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Topic: Front step sliding cover piston (Read 341 times) previous topic - next topic

Front step sliding cover piston

Our step slide cover piston was leaking so bad last year, I had to valve it out and just not use it....nice feature to have, especially if you travel with a pet...we hated for it to not work.

While doing my recent front sixpack rebuild, I decided to source a new cylinder. What I was able to find was within 1" of the original one and works great. The rear OE hanger can be re-used with this one if you also buy the optional rear mounting hardware. I did opt to put a bushing in the purchased rear hanger as it was a tad bigger than the bolt that fit the OE bracket. This piston is bigger in diameter than the OE, with a much larger rod, AND a seal that appears replaceable should it ever start to leak. Though bulkier in size and working rod size, it fits in the area perfect. The front rubber OE bellows was also shot, but I just stitched up something from upholstery vinyl that covers everything as well as 2+" hole in the back of the first step.

The piston rod is much larger than the OE 1/4" rod, therefore the front mounting bracket for this piston is quite a bit bigger than the OE, so you have to either make a bigger bracket to take the place of the OE one that mounts to the back of the slide, Or do as I did and use a 1/4" bolt and make a few bushings to put around that bolt where it sits inside that larger bracket. For such applications I just make bushings out of pieces of either copper or stainless tubing.

Sorry did not think to take pictures of all this until after I got that tank back in, but here are the links to the parts I Used and ad pics. Works great for the price of peanuts. $56

Piston: $39
Amazon.com: Baomain Pneumatic Air Cylinder SC 32 x 500 PT 1/8, Bore: 1 1/4...

Piston mounting bracket : $9
Amazon.com: Baomain Foot Flange CA-32 for Foot mounting Work with Pneumatic...

Step connecting foot, $8
Amazon.com: Baomain Foot Flange CY-32 for Foot mounting Work with Pneumatic...


As an Amazon Associate Foretravel Owners' Forum earns from qualifying purchases.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Front step sliding cover piston

Reply #1 –
Some put a 3-way valve on step slide to allow air pressure to move step slide cover open or close, then remove all air pressure in cylinder as pressure is not needed anymore and can over time cause a leak in a difficult to change air cylinder.

This is a common tweak for Foretravels

Re: Front step sliding cover piston

Reply #2 –
I carry the solenoid to shut the air off in my spares on the coach. Still don't need it yet.
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: Front step sliding cover piston

Reply #3 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Some put a 3-way valve on step slide to allow air pressure to move step slide cover open or close, then remove all air pressure in cylinder as pressure is not needed anymore and can over time cause a leak in a difficult to change air cylinder.

This is a common tweak for Foretravels

I thought about doing that, but then the 3 way has to be powered all the time when not allowing air....unless you also put a toggle switch on it.
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918

Re: Front step sliding cover piston

Reply #4 –
Mike, 12v is only turned on to move step slide, then turned off. With the 3-way valve installed on input air line, 12v allows air to flow to OEM pneumatic valve, and when turning 12v off, captive air in cylinder is exhausted, leaving no air pressure in piston.
 

Re: Front step sliding cover piston

Reply #5 –
Quote from: Barry & Cindy –
Mike, 12v is only turned on to move step slide, then turned off. With the 3-way valve installed on input air line, 12v allows air to flow to OEM pneumatic valve, and when turning 12v off, captive air in cylinder is exhausted, leaving no air pressure in piston.

Ok different than what I was thinking.....Agree 12v on moves the piston out, 12v off moves the piston back but yes keeps it pressurized in that direction....I do have a valve I bought just for controlling the air, just never got around to doing it....but all that aside, my OE piston was toast and needed replacing.

any detailed posts on what you mention?
Mike in AL
2001 U295
8.3 ISC 350
Build 5918