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Topic: Step out in rain? (Read 529 times) previous topic - next topic

Step out in rain?

The step moves in and out with the door when the engine is running but with the engine off the step stays out all the time.

We just had the step rebuilt due to rust swelling and I'd sure like to have the step up when we're parked actuated by the door.

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

Re: Step out in rain?

Reply #1 –
I have a switch on mine inside the door. One way keeps it out when parked, other way causes it to open and close with door Simple rocker switch, but I have aftermarket electric step, not OEM Search the forum, I recall this topic being discussed previously regarding OEM step
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Step out in rain?

Reply #2 –
Randy,  here is a  place to start...
Step Retraction - How To Do It .
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Step out in rain?

Reply #3 –
On the older GV models, there is a simple method to add a switch which will control your air step.  I'm not sure if this idea would work on newer coach models.  Basically, you are "fooling" the step control solenoid into thinking the ignition switch is "ON" when it actually is "OFF".  Of course, it only works if you have air pressure in your tanks.  I did this mod, after reading a description of the same idea posted by Barry.

See Reply #5 and #7 in the thread linked below:

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"

Re: Step out in rain?

Reply #5 –
Your request for information post sounds like something changed after rebuild.  Step is designed to stay out when engine is off.  There is no reason to fold up step in rain.  We drilled a few drain holes in bottom to keep instep dry.
The above link describes our 11-year old modification that works just fine.  Since air pressure keeps step up, when tank air pressure reduces, step will fall down.  Optional activation of solenoid to keep step up will draw a little current.

Re: Step out in rain?

Reply #6 –
It has been mentioned before that the step comes down without air pressure. Mine stays up. I don't know if anything has been modified before I bought it. There are no switches, the step will stay in whatever position it is in when all the air is depleted. When I first bought the coach I followed some suggestions in posts about the water problem. I opened the step up and removed the scale and rust, then painted the inside with Rustoleum epoxy and drilled the holes to let the water out.
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: Step out in rain?

Reply #7 –
Rebuilt my whole step frame out of aluminum with the original plastic cover back on. Drilled a couple of holes to drain when deployed and when retracted because sometimes (not often) we drive in the rain. The old steel one lasted 21 years so I'm hoping this will outlast me.
Larry
1996 U295 36'
Build # 4805
Actually we sold it but just like to lurk