Step cover stopped working

[djbroughton]

The step cover in my Monaco has ceased working. It gives a clunk noise when the activation button is pressed but that's it. I have read the threads on this forum and others regarding this problem and it seems to be fairly common. I managed to get the plywood cover off and can't figure out how this thing works or what the problem is exactly. I took a couple of pics and there are two flat pieces on at 45 degrees from the long screw-like piece running front to back and these appear to be snapped off. I will try to provide the pics via Photobucket.

Any suggestions or ideas? How do I get in there to fix anything because I can barely get one hand inside.

http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/020_zps60d3d2a0.jpg.html

http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/021_zpsfd0f9331.jpg.html

[djbroughton]

So I finally had a chance to take some photos of my step cover. I found that two pins connected to two arms which run off the motorized long screw (for lack of better descriptor) had popped loose and just had to be snapped back on. Everything worked as it should but recently they popped off again and I will have to find a better fix. Anyway, here's the pics.

http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/001_zps430118c7.jpg.html

http://s1348.photobucket.com/user/djbroughton/media/b4dc176d-d943-4e82-a8a6-84cb08e68433_zpsf9bc4779.jpg.html

Directions for removal:

1. pull the step cover out and reach underneath and remove the small screws attaching the cover itself from the frame.

2. remove the 2 pairs of Phillips screws (one pair shown partially removed)

3. whole tray assembly should pull out as a unit.

Any more questions let me know.

Dave

[JohnQ]

My Safari with a similar Step Cover also broke. I did locate a alternate to the factory Bimba Air Ram that operates the cover. Here is the posting from another website:

"Second, the step slide cover. Well the air ram is toast, bent beyond repair. Here's some interesting info. It is a Bimba FR-0420-DPW and a new replacement has been located and will be here in 7 to 10 days (the bain of the Olympic Peninsula). And choke choke choke, $194.00 plus shipping. What can I say besides "Captive Safari Bus Driver?"

About two weeks ago I posted about my AirHorn & Step Slide Cover problems. Well, the AirHorn Problem is solved.

Second, the step slide cover. Well the air ram is toast, bent beyond repair. Here's some interesting info. It is a Bimba FR-0420-DPW and a new replacement has been located and will be here in 7 to 10 days (the bain of the Olympic Peninsula). And choke choke choke, $194.00 plus shipping. What can I say besides "Captive Safari Bus Driver?"

Since it has been about the estimated time of "Parts Delivery" from Eugene area Monaco, I called Eric's in Sequim to see if the Bimbo has shown up yet. I got the DREADED BACKORDER reply. I have since prowled the internet for a Bimbo, er I mean a Bimba FR-0420-DPW pnuematic cylinder. No Luck.

I seem to remember a couple of years back when I had my first step slide cover problem in the Norgren air solenoid valve. You helped thru a relative (foggy memory on my part) get an alternative norgren value part number that works great. Could you possibly tap into that resource again and help with an alternative to the BimBo problem, or a secret source for them (pppppplllleeeaaasssseeee - that's me whining)???"

Norgren is a pneumatic cylinder manufacturer in Ohio. They have a web presence, just google it. Their website has a 1-800 telephone number. They is a great company to do business with and will help you out identifying the correct part number for your Monaco application for about 1/3 the cost thru Monaco and/or Bimba.

[dengineer]

Thank you Dave!!
We look forward to your pix's...
Tony

[djbroughton]

dengineer wrote:
Could you please describe in detail the location of the bolts or please post a pix?
I have a similar problem and would like to take the whole assembly put, I have looked but not found what you described.
Thank you for your assistance, I guess there are quite a few of us with the same inop step cover.
Agn tnx!!!

I will post some photos of my setup but it will be another week before I can do so.

Dave

[dengineer]

Could you please describe in detail the location of the bolts or please post a pix?
I have a similar problem and would like to take the whole assembly put, I have looked but not found what you described.
Thank you for your assistance, I guess there are quite a few of us with the same inop step cover.
Agn tnx!!!

[YC_1]

This may help.

[YC_1]

With my slide out I can see two screws along the edge that overhangs the bottom. I have not taken them out to see if that is all holding mine in place. I too would like to know if there are a couple of more way in the back? Sure seems likely they would make these things removable.

