Steps too tight

[sandtsherman]

Before posting this, I tried searching for this. I probably put in the wrong criteria.

Our 5th wheel is only a few months old, 5 times out so far. The fold up steps to the door are so tight we can't hardly pull them out or put them away. We assumed they would loosen after the first few uses, but they seem to be getting harder instead of easier to fold out.

Any suggestions on making them easier to use? I'm going to assume something like WD40 will help, but I'd prefer to keep the area clean.

[mr__ed]

ependydad wrote:
I used lithium grease and haven't had any problems with dirt and muck getting stuck to it. It's actually worked quite well on both sets of steps on my rig.

Lithium grease may work well in some parts of the country but here in the southwest there is often blowing sand which would stick to grease. Therefore WD-40 or a silicone/Teflon spray would be advisable.

[ependydad]

I used lithium grease and haven't had any problems with dirt and muck getting stuck to it. It's actually worked quite well on both sets of steps on my rig.

[down_home]

WD40 will blast the crud away if you flush it with it. It won't lubricate it.
Lithium is what is recommended but it grabs grit and dirt from the road and stick thing us rel good.
I use silicone to blast it clean and to lube them.
Have to clean and lube them after any lengthy trip or storm.
There is one maker, Stromberg Carlson, I think, of steps, that look identical to the ones on our MH and I assume unpowered models too, that have grease seals and don't have to fool with them near as much. Cost more of course. More than you asked for I guess. Just my 1/2 cent worth. Your mileage may vary.

[coolbreeze01]

Sooner or later your black/gray dump pulls will need some WD or whatever.......Good luck greasing everything :C

[mr__ed]

I also recommend WD-40. It works every time for me and won't leave an oily film to attract dirt.

I also use WD-40 on my stabilizer jacks, including the worm gear. Works very well...

[eric1514]

Sometimes, the two side plates are too close. Maybe they're out of spec, maybe somebody dropped them before they welded them to your trailer or maybe you struck something with them backing into your campsite without noticing.

Crawl down there and see if they need to be ever-so-slightly spread apart.

Eric

[wkswenson]

Same issue here - Just sprayed them with WD40 Lithium (new product?) and hoping that will help.

[Peg_Leg]

A long time ago, in a far away place, I rubbed candle wax on a set that was bugging me.

[CentralCoastCam]

I use liquid wrench when mine do that.

[camperpaul]

As stated above WD-40 is too light and is good only if they are stuck because it will evaporate quickly.

White lithium grease will get contaminated with dirt very quickly and will crystallize making matters worse.

Best bet is to clean the hinges with WD-40, wait for it to dry, then spray with dry silicone lubricant.

[mark5w]

I overkilled it with synthetic oil from a oil can. I put paper underneath the steps and flooded the joints with oil. Then open and closed the steps a few times, then oiled it some more. Finally my wife can open and close the steps. There is one other thing, they could be bent and out of alignment. Dealer can determine and fix that.
Good luck.

[Redcatcher70]

I bought a can of white lithium grease at the parts store. It came with a small straw like WD40 so you can get it exactly where you want it. Sprayed it on all the joints on both sides of the steps and wiped off the excess. Worked all year and made the steps easy to pull in and out. WD40 dries out too fast......

[fj12ryder]

I think WD40 would work well in this instance, just don't overdo it. Spray on a bit using the straw and work the steps and they should loosen up.