Steps Upon Storage

I think I got my answer....thanks to you all.

There seems to be some question regarding the wiring of motorized steps, the OP's rig shows that it has Kwikee steps and I have included a copy of the Kwikee schematics from manual #888. I have also included a copy of page three of that manual regarding, the Auto Extend feature and how I stow my steps for storage.



The schematic outlined in red is the one for use with a magnetic door switch.




I hope this helps with the wiring and how to include it in the battery disconnect. The chassis battery is the one shown.
This is how I stow my steps.

On my rig I also like to have the steps retracted when in storage. Just safer. My steps continue to operate when the 12v disconnect is turned off. When I turn the step switch on the steps go in and out based on the screen door being open or not. If the switch is off, the steps stay out weather the door is open or closed, (unless the engine is running). Even when I physically disconnect the coach battery the steps operate. That tells me that they are connected to the house batteries before the 12v disconnect.

Jack

Mine will not work once I toggle the battery relays to disconnect the batteries. What I do is park it, make sure the steps are retracted (Door closed), and use a small 2 step cupboard ladder to climb in and out since the steps will not extend or retract when the batteries are off.
I don't leave my steps out as I have only a few feet between mine at the neighbors rig, hate to see him make a mistake while parking and mess the steps up. Why tempt fate?

OK txhandgunner, if you have Kwikee steps and I bet most others, there is a last out feature. After the engine is turned off, the first time you open the door the steps go out and stay out. What I do for storage is turn the engine off, open the door, let the steps extend and close the door. Then I turn the step on/off step on and the step retract, then I turn the switch off and the steps stay in until you start the engine or turn the switch on. I dont know what your steps look like but it isn't that far to the deck from inside my rig.

Good luck.

To answer the "why pull in the steps in storage?" question. Because of the driver of the unit that is going to park next to me on my passenger side. S/he may get too close, better to retract and not have to repair/replace. It costs very little once you figure out the magic sequence your coach requires.

In my case having plenty of solar panel, I use the 12vdc switch by the door to cut off internal loads and the master switch on the chassis batteries to take them off line. Somehow there is still juice for the steps and the power for lock soi leave the step switch on, and close the door. Steps retract.

dougrainer wrote:
WHY would you want the steps retracted when you store the RV?????? Doug

In my case, so the RV next to me does not damage my steps inadvertently causing me great inconvenience and anger.......

Close the screen door and the steps should retract. Then reach through (Use a wand if you have to) to flip the OFF switch.

Alternate.. IF they are Kwike steps.

Close the door, "Block" the steps so they can not come out (This will not harm them) Open door flip switch close door.

Now remove the block.

Kwike steps do not use a sensor switch, in fact unless you add one they have no sensor swiches (mine has one) what turns off the motor is the current surge when the steps hit the stop. Or your foot, Or the curb, Or your leg, or a block of wood with your foot behind it. or.. Well you get the idea.

The sensor I added (A common automotive door switch) Activates a light on the dash when the ignition is live and the steps are extended.

My discovery is much older but set up the same. Close the door to retract steps, turn off both disconnects, and then you have to jump down. When we get ready to take here out again it is a big step back in to turn batteries back on. Where I park I have to have the steps retracted or I would not be able to walk down the side. I would imagine there is a way to wire the step motor hot to the batteries and wire some sort of a switch to operate it manually but for me it is just simpler to keep a step stool close by.

Me thinks there are multiple configurations on what will work, based on who built the coach. For our MH, with step switch and battery switch on... step out, put a bar magnet on the door frame sensor so it thinks the door is closed which retracts the steps, reach thru the door and turn off the step switch and battery switch and then close the door. Steps stay up and all the switches are off. Works for me.