[SpinRite]

djbroughton wrote:
So I had a look underneath the coach and it is sealed up solid. However, I did find 4 screws at the entrance to the slide compartment. I removed these and the whole tray mechanism slides out as a unit, motor included....

Could you please describe exactly where those screws are for removing the entire assembly?

I have been trying to fix my slide for years, but I have never been able to find a way to get into it, nor any pictures or diagrams, either. And, yes, I even pulled the generator all the way out and crawled up behind it -- but couldn't find a way into the slide mechanism.

In fact, pictures of the area where the screws are located would really be welcome.

[YC_1]

djbroughton wrote:

YC 1 wrote:
I don't think you can get under there. Run the motor until the mechanism is close to the front. Then pull the slides out to match. Looks like you already took the step cover board off. Hopefully you can drill it out and install some nuts and bolts.

Thanks but the motor doesn't run. I just get a "clunk" when I press the switch.

Dave

The motor is wimpy and the mechanism may be jammed. Needs a swift kick to get it loose.

[djbroughton]

So I had a look underneath the coach and it is sealed up solid. However, I did find 4 screws at the entrance to the slide compartment. I removed these and the whole tray mechanism slides out as a unit, motor included.

Next set of days off, I will start working on the mechanism and see what the problem is.


Thanks for advice everyone.

Dave

[djbroughton]

FIRE UP wrote:
djbroughton

Well, by the pics, I'm not sure but, your particular step does not look like it's air activated. It looks to be the same type mechanism that lots of garage doors utilize. And that's a large screw-drive operation. Again, not sure but, I don't see any air cylinder. Ours is even different from that and air operation. Ours is made by Kwikee and utilizes the same drive that the steps use for extending on the outside of the coach.

Now, without seeing any other details of your operation there, yes, one of the answers you've received suggested you re-attach the cross pieces that look/appear to be broken away from a structure. You simply have to determine exactly where they go, and then either re-attach them or, if they've broken off, that's going to be a problem. Trying to get into that area to drill out broken bolts could be one serious pain in the a$$. But, again, I'd have to see more detailed pics in order to advise some particular coarse of action.

There must be a Monaco diagram around some place on the net that shows that step cover system and how it operates. One more thing. I don't know about your generator but, ours is on a sliding tray and, If I move that gen all the way out on the tray 'till it stops, I can then climb under the coach, and sit up inside the cavity that the gen created and remove about a zillion screws and a plate that covers up the bottom of that entire step cover operation. Don't know if you have the same capability or not.
Scott

I agree totally with your assessment and yes, my genset does pull out on a tray. I had a quick look and don't see an easy way in there from the bottom but I will go back and have another look. Thanks for your replies.

Dave

[FIRE_UP]

djbroughton

Well, by the pics, I'm not sure but, your particular step does not look like it's air activated. It looks to be the same type mechanism that lots of garage doors utilize. And that's a large screw-drive operation. Again, not sure but, I don't see any air cylinder. Ours is even different from that and air operation. Ours is made by Kwikee and utilizes the same drive that the steps use for extending on the outside of the coach.

Now, without seeing any other details of your operation there, yes, one of the answers you've received suggested you re-attach the cross pieces that look/appear to be broken away from a structure. You simply have to determine exactly where they go, and then either re-attach them or, if they've broken off, that's going to be a problem. Trying to get into that area to drill out broken bolts could be one serious pain in the a$$. But, again, I'd have to see more detailed pics in order to advise some particular coarse of action.

There must be a Monaco diagram around some place on the net that shows that step cover system and how it operates. One more thing. I don't know about your generator but, ours is on a sliding tray and, If I move that gen all the way out on the tray 'till it stops, I can then climb under the coach, and sit up inside the cavity that the gen created and remove about a zillion screws and a plate that covers up the bottom of that entire step cover operation. Don't know if you have the same capability or not.
Scott

[djbroughton]

YC 1 wrote:
I don't think you can get under there. Run the motor until the mechanism is close to the front. Then pull the slides out to match. Looks like you already took the step cover board off. Hopefully you can drill it out and install some nuts and bolts.

Thanks but the motor doesn't run. I just get a "clunk" when I press the switch.

Dave

[YC_1]

I don't think you can get under there. Run the motor until the mechanism is close to the front. Then pull the slides out to match. Looks like you already took the step cover board off. Hopefully you can drill it out and install some nuts and bolts.