2002 U270 36' (With a bathroom door) Build #5981
Is:  2021 Leisure Travel Van Wonder 24RL
2015 Jeep JKU, 2003 S10 QC 4x4 or 2017 C-Max
Lake Havasu City, AZ (or Gillette, WY)

Re: Step Problem

Reply #2 –
To me it sounds like a problem with the door magnetic reed switch or the step pneumatic control valve.  Check on line with Beam's motor home technical help, under step repair.Foretravel Motorhome technical help and information links Gam
joseph gambaro
1999 U295 36'

Re: Step Problem

Reply #3 –
I think it's acting like it doesn't have enough air pressure.  Air cylinders always have more force in extension (step down) than in retraction (step up).
I would suggest checking the regulator/gauge under the stairwell.  It's exposed to the elements and can corrode.  The regulator adjust pressure which, primarily controls how much FORCE the cover or step has when it moves.  Adjusting it will make the cover or step move faster or slower but you need to think about it really changing the force. The adjustment may vary from coach to coach depending on how much friction there is in the mechanism.  My step is set for about 50 PSI.  You want the pressure high enough so it will move easily but also not so high that it will crush a finger.

There are other adjustments to change the SPEED of the step or cover.  These adjustments are on the electric valves that are right next to the regulators.  If you look closely at the valves you should see what looks like a set screw with a screwdriver slot on top.  This set screw is actually a needle valve and it also has locking nut on it to keep the adjustment.  There are two of these adjustments on each valve.  One is for motion in the OUT direction and the other is adjustment for the IN direction.  You'll have to play around to see which does what.  Turning the set screw in will make it move slower, out will make it move faster.  If some dirt gets into these needle valves it could produce the problem you have.
Good luck.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho

Re: Step Problem

Reply #4 –
Quote
There are other adjustments to change the SPEED of the step or cover
John, thanks for this advice. Mine is pretty slow so I think I'll give that speed adjustment a shot.
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Step Problem

Reply #5 –
I was looking for the regulator valve/gauge for the step and step cover. With the generator access door open I could see a regulator/gauge. The pressure reading on the gauge was 115 psi. The tech At FOT had told me that the step pressure regulator should be set at 60 psi. Are there two regulator/gauges in the vicinity of the step. How do I tell if this regulator/gauge operates the step? Thanks.
Larry
Larry and Terry
Ex 2004 U270 36'

Re: Step Problem

Reply #6 –
Quote from: LTG –
.....................The tech At FOT had told me that the step pressure regulator should be set at very close to 60 psi. Are there two regulator/gauges in the vicinity of the step. How do I tell if this regulator/gauge operates the step?......................
Larry, have never seen one not set at near 60 psig.
Usually there are three in the vicinity, one near coach centerline for front travel height feed and two near the stepbox enclosure, one for the outside step, one for the inside step cover.
Safely block and get under coach.  Then have your wife operate the step and the inside stepwell cover.
You can easily see (on guage), feel (on lines) and hear (by proximity) which is which (as well as see where the lines lead to the pistons).
Neal
The selected media item is not currently available.
Neal (& Brenda) Pillsbury
'02 U320 SPEC, 4200, DGFE, Build #5984
'04 Gold Wing
'07 Featherlite 24'
'14 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit
MC #14494
Exeter, NH & LaBelle FL
Quality makes the Heart Soar long after Price is Forgotten
 

Re: Step Problem

Reply #7 –
Quote from: LTG –
I was looking for the regulator valve/gauge for the step and step cover. With the generator access door open I could see a regulator/gauge. The pressure reading on the gauge was 115 psi. The tech At FOT had told me that the step pressure regulator should be set at 60 psi. Are there two regulator/gauges in the vicinity of the step. How do I tell if this regulator/gauge operates the step? Thanks.
Larry
Yes, there should be one(regulator/gauge) for the exterior step and one for the interior step well cover - for a total of two.
Other than following where the lines go, you could adjust one of the regulators down to zero pressure and see what doesn't work anymore.
Gauges can get frozen(i.e. rust) in place and show a pressure that isn't there.  On most regulators turning the knob out (CCW) should reduce pressure and you should see the reaction on the gauge and here air being released out of the regulator.  Most regulator knobs have a lock ring near the base of the knob that needs to be pull out for the knob to turn.
John Fitzgerald
1991 U300 (SAI) Side Aisle Island Bed 40'
Detroit 6V92 with Allison Retarder
Meridian (Boise), Idaho