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Topic: Help please, info on step and hatch operation (Read 1268 times) previous topic - next topic

Help please, info on step and hatch operation

I sure would appreciate it if someone could explain the operation of the step and hatch on my 1996 U295.  It appears that control wires from one valve go to a magnetic door switch, is this the only way of cycling the step?  Also, look as I may, I can not find a switch for the hatch at all.  Looking in the magazine rack area, I've heard reference made to this, no switch found.

If someone would be kind enough to explain how these two items work and the location of the switches it would be greatly appreciated.  I do see a round, pushbutton momentary contact switch mounted outside near door, above rf wheel.  Any ideas what this switch is for?  No mention of anything in owners manual.

This is an area that was damaged on my coach.  I have the genset, sound deadening and shroud removed, it and about 20 lbs of Mexican soil were pretty wadded up.  Genset is undamaged, thankfully.  I have removed the gen tray and just finished cutting out the structural iron supports.  We'll refab and weld tomorrow.  Guess that means I need to start locating and unplugging computers....

Anyhow, I'd like to get the steps reworked and operational while I have all this wide open working room avail in gen bay. 

Appreciate the help,

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #1 –
Hi Chuck,
I have a 1997 U320 so hopefully this information is relevant. The step is controlled via the magnetic switch mounted on the screen door. There is no other means of control. The stair slide has two switches, both serve the same function. One switch is located on the magazine rack, forward of the cup holder. The other switch is in the right side of the cockpit area, just below the dash. The round outside switch is a door bell. The ringer is in the first cabinet above the passenger seat.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bob & Faith Rozek
1997 U320 40'
Xtreme Remodel
2010 Scion XD

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #2 –
On 1997 U295, we have the same controls that "flite2010" described.
J D Stevens
1997 U295 CAI 36' Build #5085
2002 Subaru Outback
Motorcade 16869
Bellville, TX

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #3 –
Well I'll be dipped. There's no screen door on this coach.  I don't have the magazine rack switch.  Below the dash on pax side are three switches labeled step, interior, and porch all of which I assume are for lights.  I'd trace wiring but in this case will require serious disassembly in the step area. 

Ah well, in the grand scheme of things this is a lesser issue.  I can live without the step cover but it irks me knowing the air cylinder is there, waiting for a signal. 

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #4 –
Chuck,

Outside step and inside step slide cover are moved with dual-action pneumatic cylinders.
Cylinders are controlled with 3-way pneumatic 12-volt valves located on the outside back of the bottom step.
There are separate valves for inside slide and outside step. Each valve has an input air line and output adjustable exhaust port.

Two other air lines on the valve go to either ends of cylinder to either extend or collapse cylinder.
12-volts move inside of valve to force air to one end of cylinder. Removing 12-volts allows inside of valve to spring return to force air to other end of cylinder.
When one air line is pressurized, the other air line is exhausted to the exhaust port.
Exhaust port is adjustable to slow return of cylinder to prevent slamming in either direction.
Removing and cleaning exhaust port can improve actions.

You could put your own 12-volts to a valve to see if parts move.
Valve is easily disassembled to clean and get a sticking valve to move freely.

Some have a step switch to the right of driver's knee on center console. Switches are usually under a cover to prevent accidental movement.
I don't think there are step lights, so your step switch could operate the step slide pneumatic valve.

If you have two switches to operate step slide, each switch is 3-wire single-pole double-throw.
One switch has 12-volts to center pole. Other switch has center wired to pneumatic valve.
The top & bottom poles are wired to each other, so either switch will close or open 12-volts to valve.

Outside step is powered by ignition through door magnetic reed switch. When ignition is on and door closed, 12-volts is supplied to step pneumatic valve.
Opening door or turning off ignition allows valve to spring return.
Some have modified circuit to allow step to also close when ignition is off and door closed.

Hope this helps.
Barry & Cindy

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #5 –
Chuck,
Our 95 U-320 has only a single step lid switch mounted on the driver's side console on the wall under the transmission pushbuttons by the driver's left knee.... Bill
Bill & Deanne Brown
'03 U-320 Previous Owner in Houston

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #6 –
Chuck,
After a little reminder from Jeff & Carol, on my 95 the switch was actually mounted under the CB radio.  I believe there was only one step lid switch installed in those earlier years.... Bill
Bill & Deanne Brown
'03 U-320 Previous Owner in Houston

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Chuck Pearson –
...  Also, look as I may, I can not find a switch for the hatch at all.  Looking in the magazine rack area, I've heard reference made to this, no switch found.

...Chuck

Chuck,
I have a (new to me) 1996 295 as well.
The hatch (step cover) switch is almost hidden at the front of the CB radio. Once you find it it is easy to find again but I had to search the first time.

HTH
Elliott & Mary Bray
ex. 1996 36' U295 - Build 4879
ex. 2018 Coachmen Leprechaun 319MB
 

Re: Help please, info on step and hatch operation

Reply #8 –
Ding ding ding, we have a winner!  Those clever rascals put the switch behind the CB as some suggested.  Armed with this and the great description describing step operation from Barry and Cindy, I fix.  Today is computer disconnect day, and time to weld in the new generator structure I built yesterday.  Thanks for your help, folks.

Chuck
"Not so  long ago we were a nation of risk takers, riding five million pounds of  thrust straight into space."  Joe Gresh
Chuck Pearson
1996 U295
2018 Can Am X3 TurboRS