Before I need to KNOW . . . . .

[MikeandClaudia]

I am not trying to borrow trouble, but I have wondered how you gain access to the motor that raises and lowers the cover for the steps on my Dutch Star.

I keep the "groove" clean where the little wheel rolls, but I have imagined that if the cover ever stuck in the "Down" position, that this might create a big problem.

Has anyone had any experience with this?

Thanks!!

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
I'm a bit confused reading your OP. Is this cover inside the coach? The one that makes a flat to the floor platform over the inside steps.

[mercerc44]

If you lift the outer edge of the rubber step tread you should see some screws. There were also other screws , just peeled the rubber facing back to reveal screws around the edge. Removing these should allow you to remove the face of the steps. That's how I got to mine when my motor wouldn't work. Motor just got stuck, didn't need replacing. Since that time, I leave the steps alone, don't raise them. PS Mine were stuck in the down position.

[MikeandClaudia]

Quote:

Originally Posted by GaryKD Hi Mike, I'm a bit confused reading your OP. Is this cover inside the coach? The one that makes a flat to the floor platform over the inside steps.

Yes. It is on the inside presumably so that the passenger can rest their feet on it. More importantly, when it is REALLY cold, it helps keep the cold air out of the MH.

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Thank you mercerc44. That makes sense. Unfortunately, I just covered the steps with carpet, so I will take your word for it.

[GaryKD]

Hi Mike,
mercerc44 is correct on how to make the access mentioned in your OP.

[MikeandClaudia]

Thanks! I appreciate the help.

I could just invision having to make an "Indiana Jones" type escape from my motorhome.............

[Jarhead1]

I was told not to put any weight on them when extended.

[Slider1]

My DSDP4320 has the step cover stuck in the down position.

I suspect one of our teenage boys tried to lift his friend on it and stripped out the motor.............

My steps are covered with vinyl.......when I peeled it back there were only a very few screws on the top outside edge of the first step. No help.

I finally managed to pry up the unit just a wee bit and got a 1/2 wrench and a socket under the center of the bottom vertical piece. Removed the plastic-lined nut and then removed bolt, and presto! - the unit came up and sat in the up position for me to continue working on it.

These units (at least mine) is powered by a Duff-Norton Linear Actuator.
(Duff-Norton, Charlotte, NC). It is only capable of 100 lbs and has a set stroke length. (I can get all the specs off it if anyone needs them.)

What actually happened to the unit? The three small bolts in the backing plate on the gear box end of the unit stripped out and the unit pulled apart. I'll take it to a friend of mine with a machine shop and have him re-tap these holes with slightly larger bolts, then re-install them with Loc-Tite and put it all back together.

[MikeandClaudia]

That might be helpful for all of us if that wouldn't be too much trouble.

You never know when that information might be helpful.

[Slider1]

Quote:

Originally Posted by MikeandClaudia That might be helpful for all of us if that wouldn't be too much trouble. You never know when that information might be helpful.

Have the part next to me this morning.....going shopping (on line) for a replacement. Found out Duff Norton has upgraded this particualr line (Bet they figured out they had weaknesses in their design!)
Anyway.......here's the info:
Duff-Norton
Model # LM100-1-150
Voltage 12VDC
Capacity: 100 lbs.
Stroke: 150mm
Might have more info once I contact them............

[tmitchell]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Slider1 My DSDP4320 has the step cover stuck in the down position. I suspect one of our teenage boys tried to lift his friend on it and stripped out the motor............. My steps are covered with vinyl.......when I peeled it back there were only a very few screws on the top outside edge of the first step. No help. I finally managed to pry up the unit just a wee bit and got a 1/2 wrench and a socket under the center of the bottom vertical piece. Removed the plastic-lined nut and then removed bolt, and presto! - the unit came up and sat in the up position for me to continue working on it. These units (at least mine) is powered by a Duff-Norton Linear Actuator. (Duff-Norton, Charlotte, NC). It is only capable of 100 lbs and has a set stroke length. (I can get all the specs off it if anyone needs them.) What actually happened to the unit? The three small bolts in the backing plate on the gear box end of the unit stripped out and the unit pulled apart. I'll take it to a friend of mine with a machine shop and have him re-tap these holes with slightly larger bolts, then re-install them with Loc-Tite and put it all back together.

I have read where some owners drill through the threaded areas and use bolts/screws,nuts and washers, to eliminate it from stripping out.
I was told that the main reason they strip out is that people don't remove their finger, from the switch, fast enough, after the steps have cycled. Now I try to remove my finger the instant the steps are done cycling.
Tom

[ricere]

My steps wouldn't go down completely and I discovered the mechanism was going down, but all the screws holding the steps to the mechanism came out.

I found out if I raised the step mechanism up and opened the door and screen that you can get to everything pretty easy from the outside. I found all the nuts and screws, reinstalled them, and tightened them up. Haven't had any trouble since.

You do need to vacuum that "compartment" under the steps pretty often as a maintenance procedure. You can do that the same way with the steps up in the travel mode and going under them from the outside. You'd be surprised how much dust and lint will work it's way down there.

[DutchStar38]

Just went through this myself. Mine failed in the down position which is OK. I did get the step up manually and found that the head of the motor did indeed disassemble itself. In the process it cut the red power lead real close to the casing. SO does anyone have the info for a replacement? Is it the LT100 series that replaces the LM100 series?

[bigskymt]

I had the same exact problem with the 3 screws pulling out of the housing. We were in a campground and limited to 'whats on hand'. I retapped the threads to 4mm and installed longer screws. One year later its still holding.
Dutchstar 38, does your motor have a stress relief where the wires enter the housing? You may be able to remove it and gain enough slack to solder on a new wire.