Entry step

[VJRocky]

Originally Posted by VJRocky

Okay, so here is an update on my earlier post regarding the entry steps: I check the ground and found it to be good, but as a precaution I created a new ground. No help there. I checked all the wiring which seemed to be in new condition and properly connected. Checked the reed switch - working. The main wiring harness going to the stair board was folded and zip tied up to take up the slack. This was done during the stairs replacement at the dealer when I first purchased the MH. I broke the harness apart and opened the 4-way connector to check for corrosion or moisture - all looked good. Check continuity and power to the plug on the inlet side with the screen door open and then also closed. Didn't see any issue there. Then I reconnected the 4-way pug again - immediately the stairs deployed. So, I either have a faulty connector/connection at that location or possibly a broken wire or connector pin. As a precaution, I also remove the after market stair treads (I did this after the stairs worked) in case they were causing the steps to bind, affecting the motor in some way. Bottom line is that all is working as it should be. If this occurs again, then I guess I will change the 4-way connector. As an afterthought, I am wondering if the stair treads could cause the motor to freeze and when I disconnected the 4-way connector the lack of power to the motor freed it up. Just a thought though.

Thanks for everyone's help
Vince

Update: I eliminated the connector altogether. Used crimp connectors to reconnect four wires. All made weatherproof. It's working fine but will have to see for the long run.

[Bob Denman]

Congratulations on the fix, and I applaud your excellent problem-solving techniques!

[MaceMan]

My 2018 ACE is a mess also. Bought November 11 last year, some important problems, finally after 98 days after purchase finally everything is supposedly fixed. I drove home and front bunk won't come down. My lawyer advises RVs in general are not covered by lemon law. You will spend a ton and will loose anyway. If you can find a lawyer who will take it on in the first place.

[Yvonnemarc]

Your lawyer needs to go back to law school the Magnuson-Moss Warranty Act (Lemon Law) also covers RVs. There are many lawyers ready to take on your case (Google is your friend). There are provisions you need to first address prior to contacting a lawyer for action. There are a number of repairs on the same item that are required to be fulfilled prior to crying uncle. I had a fuel system problem on a 2 yr old car that failed 7 times in a month after being repaired each time. The dealer was very gracious in declaring the vehicle a lemon, no lawyer involved. Got a new vehicle from the dealer.

[revjeffrey]

Thor should use the entry that is on the Vegas & Axis on all their units.

[whenpigsfly]

My entry step just starting acting up. When loading for a trip the step would not extend or retract all the way. There was a grinding sound on and off. Went camping, set up the rig and with the steps fully extended there was a loud sound almost like air being let out of a balloon, but much louder. Made me wonder about the compressor. But nothing else for the 3 day stay. When loading up and turning off the step switch the loud noise started again and the step would not extend or retract without "help". I got out and pushed or pulled it in. Crawled underneath an could hear what I assumed were gears grinding. The motor ran just fine through all of this. After connecting the toad, we enlisted the aid of a friendly stranger to push the step up after getting in and closing the door. We made the 3 hour trip and parked the rig in the drive way. A mobile repair guy said he needs to replace the motor, gear and brain as it is now only sold as a "kit" He said he used to be able to purchase the motor and gear. I will let you know.

[Pete'sMH]

Originally Posted by whenpigsfly

My entry step just starting acting up. When loading for a trip the step would not extend or retract all the way. There was a grinding sound on and off. Went camping, set up the rig and with the steps fully extended there was a loud sound almost like air being let out of a balloon, but much louder. Made me wonder about the compressor. But nothing else for the 3 day stay. When loading up and turning off the step switch the loud noise started again and the step would not extend or retract without "help". I got out and pushed or pulled it in. Crawled underneath an could hear what I assumed were gears grinding. The motor ran just fine through all of this. After connecting the toad, we enlisted the aid of a friendly stranger to push the step up after getting in and closing the door. We made the 3 hour trip and parked the rig in the drive way. A mobile repair guy said he needs to replace the motor, gear and brain as it is now only sold as a "kit" He said he used to be able to purchase the motor and gear. I will let you know.

I do not know your exact part numbers but I do not think that is correct. I recently bought a new motor to carry in my spares bag and last summer bought a gearbox (that I didn’t end up needing so it’s also in my spares bag). And I recently looked up a controller for a friend. Surprisingly the motor and gearbox were not expensive and were stock items through Amazon. In my quest to figure mine out I learned that there is a plastic gear in the linkage that is easily broken and not separately available. It seems to be the usual culprit.

[whenpigsfly]

Originally Posted by Pete'sMH

I do not know your exact part numbers but I do not think that is correct. I recently bought a new motor to carry in my spares bag and last summer bought a gearbox (that I didn’t end up needing so it’s also in my spares bag). And I recently looked up a controller for a friend. Surprisingly the motor and gearbox were not expensive and were stock items through Amazon. In my quest to figure mine out I learned that there is a plastic gear in the linkage that is easily broken and not separately available. It seems to be the usual culprit.

I have since gotten a text from repair guy; he was able to purchase a motor and gear from ... his parts person(?) but got the model number from Amazon. I think you have a good idea of keeping a spare. Thanks for your information