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Topic: Electric Step conversion (Read 950 times) previous topic - next topic

Electric Step conversion

While I was at Xtreme decided to have an electric step conversion installed. I'm glad I did because the inside step box was in pretty rough shape. This was a $4,300 plus job and I'm happy with it. The step itself can be found for a little over $1,000 on the internet and of course I paid full price but I'm very pleased with the way it turned out. Rance at Xtreme did a really good job installing it. There is a bypass switch now by the door that allows the step to stay out when parked or retracted. Of course as soon as the engine ignition key is on the step will retract if the door is closed so no worries about driving off with the steps sticking out. It's very quiet moving in and out. It gives me two steps up then a small step in then two steps up. I was always afraid that one day I would slip and fall coming down on that small step that Foretravel initially put in, and the cost of a twisted ankle would be more than what I paid for this step for sure. Definitely a good upgrade on this coach. Chief is having an adjustment. Of going from the old step to the new but he's figuring it out. He keeps wanting to come in from the side rather than the front. It says on the step max weight 300 but I'm sure it would take more than that.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #1 –
Probably looks (in the photo) lower than it really is, but you might keep that metal frame in mind when traversing tall speed bumps.
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"Nature abhors a vacuum"

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #2 –
On driveways with a lot of crown in the road the frame will hit. I now raise the front under those conditions.
1999 40 ft. U-320 wtfe build 5563 Chuck & Lynda's "Rollin' Inn"  2030 watts solar
prev. mh's 71 GMC 5 yrs. 73 Pace Setter 1 yr. 78 Vogue 5 yrs 81 FTX 40ft all electric 18 yrs. 1996 Monaco Signature 3 yrs.
2014 Grand Cherokee Overland
Dream as if you will live forever. Live as if you will die today.  James Dean

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #3 –
I have a new one of these after I destroyed the original step on a steep driveway Yes, careful with RT ft clearance on grades
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #4 –

The only time I scraped the step frame was going through a deep dip from a roadway into a parking area.

This was right up there at the top of most useful changes to our coach, it adds a safer entry and exit.  Take your time getting used to it, it is still a step.

Get a dry lubricant spray to keep the slide bearings lubed up.  Frequently.
Amazon.com : DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant Aerosol Spray, 10...

And get a fake grass (astroturf) mat or something like that, waterproof but breathable,  and cut it to fit on the backside step frame ahead of the front tire.  Attach with lots of zip ties.  It will dramatically reduce the amount of road dirt and grit that gets on the steps. Color doesn't matter.
Amazon.com : CLEAN MACHINE 10376620 High Traffic Astroturf Doormat, Sandbar,...

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Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Roger & Susan in Home2 –

Get a dry lubricant spray to keep the slide bearings lubed up.  Frequently.
Amazon.com : DuPont Teflon Non-Stick Dry-Film Lubricant Aerosol Spray, 10...

And get a fake grass (astroturf) mat or something like that, waterproof but breathable,  and cut it to fit on the backside step frame ahead of the front tire.  Attach with lots of zip ties.  It will dramatically reduce the amount of road dirt and grit that gets on the steps. Color doesn't matter.
Amazon.com : CLEAN MACHINE 10376620 High Traffic Astroturf Doormat, Sandbar,...


Two great tips!

Even with a little road mist our Extreme step conversion would get real nasty. I'll try that "FAKE GRASS" tip.  Also good reminder to lube the slides often... Thanks Roger !


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Jeff & Kristen
2002 U320 build #6039
Living the Dream!
 

Re: Electric Step conversion

Reply #6 –
Yeah that was one of the things that Rance told me to make sure I keep up with.
'99 U320 40 WTFE
Build #5462,
1500 Watts Solar 600 amp Victron lithium
2012 Jeep Grand Cherokee Overland Hemi
Instagram bobfnbw
Retired