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Topic: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...) (Read 1042 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from New owner with a few ...

How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Howdy Foretravel folks, we just bought our first RV, a 2003 U320, 38T #6197.

During my poking around, I came up with a few questions some of you seasoned veterans may be able to help shed some light on.  We'd appreciate any info or direction you can share.
The front slide seal has a leak.  With the slide in, I found a leak about 1/3 of the way up the seal.  With the slide out, it seems to have stopped leaking.  Can these be fixed/patched or is this something that needs to be replaced?  If so, how hard is that job?[/li][/list]
  • The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Quote from: WS6_Keith  -  13 hours ago

The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?
My father in law has a 2002 U295 and has confirmed that once the key is off, the steps stay out as designed by Foretravel.  I may consider adding a switch to keep them powered hot in the future, but as long as this is intended operation, I'm going to leave it alone for now.

Thanks for splitting this off from my original post Michelle!
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #2 –
Roger has already answered this (in your original thread that got split up), but I may be able to clarify for the new owner.  Roger said:

"Electric steps are controlled by ignition on and the magnetic switch on the screen door.  If ign is off the steps extend when the door is opened and stay open until the ign is turn on and the door is closed and then the steps retract.  You can add an override switch so thet when the ign is off the steps retract when the door is closed and extend when the door is open.  It is nice to do if you want the steps retracted while you are away.  Not hard to do, just find the correct wires."

In layman terms, what you need to do is "trick" the step control into thinking the ignition switch is ON.  Look at your 12 volt wiring diagram to identify the wire that supplies power from the ignition switch to the step control solenoid.  Tap into that wire at a convenient place with a wire that runs to a ON/OFF switch of some type (rocker, toggle, push button...doesn't matter).  Mount the switch in a handy location near the door.  To the other side of the switch run a wire that is connected to a "always hot" 12 volt source.

So, now when you park your coach and turn off the ignition, the steps go out and stay out as usual.  BUT, if you turn on your newly added switch you send power to the step control and it "thinks" the ignition switch has been turned to ON.  The step will now operate exactly the same as it does when the engine is running.

Note:  The step will operate normally with the engine running, regardless of the position of your added control switch.

EASY  :thumbsup:
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: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #3 –
We have a Kwikee electric step installed at Xtreme.  The step operates in the normal way when power is supplied when the ignition is on. We have a switch that supplies power when the ignition is off to allow the step to retract when the door is closed and the ignition is off.  You will have to determine how yours is wired, no reason to expect it is the same as mine, might be, in order to add an ignition off override.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #5 –
If you have a magnet (like one from a door alarm sensor for your house) and a little velcro you can put that by the door control switch and it will keep the step closed when you don't want it out. 
Rick & Rhonda
2003 U320 4220  Build #6199
Was
91 36' GV 300 Caterpillar, 92 40' U280 300 Cummins, 97 36' U295 300 Cummins, 2002
U320 450 Cummins
(Guess we're hooked)

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Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #6 –
Rick,

What a simple but ingenious idea. 

Thanks,

Richard
Jan & Richard Witt
1999 U-320  36ft WTFE
Build Number: 5478 Motorcade: 16599
2011 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited w/Air Force One
Jan: NO5U, Richard:KA5RIW
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Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
If you have a magnet (like one from a door alarm sensor for your house) and a little velcro you can put that by the door control switch and it will keep the step closed when you don't want it out. 

That's great, just throw the magnet on before you open the door to exit.  When you return, open the door and pull the magnet...just don't get hit in the shins with the steps.  LOL
Keith
2003 U320 38' #6197

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #8 –
Hi. 

I have a 22 realm 605.  When I'm Parked with ignition off the steps keep going in and out when the door is opened.  I'd like them to stay extended while parked for days. 

Thanks

Tom
2022 foretravel Realm 605

2021 Jeep Grand Cherokee
 

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #9 –
Tmyz, on my 14 ih the step going in and out when engine is running,  when off, with the door unlocked, steps stay out, door open or closed.

Has yours acted this way since new?

Old Scout, had his step not working correctly and he removed the magnet in the door and removed the metal shaving from the back of the magnet.

My step closes when door is locked at the keypad
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