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Topic: Entrance step (Read 695 times) previous topic - next topic

Entrance step

The fiberglass cover fell  off my step. What did they use to glue it on. Also is it possible to have the step in when the engine isn't running. As soon as I stop the engine the step comes out.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Entrance step

Reply #1 –
Quote from: oldguy –
The fiberglass cover fell  off my step. What did they use to glue it on. Also is it possible to have the step in when the engine isn't running. As soon as I stop the engine the step comes out.

Locktite glue will hold it on.. and there is a write up on the switch to add a relay or something to make the step go in when key not active

Re: Entrance step

Reply #2 –
If you have air in the tanks and you have the ignition on (but not started) and the door closed the step will come up.  Mine started coming off last week and I used liquid nails silicone adhesive to reglue it.  I used this because I though I would need something strong yet flexible.  Someone before had used epoxy, but it didn't hold.  Hopefully this will do the trick.   

2002 36' U270 Foretravel

Re: Entrance step

Reply #3 –
You can use blue painters tape to hold it in place while it cures.  This will be easier and the step can be down for this.  I wouldn't use the step until it is fully cured (16 hours I believe).  I have an aluminum folding step I used while it cured.
2002 36' U270 Foretravel

Re: Entrance step

Reply #4 –
I think I may take the step off so I can do it inside as most glues cure better warm and I would like to change the screws to stainless.
Is there any diagrams how to be able to close the step.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Entrance step

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldguy –
Also is it possible to have the step in when the engine isn't running.
What you have to do is "trick" the step control into thinking that the ignition is "ON".  See if the links below help:

Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off...

How the inside step slide and outside step operate [ForeForums Foretravel...
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: Entrance step

Reply #6 –
Thanks, that looks like just what I need.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Entrance step

Reply #7 –
I did the modifications listed above and it works well as long as there is air in the system. Would like even better if there was a way to do just a bit different. Anybody ever try or knows how to do it so the step closes when you lock the doors with the key fob?
2002 Custom No Slide U320
98 U295 36'
92 Grand Villa 29' front engine gas-Sold
Motorcade 18100

Re: Entrance step

Reply #8 –
Quote from: windwalker –
I did the modifications listed above and it works well as long as there is air in the system. Would like even better if there was a way to do just a bit different. Anybody ever try or knows how to do it so the step closes when you lock the doors with the key fob?
I don't have power door locks, so I'm just brainstorming here...  Take it for what it's worth.

It would be the same principal as above, but perhaps a little more complicated  If you have made the mod described above, you already have one (switched) power source wired to "trick" the step control.  Making the step retract with door lock activation would require a second power circuit, which would be controlled with a latching relay (like the one that controls your water pump).

When you lock the doors with the key fob,  a signal is sent to activate the individual door locks. I assume this is a momentary signal (ie the door lock solenoids are not constantly powered).  You could tap into the signal going to any one of the door locks and have it also activate a latching solenoid.  The latching solenoid would close sending a "tricking" power signal to the step control (just like the manual switched circuit).

So, when you lock the doors with your fob the latching solenoid is activated (closes) and power is sent to step control.  Step closes.  When you unlock the doors with your fob the latching solenoid is again activated (opens) and cuts the power signal going to the step control.  Step opens.  Bob's your uncle!

Example of a latching relay:  Amazon.com: Standard Motor Products LR35 Relay: Automotive

As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
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: Entrance step

Reply #9 –
Thanks it's worth considering.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: Entrance step

Reply #10 –
When I had my step powder coated I just put in a few rivets to hold the step cover on.

Mark
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Mark and Tanya
Milton , Florida
US Navy Veteran (DV)
1999 U270 Special 40' CAI , 2015 Jeep Wrangler Sahara

Re: Entrance step

Reply #11 –
The step on our coach was in pretty sad shape when we got it, and a couple of years ago I asked Foretravel if they could do anything to help it. They scratched their heads a bit and said they thought they could. When they were done it looked like new (almost). I didn't ask exactly what they did, but it sure is a LOT better than what it was.

Re: Entrance step

Reply #12 –
Be VERY careful when modifying the outside drop down step controls, because IF step is ever UP when door is opened during exiting the coach, a very bad fall would likely occur.

Our posted wiring modification to keep step up with door closed has a potential safety problem:

Opening door should force air pressure into cylinders to push step down.
IF air pressure has been depleted, and the step is still holding in UP position,
  the step might not come down, causing a fall.

Re: Entrance step

Reply #13 –
In my humble personal opinion ... the very best repair for those steps is to replace them with one of the sturdy, geezer friendly, safe, secure Kwikee steps. Saved my life and limbs on more than one occasion.
Carol & Jeff Savournin
Usta have a '93 U225 36', Usta have a '95 U320 40', Usta have a '02 U320 40'
Usta have a 2006 Born Free, Usta have a 2011 Phoenix Cruiser
Usta have a 2012 Jeep Wrangler Unlimited 4dr
"Your time is limited, so don't waste it living someone else's life."  Steve Jobs

Re: Entrance step

Reply #14 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Be VERY careful when modifying the outside drop down step controls, because IF step is ever UP when door is opened during exiting the coach, a very bad fall would likely occur.

Our posted wiring modification to keep step up with door closed has a potential safety problem:

Opening door should force air pressure into cylinders to push step down.
IF air pressure has been depleted, and the step is still holding in UP position,
  the step might not come down, causing a fall.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport
 

Re: Entrance step

Reply #15 –
I tried to quote and seemed to all I got put up was the quote. I will probably put a switch in so I can close the step when I want
to. Thanks for the safety tip.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport