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JimM68's avatar
JimM68
Explorer
Apr 01, 2015

Kwikee steps

Our Monaco has a 2 step kwikee entry system, 34 series I think.
They are looking kinda bad. I pulled them off, and sent the steps and linkages off to the powdercoater to be made pretty.

A lot of the bolts and things are also looking kinda nasty, and I can't find specific parts anywhere. the people selling kwikee step parts are selling motors, not bolts and bushings.

The brass bushings look like something I can get from my local Ace Hardware. .5" OD, .38-ish (I'm measuring a used one) ID, 1/4" width.

The bolts are 5/16" coarse thread, with a 3/8" DIAMETER, 3/8" WIDE shoulder.

The washers are odd, they are very very thin. Most of mine are kinda shot. A thicker washer would squeeze the moveable arms, probably too much, especially after the thickness of the powdercoating.

Any ideas where hardware like this can be found?
We're talking 12 bolts, nuts, washers and bushings.
I'd happily replace them all with stainless and never have to think about them again.
Class A
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    Searching is showing that the shoulder bolts are extremely "odd", that is, most shoulder bolts, the shoulder is fairly wide, and the threaded section is just enough to get a nut on.

    For the most part, other than getting rusty after a dip in carb cleaner, my bolts look pretty good.

    Really wondering about those thin washers tho.
  • 96Bounder30E's avatar
    96Bounder30E
    Explorer II
    Apr 01, 2015
    Here is a thread I started back in 2007 about my Kwikee steps rebuild.....

    See if there is any info in it that you can use.....

    Fast forward to today.....I still have the same motorhome...Same steps......I've had some issues with the electrics (read motor).....but, the steps joints have not been apart since I put them back together in 2007.......


    Kwikee automatic steps rebuild project: From Drab to Fab!


    from the post linked to above.....

    The final step was to reassemble the steps with new fastener hardware.........since I do not have access to OEM type rivets or a way to set them, I resorted to using off the shelf bolt type hardware..........there are 2 hole sizes used in these steps............3/8" and 1/2" diameter holes........the original rivets are two stepped with those two diameters......I used 3/8" x 3/4" shoulder bolts part number # 91264A581 and 3/8" x 3/8" x 1/2" bronze bushings part number # 6391K172 both available from www.Mcmaster.com, I had to also add 5/16" washers and 5/16 x 18 ny-lock nuts.
  • Deano56's avatar
    Deano56
    Explorer
    Apr 01, 2015
    96Bounder30E wrote:
    Here is a thread I started back in 2007 about my Kwikee steps rebuild.....

    See if there is any info in it that you can use.....

    Fast forward to today.....I still have the same motorhome...Same steps......I've had some issues with the electrics (read motor).....but, the steps joints have not been apart since I put them back together in 2007.......


    Kwikee automatic steps rebuild project: From Drab to Fab!


    from the post linked to above.....

    The final step was to reassemble the steps with new fastener hardware.........since I do not have access to OEM type rivets or a way to set them, I resorted to using off the shelf bolt type hardware..........there are 2 hole sizes used in these steps............3/8" and 1/2" diameter holes........the original rivets are two stepped with those two diameters......I used 3/8" x 3/4" shoulder bolts part number # 91264A581 and 3/8" x 3/8" x 1/2" bronze bushings part number # 6391K172 both available from www.Mcmaster.com, I had to also add 5/16" washers and 5/16 x 18 ny-lock nuts.
    great job, are they still that shinny today?
  • ksg5000's avatar
    ksg5000
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    I suggest you take the std bolt/nut/washer stuff down to the local hardware store and ask them - if they don't have them chances are they know a specialty hardware store in-town that might.
  • FIRE_UP's avatar
    FIRE_UP
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    Jim68,
    What may work for you in the "washer" conquest is what's called "spring washers". Those are a very thin, sort of warped washer. They are sort of bent in a slight arc. They are used when a bit of tension is needed in the connection between where ever they're used. I think they'd work flawless for you. As has been stated, McMaster Carr is a good place for things like that. Grainger and, some other specialty fastener outfits have all kinds of stuff like that.

    One more thing, you also might be able to use nylon, thin washers too. They are seriously strong and, have tons of UV resistance built into them and, they also work well as sort of a self-lubing washer too. Good luck.
    Scott
  • kickstart's avatar
    kickstart
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    If you go with the s.s. bolts make sure to use never seize in case you ever want to remove them for any reason. Stainless can gauld when you use them and be a bear to get off.
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    Oddd. Most of what I am seeing show the original hardware being stepped rivets?
    Mine are original, 2008, hardware looks like this:
  • JimM68's avatar
    JimM68
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    Looks like thanks to you guys, I've sourced the bolts and bushings.
    Wave (spring)washers sounds like a good idea, and should be easy to find.

    Any suggestions on lubricant with stainless bolts in bronze bushings?
    (almost wanting to think none required, or maybe just a coat of that white sticky anti-seize?)
  • FIRE_UP's avatar
    FIRE_UP
    Explorer
    Apr 02, 2015
    JimM68 wrote:
    Looks like thanks to you guys, I've sourced the bolts and bushings.
    Wave (spring)washers sounds like a good idea, and should be easy to find.

    Any suggestions on lubricant with stainless bolts in bronze bushings?
    (almost wanting to think none required, or maybe just a coat of that white sticky anti-seize?)


    Jim,
    Looks like you got things well in hand. I think the wave washers should do the trick for you. As for lube, well, there's been just a few debates about it on here and other RV forums. Kwikee recommends certain lubes, others recommend certain lubes, I've used quite a few different things on those pivot joints. It don't matter if whatever I use attracts dirt and debris. It gets washed out within a short amount of time anyways. Whether it's rain or, high pressure hose or, whatever. Those step pivot points get lubed on a quite often basis anyways. Use what you desire and, wipe off the excess.

    Then, just put it on you maintenance schedule for a checkup and, re-lube as needed. Anything works. As long it's just not neglected for years and is rubbing rust on rust, you'll be good to go.
    Scott

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