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Topic: Step Retract when ignition off (Read 645 times) previous topic - next topic

Step Retract when ignition off

Made the modification mentioned here.
Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off...

It was easy and I hated how the step just holds water when it is down all the time, I think it turned out great and it is easy to tell when it is engaged with the light up switch.

Switch Used

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Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #1 –
Jeff & Carolyn,

Nice to see one of our old write-ups continuing to help others.

FYI, We found it necessary to drill water-drain holes on both sides of step to help keep the insides of step from rusting.

Be sure that step continues to go down when door is opened, to eliminate a fall.

We also used the step-up mod for increased security when away from coach. Door is often deadbolt locked when we are inside to prevent surprises from uninvited guests. . .

Thanks for sharing your mod.

Barry & Cindy

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #2 –
Barry & Cindy,

Do you have a link to the original content that was likely on the Yahoo Group so we could reference it here, vs sending someone off the forum?
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #3 –
Food for thought.

A step that opens and closes with the door?
Tim Dianics
Pam Sapienza
Vader PupZilla Labrador Canine Beast (AKA Pup)
Columbia, MO
1996 U320 4000
2021 Jeep Gladiator, Diesel

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #4 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Barry & Cindy,

Do you have a link to the original content that was likely on the Yahoo Group so we could reference it here, vs sending someone off the forum?

The link above is the only reference I found and used to make the modification. If I need to provide further info just let me know what is needed and I am more than happy to do a write up.
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #5 –
Quote from: TGordon –
Food for thought.

A step that opens and closes with door.

That is exactly what this does when the button is pushed. When it is not pushed then it acted like originally designed.
Jeff & Carolyn
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #6 –
Hi Michelle, from Barry & Cindy.

Your forum continues to be the best. . .

I found the following:

By Barry and Cindy 1997 U270 36′

Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when the ignition is off

I have modified outside step wiring to allow steps to retract when the ignition is off. I did it for security reasons and have used it several times. It prevents someone from stepping up to look into door window, makes a parked Motorhome less inviting, and secures the small storage behind the outside step when folded up. And in a confined parking situation, it makes step less vulnerable to physical damage.

One may also want to install a 'kill' switch to prevent engine start without ignition-key. One could prevent battery current from reaching ignition switch or ignition-relay via a 'kill' switch.

The 3-way step air control valve on our 1997 U270 is powered when the ignition is on. This 12-volt ignition power feeds through the magnetic door switch to retract step. With ignition on, if the screen door or main door is opened, the magnetic door switch is opened, air valve de-energized and step will lower. When the 3-way air valve does not receive 12 volts, it feeds air pressure to air cylinder to force outside step open. When the 3-way air valve receives 12 volts, it feeds air pressure to the other side of the air cylinder to force outside step closed. When the ignition is off, the air valve is de-energized and step stays open, no matter what position the magnetic door switch is in.

To retract step when the ignition is off, supply 12 volts to magnet door switch to simulate that ignition is on. When the screen or door is opened, the magnet door switch will open to lower step so we don't fall on our face when leaving the coach.

The step will NOT change from open to close and back to open if the front brake air tank is depleted. In this situation, step can easily be physically moved to closed or open position and will stay in that position. If by chance air tank is depleted while step is forced closed with this modification, step will likely not be forced open when door is opened.

HOW TO MODIFY WIRING

To modify the outside step circuit, I found Ignition wire 'C11' leading to the magnetic door switch. I mounted an inexpensive single pole double throw switch.

The switch does not have a center-off position. I cut wire 'C11″.

I connected cut wire that goes to the magnetic door switch to the center pole of the switch. I connected another side of the cut 'C11' to one of the side poles of switch. I then connected a house battery hot wire to another side of the switch. This circuit modification will not interfere with normal coach operation. It will be another small constant draw on the house battery when the ignition is off and switch is in a modified position.

A LED lamp wire connected to switch center pole could indicate step will stay up with door closed, driving or parked. Wire other LED wire to ground. If you wire either LED wire through an ignition powered relay, LED will not light when driving.

I hope this helps to explain how outside step works on our coach and is an aid for you to design a modification that works for your coach.

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #7 –
I used the same setup from the article Barry states. Super simple and works fantastic!! Instead of drilling a hole to mount the switch I just left it behind the panel in front of the passenger..hidden from view
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: Step Retract when ignition off

Reply #8 –
Thank you so much Barry & Cindy.  Having that info readily visible here makes it easy for other members to ask questions/show their implementation/etc.  It's the interaction/Q&A that makes for a robust, evolving resource (one of the main missions of Foreforums).

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320