Bottom Electric Step Flex

My new MH had soft spongy steps after a couple of months. I crawled under the MH with a light and my DW walked up and down the steps. There was almost no frame work to hold the steps. The steps weigh about 60 to 70 pounds before you put any weight on them. I welded an entire new frame work up using 1" steel angle then bolted it into place with 3/8" dia bolts. I also replaced all the cheapo 1/4" dia bolts originally holding the step in place with 3/8" dia bolts. Although I welded up new frame work. I could have just bolted it all together instead. Basically a couple of tac welds had broke loose. Steps that heavy need sturdy framework to hold them not just a few tac welds and 1/4" bolts.

I bought a small metal prop that went under the step that had screw adjustment for height.
bumpy

Are you sure your steps are extending all the way? If they don't, they will be spongy feeling. Try cleaning the linkage with something like brake clean to get the linkage clean, and use silicone spray to lube the joints afterwords,

Small bottle jack under step, adjust as needed

gjtrafl wrote:
On my electric steps, the bottom step shows considerable flex. Makes you feel very unstable when you take that first step from the ground up.

This coach is new to me. And I have a total of 3 steps. Otherwise they work great.

Any suggestions on anything that can be done to help the situation?

Many thanks!

This is a common problem with many RVs that have extendable entry steps. It all depends on how well the manufacturer attached the step system to the coach in the first place. Some coach builders do a great job and, the steps are solid as a rock when stepping on them. And some, like mine, are not supported all that well and feel spongy.

I too would have to most likely build a support structure to get a better mounting system to make them more solid. But, in the mean time, I, like many, use what's called a "Step Saver" under the first step. You can get them from Camping World or, just about any RV Supplies outlet.

It's basically a form of a screw jack, only smaller. I use a couple of those yellow lego type plastic blocks under that step saver, depending on what the clearance is when I'm all done leveling. Sometimes I only need two, sometimes three-four-five.

But, it really helps in saving the structure where your steps are mounted 'cause the ground is taking all the weight.
Scott

I used to use a block under the steps to stop the deflection when I stepped on it. It was years later when I had another problem that I actually saw what was happening. A self tapping #8 screw was used to hold the steps to the frame and was broken. I drilled out this small screw and installed a 1/4 bolt in its place. This stopped most of the defection.

Many thanks for the responses and feedback. I really want a permanent fix that works all the time and not just when set up at a park. Will check out the items underneath and go from there.

Thanks!

all of my RVs with electric steps were securely fastened to the RV, bolted or screwed to the underside of the unit. any flex, etc. was entirely due to the strength of the assembly allowing lateral movement. don't know how that could be eliminated without a prop under it. certainly couldn't add any more structural support.
bumpy

gjtrafl wrote:
Many thanks for the responses and feedback. I really want a permanent fix that works all the time and not just when set up at a park. Will check out the items underneath and go from there.

Thanks!

Just in case you do try one of the brace options for the lowest step be careful. If you happen to lower the coach while the steps are supported you will likely have some damage on your hands.

I will mention that on my steps, I only have two, the manual explains about two stops under the stairs that can be adjusted with wrenches to keep the steps steady when down. Mine are Kwikee and this may only be available its two step systems. When I did this, the steps went from wiggly to rock solid.
The Kwikee step manuals can be found online.