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Entry step replacement questions

October 17, 2010, 10:40:21 am

We'll need to replace our entry steps at some point in the future.  The motor, etc., is fine, but the steel steps themselves are getting weak.

Currently have the Kwikee double electric entry step.  Cost to replace the entire unit is around $500; cost for just the frame is around $250 from one seller on eBay.

We noticed an "Executive" double step on a newer FT.  It seemed much more robust.  Anyone have any info on this step (my Google search didn't turn up anything) or another alternative to the Kwikee?  Cost is a concern so we've ruled out a more involved step conversion.

Michelle

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #1 – October 17, 2010, 12:04:51 pm

Michelle:  I would take it to Xtreme and have James install the new step.  Done right the first time.
Dan Stansel 99 36 U270

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #2 – October 17, 2010, 12:33:09 pm

FOT replaced our steps as part of our purchase deal.  The old ones were bent.  Its a two step model that is common on the newer coaches.  The new steps look great and work like a charm and seem to be much more sturdy than the original ones.  We were told by the FOT guys who installed them that ours was the first coach to get these steps as a retrofit.  I don't have any pics, but could take some today if you are interested.  I think the cost to the seller was about $1500, so it was not cheap. 

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #3 – October 17, 2010, 01:10:06 pm

As George said, it definitely was not cheap... but the $1500 was for the PART only.  and that was based on a quote from FOT dated 1/5/09.  When we bought the '03 in November 2009, we also had the electric double Kwikee entry step... but it was bent.  As part of the deal, the seller paid to install the new double air step (he had already intended to do that - and who were we to argue?  ).

The seller gave us all previous invoices for work done on the coach, and the 1/5/09 quote happened to be there.  However, the invoice was not there, so I don't know the actual final price.  The quote included 8 hours of labor ($768), $35 for "misc", $25 for "hazards", and $126.64 for taxes - total $2454.64.

And we REALLY like these new steps - they function as intended, look nice, and are very solid.  It might be an interesting comparison to see what James/Xtreme would quote for the same steps.

While I know that you (Michelle & Steve) have ruled out a more involved (and more costly) step conversion, I thought I would clarify for others who may be interested in such a retrofit.

Pat

PS  Cosmo, the miniature schnauzer, says "woof" to signify his approval - he runs up and down the steps rather effortlessly... particularly if a Milkbone is involved!

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #4 – October 17, 2010, 01:36:37 pm

Here is a shot of the new steps with Cosmo exiting the coach.  Not the best, but you can get an idea of what they look like.

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #5 – October 17, 2010, 05:50:27 pm

Anne's one requirement for our full paint project at Xtreme was to convert to the robust Kwikee double steps.  Their price for the conversion from the air configuration was $2500.

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Re: Entry step replacement questions

Reply #6 – October 17, 2010, 08:11:56 pm

Here are two shots that show the steps much better.  One is from the underside which shows how they were installed.  I was concerned at first that the exposed wiring would be a problem, but it has not been.  Also, I checked one of the new FT with this step and it looked the same. 

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