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Flip down exterior step question

December 30, 2023, 12:24:08 pm

I have a question regarding operation of the exterior step and would appreciate help. 

My step/entryway was damaged when I bought the coach, (step knocked off and frame askew.)  I repaired it to original but was never satisfied with the rigidity of the step when ascending.  It always seemed like it didn't have any kind of rigid stop, rather that it was hanging from the air cylinders i.e., could feel a bit of flex when stepping onto it. I assume this flex was related to compressing the internal stop spring on air cylinders.  I straightened the air cylinder rods and it worked for years but the nla cylinders have now bit the dust so need to design a new step actuation scheme. 

My question is this....was the step intended to bear against the frame member that the piano hinge is mounted to for support, or are the air cyls supposed to support the outboard edge of step?  Are other's steps solid feeling when stepping on to them? 

Thanks for your help, will post whatever solution I cobble up. 

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Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #1 – December 30, 2023, 03:00:16 pm

Good question. Mine started to give as I stepped into the coach. Discovered that the air cylinder rod on aft side of step had broken the fiberglass step box enclosure. It is reinforced with a piece of metal but the fiberglass box supports it. I had to rebuild my box.  You can find my post of this on the forum.

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Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #2 – December 30, 2023, 04:07:59 pm

Here is what Patric is referring to: Repair of front step box air strut support

Pamela & Mike

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Re: Flip down exterior step question

Reply #3 – December 30, 2023, 05:25:59 pm

The air cylinder holds the step and it should feel solid.

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