RE: Replacement A Linkage for Kwikee Electric RV Steps

[M_MINCEY]

I just wanted to share a new/old project I was working on a couple of years ago. That needs to be revisited again to put in some additional work. I returned from a trip that involved taking a ship, and the high tide on disembarking caused the ramp to snag and damage my RV's rear step. I didn't realize how bad it was at the time and just used a bungee cord to get home.

Once home, I took photos and discovered the gear box (#151320 from Kwikee) was broken. Online advice suggested buying new steps, which were expensive and not an exact match. So, I took apart the gear box and found the linkage was snapped and the lower step bent.

After extensive research, I found a replacement linkage on etrailer.com (Item #LC379649), but it's no longer available now. I clean up the original parts and pack the gear box with marine grease. I also had an auto shop straighten and weld the bottom step. This was only the beginning!

More posts and photos on this project will follow as I now have more time to share and complete projects that I put on hold due to work constraints.

Broken Linkage for Kwikee Electric RV Steps

Dismantled Parts from Gear Box

Twisted Step that need repair

Twisted Step that need repair

[M_MINCEY]

Here is the gear box and linkage clean up and reassembled with part purchased from etrailer.com

NOTE: This part is no longer being sold at etrailer.com, you'll have to purchase the complete assembly! You maybe able to find it on other sites.

Original etrailer post

Kwikee Replacement Linkage

Parts Degreased and Cleaned

Gear Box Reassembled w/new Linkage attached

[M_MINCEY]

I decided to remove all of the old rust and paint from both of the steps. Afterwards I primed and painted the steps and started the process to reattached the Gear box to the steps.

NOTE: Additional images forthcoming.

Started the removal of old rust and paint

Started the priming process

Paint Priming completed

Reattaching Gear Box to Steps

[M_MINCEY]

This project took some time to complete, as I had to purchase new nuts and bolts due to rust on the old ones. To prevent issues with the rug getting caught in the mechanism again, I attached large flat magnetic sheets to the bottom of the rugs.

After two years of trouble-free operation, the steps stopped working last week. In my next post, I'll show you what I had to do to fix them again.

This post is for those who haven't seen this type of RV step mechanism up close. Hopefully, it can help someone understand how it works and how to troubleshoot similar issues.

Control Unit and Gear Box reconnected to Steps

Painted Steps Brackets

Reattached Steps To Side Brackets

Steps w/Magnetic Rugs Completed

[noluck]

i have been looking for a step like that, since i raised my motorhome

[M_MINCEY]

Hi there,

Kwikee has several options, but they can be pricey. That's why I chose to repair mine. They offer steps in different series sizes; mine is a 33 Series, which is about 28-1/8" wide. I'm not sure what size you need, and they also vary by the number of steps. Mine is a single step.

etrailer.com has some good options, and their customer service was very helpful when I was looking for parts. I hope this helps!

Regards,

[M_MINCEY]

As I mentioned before, my RV steps stopped working last week. Having some experience with them now, I didn't want to start from scratch, but it was almost necessary. I removed the steps again to see what had changed since the last repair.

Living near the ocean on Long Island, salt spray and winter road salt can cause corrosion, and I found some under the steps despite them being primed and painted with Rust-Oleum. It wasn't as bad as the first time, but still needed attention.

I first checked the motor with a small 12-volt battery. It didn't move in either direction, so I opened it up, checked the gears, added marine grease, and tried again. This time it worked in both directions, so thankfully, the motor was fine.

Next, I followed the troubleshooting checklist, disconnecting the main harness from the control unit. The power switch reading was below 12 volts DC, and I got different readings when checking for ground under the steps. This indicated a possible ground issue, especially since the door switch wasn't reading 12 volts with the door closed.

Figures 7 and 8 in the checklist seemed most relevant, so I added new ring connectors and 12-gauge ground wire to the control unit. I also cleaned rust from the chassis ground and some oxidization from the door switch contacts.

After reconnecting everything, I tested the unit by opening and closing the door several times, and the motor worked correctly! Next week, I'll clean up the steps and put everything back together.

NOTE: I'll upload additional images with it's completed.

Troubleshooting Instructions

Kwikee Control Unit

Gear Box and Control Unit

Door Contacts

[M_MINCEY]

Once again, I wanted to share some updates to my Kwikee Steps project. One thing I forgot to show was the process on how to do a Power Check:

FIGURE 6: Check Power Source

Power_Check.JPG (21.61 KiB) Viewed 108625 times

This time around I didn't go as aggressive on cleaning up the steps, but I did have to remove some new rust in spots, so I did some light sanding. This time I wanted to create a newer look similar to what the Kwikee Steps would look like new.  Originally the steps were White, after my first repaired I change them to a Gray to match the strips, which I thought look pretty decent.  This time around I painted them Black with new Bolts, Nuts and Washers.  I also replaced the Gray rugs I had attached to them, with Non-Slip Outdoor Stair Treads with Glow Strips to make them more visible at night.

It started to rain again today so I wasn't able to completely finish this project, hopefully in the next day or so.

I'll post additional images when it's done, for anyone that might be interest in doing something similar.

NOTE: I sprayed some anti corrosion spray on the Gear Box to perhaps add some additional rust protection.

Fully Painted ready to reassemble

Non-Slip Stair Treads with Glow Strips

Gear Box attached to bottom step

[M_MINCEY]

I was finally able to complete this project, as I mentioned in my previous post. I didn't take an aggressive approach this time, but everything is operational, and that's what matters most. I have a few more projects to finish, so time is of the essence. As always, I hope this helps anyone looking to undertake something similar.

NOTE: My steps are about 98% straightened. The mechanic did their best with the welding, and while it's not perfect, it’s a much better option than paying over $1,000 for new steps.

Best regards,

Gear Box and Control Unit Reassembled Under Step

Steps Top Viewed from Rear Door Entry

Steps Front View Fully Extended

Steps Side View Fully Extended