Electric Step

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Brakeman48

Dave,

What us the Direct Response system?

Direct response is the Auto Retract system for Carefree awnings. It will automatically retract the awning when the winds reach a certain speed.

Here is some info from Carefree's site.

052526-001r7 12V Direct Response.pdf

The kit is about 90.00 on Amazon but I may have my dealer install so it is covered under my extended warranty along with the awning. Also if the dealer does the installation and it doesn't work then the dealer can replace my awning.

The link for the kit at Amazon.

http://www.amazon.com/Carefree-SR009.../dp/B004RCUR8M

[Brakeman48]

Thanks Dave,
I'm going to look into this as it makes good sense if I leave the awning out while away from the MH.

[neeliec]

Not sure if this is connected in anyway, but just this morning I received via email an update on Thor recall notices.

One dated 11/10/2015 is about Lippert/Thor electric steps. Here is the link for the recall info:

Thor Hurricane recall

[Metalman]

The electric steps in the recall are not the same as what I have on the RV. It's disconcerting that Thor just can't seem to get some things right the first time.

[neeliec]

Originally Posted by Metalman

The electric steps in the recall are not the same as what I have on the RV. It's disconcerting that Thor just can't seem to get some things right the first time.

Good to know. And I know what you mean about getting things right. For what we pay for these things, they should be "near" perfect!

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by Brakeman48

Thanks Dave,
I'm going to look into this as it makes good sense if I leave the awning out while away from the MH.

I talked to my service advisor an hour ago and they are ordering the kit to install on my coach when I take it in for warranty work and state inspection in January. Next year I shouldn't have to worry about the awning in high winds.

[pgomalley]

Asking for manufacturer of steps on Thor Challenger...would like owners manual.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by pgomalley

Asking for manufacturer of steps on Thor Challenger...would like owners manual.

Lippert Components Inc.

[pgomalley]

Great! Thank you!

[w6lmj]

If you want to prevent it from coming out, turn the switch off. In the off position, the step will not deploy.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by w6lmj

If you want to prevent it from coming out, turn the switch off. In the off position, the step will not deploy.

Except when you open the door. The "off" position prevents the step from retracting when the door is closed unless the coach is started, then it retracts anyway,

[jvdl]

I just purchased a 2018 33.3 with same problem and some ... i caught it at walk through and was told it was a recall from freight liner and i had to there to have it updated. On my 2000 mile drive home , also my dash board light was flickering on and of and only when head lights are on. When i turn day lights on no problem. Any one had that issue ?

[Hittntherooad]

I wonder if you couldn't wire a switch in series to one of the motor wires and mount it by the door inside. That would keep the motor from running. Just thinking

[thutchis]

Originally Posted by Metalman

Our 2015 Windsport has a one section electric step. It is so close to the ground that when parked near a curb, when it extends, it runs into the curb. I am concerned that the drive mechanism will be damaged. Has anyone had a problem with their electric step due to ramming the curb, and has anyone wired an on/off switch to prevent it from deploying in certain situations?

Forgive me if someone else has already pointed this out. I was too lazy to read through all the responses.

Lippert has already anticipated this problem and the step controller senses the higher amperage draw by the motor if the step encounters an obstacle when deploying. It stops the motor preventing damage. So it won't hurt the step if it hits the curb when parallel parking along a street.

[Metalman]

Originally Posted by Hittntherooad

I wonder if you couldn't wire a switch in series to one of the motor wires and mount it by the door inside. That would keep the motor from running. Just thinking

I didn't know about the amperage sensor on the electric step. But I would feel more comfortable knowing that I can use a switch to lock the step in the up position. Of course doing so creates a situation where the step might not deploy when one expects it to, and a long step to the ground could be painful.

I haven't tried wiring a switch on the power wire because at this point it hasn't been enough of a problem.

[Laco]

Non that I know of can be prevented from extending when you open the door. The switch for the step will prevent it from retracting when you close the door, unless the ignition is on. Then it will retract regardless. All steps that I know of, in order to be useful will get fairly close to the ground when extended. You must be mindful and careful not to park close to a curb, or incline that the step could hit when deploying. You will develop an eye for pretty much automatically seeing where its safe to park.

[donmacd]

Here is what I have learned. When the step extends and hits a curb it is possible to shear the clevis pin connecting the articulating arm to the step. I have sheared 2 of them. They are 1/4x2 inch pins with only one cotter pin hole. Do not buy universal style with many holes, they are too weak. Available at Lowes, 2 for around $3. Or you can get from LCI, 1 for $9, your choice
To replace one you must loosen the motor power plug, open and close the door and pull the plug to stop the motor when the arm gets in the right spot. Takes a little time but it works. Or you can do the following.

Running from the step to the chassis is a green ground wire, breaking this wire removes the ground and the step will not move. Splicing into this wire and adding a switch in a convenient location will lock your steps in or out. I am using a red guarded racing or aircraft style switch, available from Amazon.

I have a single step, relatively easy to work on.
Don

[Hittntherooad]

I was always weary about working on the step. I guess it's possible you could get pinched or maybe a finger cut off pretty easy. Would be great to have a switch close by to cut all power to it to work on it.

[Metalman]

Originally Posted by donmacd

Here is what I have learned. When the step extends and hits a curb it is possible to shear the clevis pin connecting the articulating arm to the step. I have sheared 2 of them. They are 1/4x2 inch pins with only one cotter pin hole. Do not buy universal style with many holes, they are too weak. Available at Lowes, 2 for around $3. Or you can get from LCI, 1 for $9, your choice
To replace one you must loosen the motor power plug, open and close the door and pull the plug to stop the motor when the arm gets in the right spot. Takes a little time but it works. Or you can do the following.

Running from the step to the chassis is a green ground wire, breaking this wire removes the ground and the step will not move. Splicing into this wire and adding a switch in a convenient location will lock your steps in or out. I am using a red guarded racing or aircraft style switch, available from Amazon.

I have a single step, relatively easy to work on.
Don

Thanks for the information on the green wire. Not long after we bought our 27K the step stopped working. The clevis pin had been replace with a small machine bolt and it sheared off. Whatever I replaced it with has been working well. I wonder if the clevis pin is designed to break before something more costly breaks.

[Dragon70]

Originally Posted by Metalman

Yes, I have I have a step switch near the door, but the problem is not retracting, it's deploying. I want to prevent it from coming out in certain situations.

Exactly Metalman! I've been very conscious of this as I found out early on you can step out before the step is fully deployed and it can cost you a new step motor. I've only had it happen one time where it hit the curb but I quickly shut the door just as it hit. I always pull up as close to the curb as I can get and then swing the front end out a bit. Short of pulling the fuse (which I've seriously thought about) I think your stuck with it deploying.