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Door, step issue.

October 05, 2019, 05:35:36 pm

Our step closes while the coach is running and when the door is closed.
But when the engine is not running it stays open.
I called Foretravel and the guy said that's how they are designed.
But it gathers water when it rains. I can see how it is made to stay open like that.

Rick

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #1 – October 05, 2019, 06:16:00 pm

Do a search and you can find a modification to add a switch and have it stay closed with the ignition off.

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #2 – October 05, 2019, 06:18:01 pm

What kind of coach?

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #3 – October 05, 2019, 11:52:30 pm

Drill holes to drain water, now as it will corrode inside. Silicone seal hinge holes to help keep water out.

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #4 – October 06, 2019, 12:29:30 am

1998 U320

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #5 – October 06, 2019, 02:31:59 am

If you look down thru the following post on "sticky stuff" you will see many posts and a couple posts by me with several before and after pictures from when I sandblasted, powder coated, and resealed my step.

I did not try to replace original step.  I sand blasted original step, powder coated gloss black entirely, sealed with black Sikaflex, left original drain holes, replaced attaching screws and rivits with stainless. No more rusty, and hardly any water, coming out the drain holes.  Before it left a long trail on the pavement.

This stuff is really sticky!

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #6 – October 06, 2019, 07:14:59 am

Thanks
Very helpful.

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #7 – October 06, 2019, 11:19:08 am

OEM I thought the steps retracted whenever the screen door was shut, extended when the screen door was opened and also retracted with the ignition turned on.

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #8 – October 06, 2019, 11:27:05 am

Correct TMan, but with ignition off and door closed the step drops down. You need the extra switch and simple wiring change to keep it vertical.
JohnH

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #9 – October 06, 2019, 12:06:53 pm

I replaced my steel step with an aluminum step, mounted the fibreglass cover using brass bolts (not stainless) with threaded holes in the aluminum, drilled additional drain holes and used brass washers to maintain a 1/16 inch gap between the aluminum and fibreglass. No sealant was used so water just runs right through and drains out the bottom.

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Re: Door, step issue.

Reply #10 – October 06, 2019, 12:17:48 pm

Wyatt, I lost a lucrative machine build purchase by opening my mouth and telling the customer what I did whenever I thought I would have issues with chips getting into the fixtures and causing mis-location of the parts to be machined.
My statement was as follows:" If I can't keep the chips out, then I let the chips out by opening up ways for the chips to flow out."
The machine the customer was having trouble with made the hard drive discs holder for IBM.
They removed metal from their fixtures until chips causing location issues quit. Then they called my company and "crowed" about solving their problem.
Your idea of letting the water out if you can't keep the water out is a very sound idea. Kudos

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