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Topic: Step Cover Operation (Read 483 times) previous topic - next topic

Step Cover Operation

When I was at the coach today I had started it up and brought up the air pressure and then started looking for vacuum leaks.

I thought I would try my step cover because it does not work but what I found was it always want to retract no matter which switch is in either position.  I can pull it out by had but as soon as I let it go it goes back in rather quickly, almost slams in.

So what should I be looking for?  Is actuator behind the top step?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #1 –
The valve for this is under the coach on the back of the steps. You will find two of them. One is for the step that comes out when you stop or open the door and the other is for the slide cover that goes over the steps while traveling.  My step one has worked all the time. The cover one did not.  I took apart, cleaned the gook out of it, oiled it up and put back together and it started working.

Hardest part was getting under the coach.  If you have the bags aired up to get under, make sure you are using your stopper in the frame so if the air bags deplete you will not become a pancake.
2014 ih45  (4th Foretravel owned)
 1997 36' U295 Sold in 2020, owned for 19 years
  U240 36' Sold to insurance company after melting in garage fire
    33' Foretravel on Dodge Chassis  Sold very long time ago

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #2 –
There is another thread active on a similar topic. Start searching and learning about Norgren valves.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #3 –
Quote from: turbojack –
The valve for this is under the coach on the back of the steps. You will find two of them. One is for the step that comes out when you stop or open the door and the other is for the slide cover that goes over the steps while traveling.  My step one has worked all the time. The cover one did not.  I took apart, cleaned the gook out of it, oiled it up and put back together and it started working.

Hardest part was getting under the coach.  If you have the bags aired up to get under, make sure you are using your stopper in the frame so if the air bags deplete you will not become a pancake.
Thanks Jack I will give that a try.  ^.^d
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Rich Bowman –
There is another thread active on a similar topic. Start searching and learning about Norgren valves.

Rich
Thanks Rich, I saw the other thread but it was not talking about what mine was doing  so I was not sure where to start.
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #5 –
Without 12v power to valve's solenoid, step & step slide valves work by flowing air pressure to one end of cylinder, exhausting air from other end of cylinders.

When 12v power is applied, the valve switches cylinder ends, exhausting from the other end of the cylinders.

Your symptoms could be 12v power is missing no matter how inside switches are positioned.

Also, normally the air pressure is so strong that you cannot easily manually pull out step slide.

Slamming is minimized by the valve's adjustable exhaust restrictor.

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #6 –
Yeah... be careful adjusting those valves.  Just saying... 😬
Luke & Sandy (still many work years to go...)
1999 U320 36 Build #5387
2013 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited
Previous 1997 Winnebago Vectra Grand Tour 35WQ major interior remodel
Previous several SOB trailers, Class C, fifth wheels.

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #7 –
Thanks Barry, it was not easy to pull out, I had to use both hands and pull and lean back while trying to look under it.

Are the electrical terminals on the part under the coach behind the steps?
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5
 

Re: Step Cover Operation

Reply #8 –
Quote from: coastalbuilder –
Yeah... be careful adjusting those valves.  Just saying... 😬
I have to figure out what it is doing and make sure I understand it before i tinker to much with stuff.  I have been told that doing other wise could cause more problems , no first hand knowledge of course.  O:)
Steve

1997 U270 36' build 5179
Motorcade #18147
1980 CJ5