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Topic: Ladder Step Repair (Read 1084 times) previous topic - next topic

Ladder Step Repair

Barry Leavitt just completed repairing his rear ladder steps.
He found the replacement parts.
I uploaded his photos and installation instructions
http://beamalarm.com/Documents/ladder_repair.html
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #1 –
Thanks, Barry (both of you).  Great post.

Looking at the rust on the screws, I wonder if spending a few more bucks on Stainless Steel would be a worthwhile investment when replacing the ends?

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #2 –
Very well done documentation by Barry Leavitt and very workmanlike installation.  I will check my ladder tomorrow.
Thank you to both Barrys.  Stainless steel screws seem to be a good idea to me -- if they can be found in the sizes needed.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #3 –
Remember to use anti seize compound no matter what. Stainless steel may
not rust (much) but its still very susceptible to galvanic corrosion
(dis-similar metal corrosion) and chloride pitting.

George Stoltz wrote:
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> Very well done documentation by Barry Leavitt and very workmanlike
> installation. I will check my ladder tomorrow.
> Thank you to both Barrys. Stainless steel screws seem to be a good idea
> to me -- if they can be found in the sizes needed.
>
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The selected media item is not currently available. Dave Head & Megan Westbrook
Titusville, FL - The Great Outdoors
'98 270 buying this month
Toad is a 2018 F150 XLT

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #4 –
If you can find the same screw head which fits the ends, stainless would
work ok.  Center one is self-drilling.
Barry & Cindy
1997 Foretravel U270 36'
Foretraveler@gmail.com

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #5 –
Speaking of screws, when we removed our steps to clean ladder parts and
install new ends, I found several original center screw holes were put in at
an angle where they did not exit the ladder across from entry hole in
ladder.  I redirected new self-drilling screw and made a new straight hole.

Barry & Cindy
1997 Foretravel U270 36'
Foretraveler@gmail.com

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Dave Head –
Remember to use anti seize compound no matter what. Stainless steel may
not rust (much) but its still very susceptible to galvanic corrosion
(dis-similar metal corrosion) and chloride pitting.



Dave,

I'm still learning.  Where would I buy an anti sieze compound?  Got a name brand you like.
George Stoltz.  Retired from full-time living in a great Foretravel and now are back to living in a traditional sticks and bricks in Florida.

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #7 –
George,

NAPA or any auto parts store is a source for anti-seize compound.  They come in copper or molybdenum varieties.  I use the moly-based ones.  One can will last forever.

Regards,

Brett
Regards,
Brett

'99 42' Foretravel Xtreme
'14 Brown Motorsports Stacker
'05 Chevy SSR
'02 BMW R1150R
 

Re: Ladder Step Repair

Reply #8 –
I am very familiar with galvanic corrosion-- we have owned sailboats on salt water for 40 years.

With the treads being aluminum, whether you use the OE mild steel or upgrade to stainless steel, BOTH offer the potential for galvanic corrosion.

But, most galvanic corrosion takes place in the presence of moisture. The photo of the inside of the step in http://beamalarm.com/Documents/ladder_repair.html show virtually no corrosion where the two side screws go in, so I am not sure how much of a problem this really is.

If you live in a humid/salty area, it wouldn't hurt to use a little sealer on the threads (like 3M 4000), but not sure it is needed.

Brett Wolfe
Brett Wolfe
EX: 1993 U240
Moderator, ForeForum 2001-
Moderator Diesel RV Club 2002-
Moderator, FMCA Forum 2009-2020
Chairman FMCA Technical Advisory Committee 2011-2020