Step out dash light sensor

I'm late to this party but a small earth magnet from Harbor Freight will work. Earth magnets are more powerful than regular ones.....Dennis

Worked with a magnet, big one, so I just ordered the new assembly. Guess I couldn't find it because I didn't know what to call it. Thanks Drew & Doug

Thanks to those that are helpful especially Doug who always seems to come through. Also explains the double sided tape. I will try this today and thanks.

kdk wrote:
Call Lipert components (LCI) and they can probably help as they manufacture most of the RV steps.

While they build the steps, they do not supply or build the "Step OUT" system. That is designed and installed by the RV OEM. Usually the step out system is a simple Magnet and 2 wires. The Magnet system is usually just a extra Step door magnet or one that is used on the windows or doors of a home security system. You just need to know if the magnet assbly is "Normally Closed" or "Normally Open". Since the Wires are still there this just needs a new magnet which is any type magnet. Doug

https://www.amazon.com/Kwikee-369299-Magnetic-Switch-Step/dp/B01DK1EU38/ref=asc_df_B01DK1EU38/?tag=bingshoppinga-20&linkCode=df0&hvadid=&hvpos=&hvnetw=o&hvrand=&hvpone=&hvptwo=&hvqmt=e&hvdev=c&hvdvcmdl=&hvlocint=&hvlocphy=&hvtargid=pla-4584207578688142&psc=1

On my step, which of course may not be anything like yours, that switch is a reed switch and the moving bit that attaches to the motor assembly to activate it is a magnet. I did have to reglue my magnet in place not too long ago, for what it's worth.

You can easily test to see if it's a reed switch by holding a magnet near it and seeing if it actuates. If it is, there's nothign particularly important about what magnet you use (provided it's of an appropriate strength--a cheap flexible fridge magnet probably wouldn't work, for instance), so it should not be too hard to figure out something that works with a bit of experimentation.

Call Lipert components (LCI) and they can probably help as they manufacture most of the RV steps.

Year, manufacturer, model, pictures?

ferndaleflyer wrote:
Returning from a trip the warning light for the steps being out came on. Steps were fine. So I get under there and it looks like the part of the sensor with the wires is there but the piece that it is supposed to contact when closed is gone. So far I have been unable to find any reference to this to either buy new or fix it. I noticed before a long time ago that it looked like whatever it was was attached with 2 sided tape and is now gone....Any ideas?

Forget about it. Stick a red bandana on it....when you can't see the bandana, the step is in.


Just kidding, of course. You'll need to make something to protect the new switch from debris....a simple piece of scrap metal screwed in place might suffice.