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Topic: Flip down exterior step question (Read 254 times) previous topic - next topic

Flip down exterior step question

I have a question regarding operation of the exterior step and would appreciate help. 

My step/entryway was damaged when I bought the coach, (step knocked off and frame askew.)  I repaired it to original but was never satisfied with the rigidity of the step when ascending.  It always seemed like it didn't have any kind of rigid stop, rather that it was hanging from the air cylinders i.e., could feel a bit of flex when stepping onto it. I assume this flex was related to compressing the internal stop spring on air cylinders.  I straightened the air cylinder rods and it worked for years but the nla cylinders have now bit the dust so need to design a new step actuation scheme. 

My question is this....was the step intended to bear against the frame member that the piano hinge is mounted to for support, or are the air cyls supposed to support the outboard edge of step?  Are other's steps solid feeling when stepping on to them? 

Thanks for your help, will post whatever solution I cobble up. 
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #1 –
Good question. Mine started to give as I stepped into the coach. Discovered that the air cylinder rod on aft side of step had broken the fiberglass step box enclosure. It is reinforced with a piece of metal but the fiberglass box supports it. I had to rebuild my box.  You can find my post of this on the forum.
1998 36 foot U270 Build No. 5328 WTFE, 900 watts solar, Victron controller, B2B, bat monitor, 600 AMPH lithium with 2018 Chevy Colorado toad, SKP #110239, Motorcade #17781, 2021 Escape 17B for when Coach is broken down and campsites are too small, retired and full-timer since Dec. 2020. Part of RV family since 1963.

Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #2 –
Here is what Patric is referring to: Repair of front step box air strut support

Pamela & Mike
Pamela & Mike 97 U 320

"It's not what happens to you, but how you react to it that matters."
 

Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #3 –
The air cylinder holds the step and it should feel solid.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport