Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 13, 2025 ...

Step

February 25, 2017, 09:40:27 pm

Okay, now that the BIG problem is fixed I'm ready to move on to one that is more of a frustration than a serious problem (at least I don't think it is too serious). Our 1993 U300 has a door that drops down to become a step. When the door is closed, it looks like it is a LONG way up from the ground to the entry door. Foretravel's plan for that little step/door is that when the engine is off, the step is open (out). When the engine is on and the entry door is closed, the step is closed. If the entry door is opened the step also opens. A switch on the hinge side of the entry door operates that. The step, itself, is operated by a couple of air cylinders.

The problem is that the step doesn't like to stay closed while driving. Most of the time it stay closed, as it should, but sometimes it is all the way open. Sometimes it can't decided whether it wants to be open or closed, so it tries to do both. Kind of startled the mechanic last week when we did the test drive. After I told him what the noise was, he was entertained watching it.

My first thought was that the switch had a problem, perhaps not enough pressure on the plunger, so I built up the door to push it in farther. No difference. Might there be an air leak that is causing this? Other thoughts?

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Re: Step

Reply #1 – February 25, 2017, 10:32:44 pm

I think someone mentioned that it could be a bad switch so check that option. dissconnect the wires and joinh them by hand together and see if it stays up/or use a jumper wire. I think if it was an air problem it would be a continous problem, not irregular.??
JohnH

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Re: Step

Reply #2 – February 25, 2017, 10:57:22 pm

David,

We already talked about this a week ago - remember?  See Reply #11:

GV Entry Step Actuating Cylinder

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Re: Step

Reply #3 – February 25, 2017, 11:04:11 pm

I agree with John...sounds like the switch or the air valve controlled by the switch.  Possibly a relay between the two?  Not sure how your system is set up.  Not sure how mine is set up either as so far I've not had to fix it.      Probably break tomorrow now that I say that.

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Re: Step

Reply #4 – February 26, 2017, 07:37:03 am

David,

Along with the suggestions that have been made you need to look for a little square box mounted to the back of the step housing. Not only does it have wires coming out of it, it has several air lines connected to it.  This is known as your shuttle valve/ Norgen valve that transfers an electrical signal to an air movement.  Check the wiring plug as it may have a loose wire there.  If so and movement can cause a false signal causing the step to open and close at strange times.

Pamela & Mike

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