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Topic: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...) (Read 5172 times) previous topic - next topic - Topic derived from New owner with a few ...

How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Quote from: WS6_Keith –
Howdy Foretravel folks, we just bought our first RV, a 2003 U320, 38T #6197.

During my poking around, I came up with a few questions some of you seasoned veterans may be able to help shed some light on.  We'd appreciate any info or direction you can share.
The front slide seal has a leak.  With the slide in, I found a leak about 1/3 of the way up the seal.  With the slide out, it seems to have stopped leaking.  Can these be fixed/patched or is this something that needs to be replaced?  If so, how hard is that job?[/li][/list]
  • The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #1 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Quote from: WS6_Keith  -  13 hours ago

The electric steps don't go in an out when the key is off.  They go out and stay extended.  Is there a switch to power these without the key?
My father in law has a 2002 U295 and has confirmed that once the key is off, the steps stay out as designed by Foretravel.  I may consider adding a switch to keep them powered hot in the future, but as long as this is intended operation, I'm going to leave it alone for now.

Thanks for splitting this off from my original post Michelle!

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #2 –
Roger has already answered this (in your original thread that got split up), but I may be able to clarify for the new owner.  Roger said:

"Electric steps are controlled by ignition on and the magnetic switch on the screen door.  If ign is off the steps extend when the door is opened and stay open until the ign is turn on and the door is closed and then the steps retract.  You can add an override switch so thet when the ign is off the steps retract when the door is closed and extend when the door is open.  It is nice to do if you want the steps retracted while you are away.  Not hard to do, just find the correct wires."

In layman terms, what you need to do is "trick" the step control into thinking the ignition switch is ON.  Look at your 12 volt wiring diagram to identify the wire that supplies power from the ignition switch to the step control solenoid.  Tap into that wire at a convenient place with a wire that runs to a ON/OFF switch of some type (rocker, toggle, push button...doesn't matter).  Mount the switch in a handy location near the door.  To the other side of the switch run a wire that is connected to a "always hot" 12 volt source.

So, now when you park your coach and turn off the ignition, the steps go out and stay out as usual.  BUT, if you turn on your newly added switch you send power to the step control and it "thinks" the ignition switch has been turned to ON.  The step will now operate exactly the same as it does when the engine is running.

Note:  The step will operate normally with the engine running, regardless of the position of your added control switch.

EASY  :thumbsup:

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #3 –
We have a Kwikee electric step installed at Xtreme.  The step operates in the normal way when power is supplied when the ignition is on. We have a switch that supplies power when the ignition is off to allow the step to retract when the door is closed and the ignition is off.  You will have to determine how yours is wired, no reason to expect it is the same as mine, might be, in order to add an ignition off override.

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #5 –
If you have a magnet (like one from a door alarm sensor for your house) and a little velcro you can put that by the door control switch and it will keep the step closed when you don't want it out. 

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #6 –
Rick,

What a simple but ingenious idea. 

Thanks,

Richard

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #7 –
Quote from: Johnstons –
If you have a magnet (like one from a door alarm sensor for your house) and a little velcro you can put that by the door control switch and it will keep the step closed when you don't want it out. 

That's great, just throw the magnet on before you open the door to exit.  When you return, open the door and pull the magnet...just don't get hit in the shins with the steps.  LOL

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #8 –
Hi. 

I have a 22 realm 605.  When I'm Parked with ignition off the steps keep going in and out when the door is opened.  I'd like them to stay extended while parked for days. 

Thanks

Tom

Re: How to make steps operate with door (split from Re: New owner...)

Reply #9 –
Tmyz, on my 14 ih the step going in and out when engine is running,  when off, with the door unlocked, steps stay out, door open or closed.

Has yours acted this way since new?

Old Scout, had his step not working correctly and he removed the magnet in the door and removed the metal shaving from the back of the magnet.

My step closes when door is locked at the keypad