RV Steps inop. Need advice Photo's inside

[lacofdfireman]

So we were out camping in Moab and as we were trying to leave the Double Ball Joint bolt on our Coach Steps sheared off. I looked up the part online and they want $50 plus shipping for this little part. Is there any other place you can find one of these or do I just need to bite the bullet and throw down some cash? Can't believe they wouldn't use like some Class 8 bolts or something on these. Seems pretty cheap to me. Our RV has less than 20k miles on it. Any ideas of how I can replace this part cheaper would be appreciated....

Here are some photo's of what I am talking about that needs to be replaced...

[lacofdfireman]

4x4van wrote:
I would have done this, but oh well.

Wish I would have found that site before I already bought the replacement. Oh well. I also considered just replacing the electric steps with manual steps. Only problem with that is that my Coach has 3 steps and it's a good stretch to get in and out once they are put away...

[4x4van]

I would have done this, but oh well.

[anconn]

I would recommend saving this one though in case next time it is the bolt on the other end that breaks and you can put the 2 together.

[lacofdfireman]

Spent the last 2hrs driving around town to different Tractor supply houses and Hardware stores with no luck. Ordered the new part from Lippert. Oh well. Thanks for your help anyways..

[Gjac]

I would saw the broken bolt flush to the ball joint drill, tap, an insert a stud like the old carb studs to attach to the manifold. If you screw it up you won't loose anything. Looks like the tie rod ends are the same as another option maybe a broken one is available at a junk yard or another rver .

[Stealth_Mode]

Look up Heim joint rod ends on EBay. Or go to a good hardware store that has those small parts bins.

[cwit]

I would go to a hardware or auto store or garden tractor store and get the one end you need.

[cwit]

That looks just like the tierod ends on a garden tractor. I would make one for around 10 dollars or less.

[cwit]

That looks just like the tierod ends on a garden tractor. I would make one for around 10 dollars or less.

[wa8yxm]

Can not help you with new joint, may be able to help you get in an out though.

Portable Steps one option

I just linked to one option. there are several competing products, this is not the one I use.

[DSDP_Don]

you'll probably have to bite the bullet and buy the new part. They often break because people step onto the step before it's completely extended. My Diplomat had the SCS Frigette steps and you the broke the main bolt. My new coach has Kwikee steps and they are quick.