The ONLY adjustments on Kwikee steps are cam-adjustments. They are concentric adjustments that are used to match the end of the step travel to the end of the motor limit. They have absolutely nothing to do with stability of the steps. They only way they could stabilize the steps is for them to be BEHIND the step side rails so that they would SUPPORT the steps. Well, the only way for them to do that would be for the steps to pass them up while extending and then sit on them at the end of travel. That's not what happens.
The step motor and gear box have a limited travel. Those cam adjustments, when adjusted correctly, will match the stop point of the motor and gear box. What that does is, provides additional stops so that the motor does not drive the gear box gears any further and therefore could cause potential damage to them. It's happened to many on here, including mine.
As has been stated, several times, the only real way for the steps to be ridged is for them to me mounted on something that is ridged in the first place. If one has the ability, the tools, the fabrication skills etc. needed for a bolstering of the mounting system, then you will have ridged, non-spongy steps.
I know the OP stated he wanted a permanent fix to this situation. Well, the only way for this to happen is if he climbs underneath the coach and, inspects just what kind of action is happening while someone else steps up and down on the last (or first step from the ground)and see just EXACTLY what is flexing, be it the mounting structure or, the step paralleling arms themselves. I strongly suspect its the mounting system.
Until a permanent remedy is put into place, while the OP might not be too interested in doing it, I strongly suggest using an adjustable step support to help provide stability to that entire structure so that no more potential damage can occur. Yes, this needs to be done each and every time you setup for base camp and, yes it can cause damage if, IF, one forgets that step saver is there and either turns the ignition key on and closes the door or, has the door closed and starts the coach, same thing.
I have a warning tag on my steering wheel that warns me of the step saver in place. That way I'm reminded of it when I either need to make leveling adjustments (rare) or, we're ready to depart. It takes about 5-10 second to place that step saver under the steps, when the leveling is completed and, about the same to remove it when we're heading out.
Scott
The step motor and gear box have a limited travel. Those cam adjustments, when adjusted correctly, will match the stop point of the motor and gear box. What that does is, provides additional stops so that the motor does not drive the gear box gears any further and therefore could cause potential damage to them. It's happened to many on here, including mine.
As has been stated, several times, the only real way for the steps to be ridged is for them to me mounted on something that is ridged in the first place. If one has the ability, the tools, the fabrication skills etc. needed for a bolstering of the mounting system, then you will have ridged, non-spongy steps.
I know the OP stated he wanted a permanent fix to this situation. Well, the only way for this to happen is if he climbs underneath the coach and, inspects just what kind of action is happening while someone else steps up and down on the last (or first step from the ground)and see just EXACTLY what is flexing, be it the mounting structure or, the step paralleling arms themselves. I strongly suspect its the mounting system.
Until a permanent remedy is put into place, while the OP might not be too interested in doing it, I strongly suggest using an adjustable step support to help provide stability to that entire structure so that no more potential damage can occur. Yes, this needs to be done each and every time you setup for base camp and, yes it can cause damage if, IF, one forgets that step saver is there and either turns the ignition key on and closes the door or, has the door closed and starts the coach, same thing.
I have a warning tag on my steering wheel that warns me of the step saver in place. That way I'm reminded of it when I either need to make leveling adjustments (rare) or, we're ready to depart. It takes about 5-10 second to place that step saver under the steps, when the leveling is completed and, about the same to remove it when we're heading out.
Scott
gjtrafl wrote:
On my electric steps, the bottom step shows considerable flex. Makes you feel very unstable when you take that first step from the ground up.
This coach is new to me. And I have a total of 3 steps. Otherwise they work great.
Any suggestions on anything that can be done to help the situation?
Many thanks!
This is a common problem with many RVs that have extendable entry steps. It all depends on how well the manufacturer attached the step system to the coach in the first place. Some coach builders do a great job and, the steps are solid as a rock when stepping on them. And some, like mine, are not supported all that well and feel spongy.
I too would have to most likely build a support structure to get a better mounting system to make them more solid. But, in the mean time, I, like many, use what's called a "Step Saver" under the first step. You can get them from Camping World or, just about any RV Supplies outlet.
It's basically a form of a screw jack, only smaller. I use a couple of those yellow lego type plastic blocks under that step saver, depending on what the clearance is when I'm all done leveling. Sometimes I only need two, sometimes three-four-five.
But, it really helps in saving the structure where your steps are mounted 'cause the ground is taking all the weight.
Scott
