We have a 2009 Fleetwood Excursion and our electric steps just suddenly stopped working. DH tried everything but it is obvious that there is more to it than we can fix.While here at ON UR WA campground in Iowa, we called a MH mechanic who came over. We need a new motor and module for the steps. Now, we have to wait for the parts to be shipped in. Owner of shop just came by and wanted DH to come over so they could go over the cost. He was upset that we didn't tell him that we have extended warranty until he told us how much. Oh Well! So, it is going to be over $1000 to fix but with the insurance we just pay the $250 deductible and pay the shipping.

I can understand the shop owner's side. Sometimes, knowing the coverage changes what is ordered. Some plans may only pay for OEM, others may only pay for after market, that kind of thing. He may have ordered a part that now he can't use and will have to pay shipping and a restocking fee to send it back.Anytime I am incurring a bill that I, personally, will not be paying 100%, the first words out of my mouth are "my coverage for this is . . . ."

1. 2009 would not need a conversion kit (motor and controller)2. I doubt the module is bad, they rarely are it is 99% of the time the motor3. Did the total price go up once the ESC was involved? If so, the Service people are crooks4. ESC or customer pay makes NO DIFFERENCE on what the parts and labor will be. SAME PRICE. The ESC may not pay the normal mark up on the parts or pay the customary time for labor and the customer is responsible for the difference. But that would not be more than $100.5. Your steps are 4 years old and I cannot remember the last time I had a module go out. It is always the motor. 6. Normal cost on a kwikee motor is around $120. The module is around $170. Those are retail prices, labor would be 1.5 hours plus the Mobile show up fee 1.5 at $125 is about $200 labor. So I calculate you should pay about $500 plus the mobile fee. Just because you have Insurance and you are only glad to pay your $250 deductable does not excuse they Mobile service from ripping you off.A complete new step is about &$700. 7, If you have a LCI (Lippert) the part cost will be about 20% higher. labor the same8. They are ripping you OFF big time. Doug

He might be upset because you can buy an entire assembly (three steps) for a little over 500 and he is charging >1000 for parts. He know the insurance is not going to pay that much.

You and your insurance has been ripped off!

steps don't work | Good Sam Community

16 Replies

mike_brez
Explorer
Jul 03, 2013
Here is a trouble shooting guide. I used this on my old class C and found the motor was shot. Motor turned out to be a electric window motor from a Ford Taurus. I picked one up at the local junk yard for $15.00. These kits have everything except for the steps for just over $250.00
Conrad11
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
Remove the motor/gear combo and connect it directly to 12vdc. It should try to go in one direction unless it's reached max position. Reverse polarity and it should go the other way. If it doesn't move remove motor from gear housing and repeat test.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 02, 2013
Cookielady wrote:
We have our steps fixed now. DH looked at the motor and module as they removed it and it was obvious they were bad. We ended up paying $392 after insurance. I want to give this guy the benefit of the doubt but it is difficult. I know they did have to come to our coach in the campground (the shop is across the street) and such. The owner said he took a hit on this because he wants to keep good customer service. Just not sure what to do. I don't want to hurt him and I don't want to take a chance of hurting his business if I am wrong about my assumptions. I do appreciate all the help on this forum.

I am a Professional RV tech. HOW could anyone tell from looking at it the Module is bad??????? You cannot. Doug
Conrad11
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
Had same problem. Turned out that there was a bind in the gearbox.
I disconnected the arm from the motor/gearbox, tied up the step went home removed gearbox, took it apart and removed a spacer which freed up the gears. been working like a charm now for 2 years.
Cookielady
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
We have our steps fixed now. DH looked at the motor and module as they removed it and it was obvious they were bad. We ended up paying $392 after insurance. I want to give this guy the benefit of the doubt but it is difficult. I know they did have to come to our coach in the campground (the shop is across the street) and such. The owner said he took a hit on this because he wants to keep good customer service. Just not sure what to do. I don't want to hurt him and I don't want to take a chance of hurting his business if I am wrong about my assumptions. I do appreciate all the help on this forum.
olygene
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
Please post your experiences on RV Service Review to keep others from being ripped off. Your experience is the main reason I try to deal with Camping World even though I think their rates are somewhat high--at least they are honest about their assessment and don't try to rip you off.
ksg5000
Explorer II
Jul 02, 2013
Make sure you keep the old motor and controller - the outrageous prices quoted by this guy makes me think that he may not have even tested for the typical reason these steps stop working (lousy ground, low battery, fuse etc). Kwikee has a nice pdf which explains how to diagnose problems something that is worth printing and carrying in your rig in the future.
Gjac
Explorer III
Jul 02, 2013
I find it hard to believe that you need a motor and a controller at the same time. I can believe one or the other has failed but not both. If you post you symptoms maybe you can get more help as to what the problem really is.
Cookielady
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
The owner called this morning and our warranty won't pay his price so he wants $750 for what the insurance wont pay. DH told him to cancel but he said he can't. DH was a bit angry so then the owner called back and said he will "take the hit" so the insurance will pay it but we will still need to pay for the shipping and $250 deductible. We are okay with that just to be done with this guy. So, it will now be $392 for us.
MiPaJacks
Explorer
Jul 02, 2013
Run from this guy and find another repair service. The price is way out of line to cost.