Forum Discussion

23hotrodr's avatar
23hotrodr
Explorer
Oct 08, 2014

Haunted Kwikee steps

Our new to us 2007 Itasca Sun Cruiser 35L has an odd issue with the Kwikee steps. When the switch is in the "normal" mode, the steps open and close properly with door operation. But, while just sitting there with door closed, the steps will cycle out and then immediately back in, every so often on their own. This seems to only happen when plugged into shore power. At least I have not observed this "haunted" behavior when on house batteries only.

I've seen it do this as often as 10 minute, or so, intervals.

The converter is a brand new PD9260 that replaced a faulty Paralax unit . The steps were doing this with the old converter also.

This one really has me stumped! Anyone ever seen this before, or have any ideas of what to check?

Thanks-- Mick
Class A
  • 23hotrodr's avatar
    23hotrodr
    Explorer
    Oct 12, 2014
    I found what is going on, although, I don't fully understand it.

    Thanks for all the suggestions of things to check. It turns out to be a problem with the on-board battery maintainer that I have for the chassis battery. I installed a Battery Minder 12151 1.5 amp on-board maintainer to keep the chassis battery charged when plugged into shore power. For some reason this is triggering the steps to cycle every so often. I have used these Battery Minder maintainers in numerous applications and I love them. There is just something about this setup that the steps don't like.

    I will either have to try other 120 volt powered maintainers, or install a Trick-L-start device.

    Thanks again to all who suggested things to check.-- Mick
  • Tinstar's avatar
    Tinstar
    Explorer
    Oct 09, 2014
    Mine were doing that. I cleaned all the ground wires and it stopped. I had already replaced my battery and had clean post there.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    Loose wire or maybe corroded step ground wire connection (common problem). I had one occasion were the wire connecting to the battery terminal had broken under the shrink tubing - that was a PIA to track down.
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Oct 08, 2014
    I had the exact same problem .. in my case it turned out my coach batteries needed replacing.

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