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Topic: How to Manually Retract My Electric RV Step (Read 254 times) previous topic - next topic
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How to Manually Retract My Electric RV Step
Hello Forum,

Three years ago my steps stopped working and I could fix it with the help of this forum by taking some wire connectors apart and putting them together again. Apparently I had just some bad connection.

Now the step - which is currently extended - stopped working again and the old trick did not work a second time. I can hear it clicking when I close and open the screen door - the door magnet seems to be ok. When I take the two-way connector apart (see attachment which is taken from my step manual) I do have 12 volt on the side that goes to the control unit. However, nothing happens when I connect a 12 volt wire (coming from my portable power stations) to the side that goes to the motor assembly (I guess the step should move with 12 volt from an external battery if everything in the motor assembly would be ok - right?).

Is it safe to assume that something is wrong with the motor assembly?

I have only disconnected and reconnected the two-way connector. Should I do the same with the four-way connector? So far I did not even see the four-way connector; to find it I probably would have to get deeper under the RV.

It's difficult to work under the RV on the steps, especially since I am right now boondocking on grassy sand on the UT 12 between Escalante and Boulder. My next stop is Capitol Reef  N.P., and I would like to retract the step manually before I go onto the road. I think that the step is connected with a metal bar to the motor assembly (see attachment), and I hope that I can disconnect it by pulling the cotter pin and then push out the linkage pin. After that it should be possible to push the step in manually. Is that correct?

If necessary I could live without the step for the next couple of months (I just started my summer travels and don't want to be back home before October). I would of course try to find an RV repair shop on the way and have them look at the step and repair it if possible, but I would not really count on that.

So the main question is: Am I right about the procedure for manually retracting the step? It would be great to hear something about that.

If I get on top any other tips I would be even more grateful.

Thanks,

2001 26.5 Mid-Bath
Re: How to Manually Retract My Electric RV Step
Reply #1 –
Our 2003’s electric step 4-pin connector developed  bad connection and needed cleaning.
If the original motor, good chance it has become jammed with dirt, both the motor and the gearbox are not sealed. Dirt stopped our step’s motor.
It may be easier to remove the motor than to remove the cotter key and knock the pin out.
For better access, use your leveling blocks to raise the body higher.

Larry
Larry
2003 23.5' Front Lounge, since new.  Previously 1983 22' Front Lounge.
Tow vehicles  2020 Jeep Wrangler Rubicon, 2001 Jeep Cherokee
Photo Collection: Lazy Daze
Re: How to Manually Retract My Electric RV Step
Reply #2 –
Thank you. I will try to clean the four-way connector and go from there.

I am right now using all my 25 leveling bricks on the left front wheel to be (more or less) level.  But I guess I should use the bricks temporarily under my right rear wheels to make it easier to get to the four-way connector try to clean whatever can be cleaned there.

Can I remove the motor without having to remove the metal bar from the step?
2001 26.5 Mid-Bath