Forum Discussion

bhijaxfl's avatar
bhijaxfl
Explorer
Jan 15, 2017

Entry Steps

We have a Class A 42E Itasca Meridian. Our entry steps do not go down when we open the motorhome door.
  • If you can hear a faint click coming from the steps when you open the door, the motor is stuck. I had to actually take apart my gearbox and lube it. If there is no click than the steps may not be getting any power.
  • Mine was working intermittently for a couple of weeks. Lubed the heck out of every joint (not the first time), checked the current getting to the motor all looked fine but then it stopped. We were traveling so I couldn't get a new one sent to me because we were on the move. Finally got Camping World to look at it, the motor was dead.
  • Check fuses, then check switch for open & close continuity with a meter first. After that you need a partner to open and close the door switch while you test for power at the step motor. This is where to start anyway.
  • ...If everything already mentioned doesn't help (all good suggestions), and you hear nothing from the steps, no indication it is 'trying' to come out....You may well have a bad, burnt out motor.

    One way to tell: Crawl underneath the steps, RV, and disconnect the connector, wires going to the motor that moves the steps. If you have a voltmeter that measures continuity, hook it across the two leads going to the motor, see if it beeps or whatever it does, when there is continuity, a 'closed' circuit with little resistance. If you get the beep indicating continuity between the two motor leads/wires, then the motor is shot. Time to order and put in a new motor.

    I just went through exactly this with our steps a few months ago. Unit was just 4 years old, entry steps quit working. Was suspicious it was the motor from the get-go, so first thing I did was continuity test to see if motor was shorted out internally, and it was. Fortunately, as I recall the new motor only costed just under $100, and I was able to put it in myself. Same thing happened with the motor on our electric awning a few months before, and I was able to replace that one myself, too.

    I'm starting to see a pattern with our MH - Right at 4 years old, seems electric motors that are outside, exposed to the elements, are starting to go. First the awning, then the steps. Only other motor outside I can think of (but am afraid to), is the one for the hydraulic jacks. Sure hope it ain't gonna be next, haha.
  • First off, what Brand of steps do you have? What year is your rig.

    If they are Kwikee, you're in luck because there are an untold posts on what to check. If you do not have a DMM or an AMM use a test light and follow the trouble shooting instructions to find the problem.

    If you do not have a manual, search for Kwikee Manual #888 or PM me and I forward you a PDF copy of the manual.

    The Kwikee steps are simple, in MNTBHO, the new owner screwed up a great product. I know nothing about the new steps and don't care to unless I win the Lotto and buy a new coach.

    David