Forum Discussion

Mhoward77's avatar
Mhoward77
Explorer
Nov 02, 2014

Eletric steps

I have a Georgetown Class A MH, my problem is when the door closes the step retracts, and then it sounds as if the motor is still running. Other times the steps will retract and then extend about 1/3 of the way. Both gears are good, all is tight. Any ideas?
  • I had a similar problem. Mine was caused by a defective battery in the step well storage area that just happened to be directly above the step motor. The leaking battery acid caused corrision on the bolts that held the motor on tight. The motor housing is aluminum and the bolts are steel. The battery acid only corroded the stell components and had no effect on the aluminum casing. I removed the motor assembly cleaned it all and drilled and replaced the corroded steel bolts sealed the unit with silicone and reassembled it. Took 3-4 hours. I now have plastic battery trays under each battery to catch any battery acid that may leak in the future. The Kwickee steps now work flawlessly. (for now!)
  • jkmcmom wrote:
    If your rig is still under warranty & your steps are Lippert, contact Forest River.
    Here's a link for Forest River contact info.
    https://dealers.forestriverinc.com/Download/ContactInformation.pdf

    If you haven't already, you might want to check out forestriverforums.com - plenty of info available specifically for the FR owner.


    At Forest River Forums go down to the Georgetown section and do a search there for steps and you will get a lot of information.
  • If your rig is still under warranty & your steps are Lippert, contact Forest River.
    Here's a link for Forest River contact info.
    https://dealers.forestriverinc.com/Download/ContactInformation.pdf

    If you haven't already, you might want to check out forestriverforums.com - plenty of info available specifically for the FR owner.
  • Sounds like the controller is having problems. The steps work about the same as power windows in a car. Many models even use the same motor. No limit switches and such so the controller monitors how much power the motor is demanding. Once the demand gets past a preset limit the control assumes the steps are retracted or extended and shuts the motor off.

    A few things to check. Make sure the ground wire from the steps to the coach frame has a good contact. Best to remove it and use a bit of sand paper to clean everything up. A poor ground will cause erratic operation. Check the power connector and make sure the pins are clean and not corroded and such. You can use spray electrical contact cleaner if needed. Lastly use a bit of dry lubricant on all the pivot points of the steps.

    Be very careful working on the steps. If your fingers are in the wrong place, particularly when the steps retract, you'll probably need to talk to a very nice person wearing scrubs.
  • Mhoward77 wrote:
    I have a Georgetown Class A MH, my problem is when the door closes the step retracts, and then it sounds as if the motor is still running. Other times the steps will retract and then extend about 1/3 of the way. Both gears are good, all is tight. Any ideas?


    Just had the same problem with our KwiKee steps. I was able to obtain the step motor & gear/linkage assembly along with the step controller from our local RV dealer and installed it myself. Cost was around $300

    Good luck & safe travels...:)
  • Are your steps Lippert? If so, you need to get them replaced. Forest River has been replacing the Lipperts with Kwikees. Our Lippert steps would come out & then not want to go back in. Problematic at the gas station. Then they began to sound like they were going to work their way up & in to the MH. DH videoed it & glad he did as they whined & ground their way in & quit. He sent the video in to FR. We arranged for the steps to be replaced at Chattanooga CW & we were back to life on the road!