Kwikee step replacement

[outboardfever]

Is there another brand of electric steps?
I have a hunch the Kwikees are going to be a ongoing problem.

[Jim]

After dressing the wire bundle, a little job the factory failed to do at Fleetwood, and regular maintenance, my Kwikee 2 step unit performed well up until the bolts holding it to the frame of the RV rusted through. Even then, after the strain from 3 broken bolts (out of 4) and the step frame dangling, only had to replace one broken gear housing screw and straighten out the gear box lid.

I was kind of impressed with that 23 year old mechanical and electrical design.

I wonder if the OPs step mechanical actuators are somehow misaligned by an incorrect installation...missing spacer or something...that causes undue strain on the mechanism?

[dougrainer]

outboardfever wrote:
No where did I say they were a bad company. Three failures in six months is a fact and I am interested in what might be available. My steps are kept clean and lubricated but seem to struggle when used.

You need to state how old and what the failures were. There are no other alternatives that have the track record of Kwikee. Doug

[outboardfever]

No where did I say they were a bad company. Three failures in six months is a fact and I am interested in what might be available. My steps are kept clean and lubricated but seem to struggle when used.

[garry1p]

I have 1990 Kwikee original steps had a few problems, dirty connector and replaced the motor ($45) not what I would call "ongoing" problems.

Parts are available and steps are repairable what kind of problems are you experiencing that makes you want to replace?

[dougrainer]

outboardfever wrote:
Is there another brand of electric steps?
I have a hunch the Kwikees are going to be a ongoing problem.

Explain this statement. You have had a step motor replaced. So, that makes Kwikee a Bad Company and poor quality??????? Kwikee makes the BEST electric RV step and has for over 40 years. Doug

[96Bounder30E]

Chum lee wrote:
The newer versions (+-year 2000) and up were powder coated in lieu of painting so the finish is more durable.

The OEM Kwikee steps on my '96 were powder coated.......I had a heck of a time sand blasting the stuff off, I repainted with 2 stage paint...

[Chum_lee]

Nothing lasts forever. As long as the step frame doesn't get bent, repair parts are available online. Sometimes you have to buy complete assemblies. (like the gearbox or the controller) The newer versions (+-year 2000) and up were powder coated in lieu of painting so the finish is more durable.

Lube the bushings regularly with the special Kwikee lube or bike chain lubricant. Checking to make sure the steps have retracted should ALWAYS be part of your preflight checklist.

Chum lee

[lj2654]

mine are never giving problems, the plastic bushings disintegrated inside the gear section once, so I just replaced the motor, took about 15 minutes.

[harold1946]

45 years and 4 motorhomes, all with Kwikee electric steps. No issues but I have always done routine maintenance.

[enblethen]

Kwikee is the better off steps I have seen. They do take some maintenance like any other item. Some areas the step needs more attention as the dirt and road grim effects the linkage. Manufacturer of rigs do not do the best job installing the grounds.
We have had three different steps and have had no real issues.
What kind of issues are you having with your step?