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Topic: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification (Read 855 times) previous topic - next topic

Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

After finding water in the frame under the step I decided to do the mod to keep the step closed with the ignition off. Followed Barry's great write-up from over at the wiki ( Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off... ).

On this rig, for some reason, the "interior light" rocker on your right as you enter was disabled. Anyhow, I used that hole to mount my new switch. Changed out the little magnetic door switch too to better match the black tile.

Here's a few photos. On this rig (97 270) the needed wire is C11 and I used fuse position #55 for the hot wire to the switch.

The photo of the schematic is from my laminated blowup of the 8 1/2 x 11 that comes in our books. Another great idea from a forum member. Come to think of it, knocking off great forum ideas is the way to go!
jor
93 225
95 300
97 270
99 320

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #1 –
Thanks for saving me time on the install as it is on the list.
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: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #2 –
Jot...if you can, let us know if you notice (from Barrys writeup)

"It will be another small constant draw on the house battery when ignition is off and switch is in modified position."

Thanks

Randy
Randy (N4TDT) and Karen Crete
Sarasota, Florida
SOLD:  2000 U270 34' WTFE Build 5756 "Ole Red"

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #4 –
Not safe to have step up ignition off.  If someone is injured modifying a factory safety system would make you personally libel in my opinion
"Riding and rejoicing"
Bob
1997 U320 40' Mid entry, build 5132,  wtbi ce27, 4th owner
2007 Solara convertible
2 prodeco tech outlaw ss electric bikes

1095 watts solar
08 Ls 460 and a sc430
2000 Ford F-250 superduty 4x4

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Caflashbob –
Not safe to have step up ignition off.  If someone is injured modifying a factory safety system would make you personally libel in my opinion
The mod only lets the step stay up if the door is closed. Not sure how an injury could take place.
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: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #6 –
We have the Xtreme step conversion and I installed a switch so that the steps will stay closed when the switch is in the up position while the door is closed, key on or off. Anytime the door opens (and there is battery power available), the steps come out regardless of the ignition key position. This is how I leave it while the coach is in storage. When we are traveling and staying close to the coach (not leaving for the day), I put the switch in the down position which leaves the steps extended while the door is closed, unless the ignition key is on. To me, this mode of operation is the only way that makes sense. No matter what, since the steps operate off of the chassis battery, if the ignition key is on the steps will be retracted while the door is closed and extended while door is open. So there is no situation where someone will open the door and attempt to exit on while the stairs are retracted, unless of course the steps have malfunctioned. The steps staying in while the door is closed and the coach is parked or in storage helps keep the slides cleaner and saves on wear and tear from grit getting in the slides. I also flip the switch to keep the steps in when we are in the coach for the night or in wet conditions. Why not? They will extend when we open the door. They extend fast enough so that even a brisk egress won't beat the steps extension. If you really hurry, you can step on them just before they are fully extended, but that feels no different than getting on an escalator 8), but it is a short ride because they are already three quarters of the way out by the time you can plant your feet on the top step. I am never in that much of a hurry though... Anyway, I prefer not to stress the step slide mechanism by putting weight on them while steps are in transition.
Don
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Don & Tys
1999 U270 3602 WTFE #5402
Xtreme Stage 1 w/Headlight, Step Conversion, etc.
2009 Honda Fit Sport with Navi
Freedom is NOT "just another word for nothing left to lose"... with apologies to Kris Kristofferson

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #7 –
We (Xtreme) put in the same step that Don has mainly for safety reasons.  In the first couple years we owned the coach we knew three people who missed the fold down step getting out of the coach, two broke bones.  The Kwikee steps are a huge improvement.  We are still careful exiting the coach.  You never know what will be waiting for you.  This fellow was all curled up on the small rug at the bottom of the steps.

If you open the door, any steps should be down/extended.

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

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #8 –
OK Roger, where & when?????????????

Larry
Larry Warren
1996  U320 36' SBID "Lola" sold 2020
Build #4970
Motorcade #18318
 

Re: Entry Step Stay Closed Modification

Reply #9 –
If some of the Forum's GV owners are reading this thread and thinking "I wish I could do that"...well, you can!  This modification can be also done on the GV bottom "air" step.  It will work exactly like Don described in his post above.  The only caveat:  you must maintain at least 60-70 psi air pressure.  Once the system air pressure goes below that, the step no longer works (but you already knew that).

See the post linked below for the simple method of modding your GV step behavior.  Ignore all the stuff I wrote in the earlier posts in that thread (about modifying the air lines/valves that operate the step).  I was obviously over-medicated...

GV (Unihome) Air Step Mod
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"