Fixing the Mechanism

One of the first things I had issues with when I got my rig were the entry stairs.  Many times they would not fully extend or stow properly.  No amount of lubrication would get them to operate properly.

After reading a number of others’ experiences I decided that the 17 year old motor must be going bad so I started a mission to replace it.

Above shows the the underside of the steps and the motor mechanism.  It is pretty easy to access if you don’t mind working on your back.

The model of this unit is Kwikee series 32.  I was unable to locate this particular model’s motor.  To purchase an entire in-tact, new unit would cost from $350-$600!!  All I wanted to do was replace the motor!  After carefully examining the “look” of the motor I discovered that the Kwikee series 42 motor appeared to be the same, at least as far as the motor was concerned.  I decided to take a chance and order a replacement unit:

Kwikee series 42 motor. Amazon.com: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01F92V41M

At the time of my purchase in August, 2020 this motor was $130.

Disassembled unit

Once I received the unit I carefully removed my old unit and set them side by side (sorry no photo).  It was clear that the motor did, indeed, appear to be the same but the rest of the assembly was different.  I carefully disassembled both units and reassembled my old unit with the new motor.  A perfect fit!

20 minutes later I had a working and reliable entry step!

Enhancing the look

Ugly, isn’t it??

I was not particularly happy with the way the steps looked.  Very rugged and warn and the plastic “protection” between the steps and the door was a mess.

Kick plate donated by fabrication shop

I happen to have a metal fabrication shop nearby and stopped in to see if they had any scrap diamond tread plate.  I only needed a small piece and figured it wouldn’t cost much.  They were nice enough to just give me a piece.  Not only that, they bent it to conform to the rig’s exterior shape!  I was thrilled, especially given the thickness of the piece the provided to me!

Attaching it to the rig was a snap.  Just drill a couple holes in the plate and screw it on.

Kick plate in place

Finally, I wanted to dress up the steps themselves.  There are a lot of discussion on how best to do (or not to do) this.  Given I had an older rig I decided to get tread covers.  There is some concern that these may encourage rusting by trapping moisture but the covers are allow air to pass through them so that didn’t seem to be a real issue.

Completed and dressed steps!

I think the final results more than make up for the “risk”. If they really get rusty and start to fail, I’ll look at replacing the whole unit.  That has to be years in the future.

Note: The step covers were purchased here: https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B001U7MXW0/