Bottom electric door step bangs when it opens

[LagunaJim]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

When I use two sided tape and know that it will be under stress and weather, I use Contact Cement on the surfaces of the two sided tape and SS plate. I let it dry and then apply. I'm sure you know that you also need to run a bead of clear silicone on the top edge of the SS, when the step is out, to prevent dirt and water intrusion when in the open position.

Hi. I don't know about the silicone -- can you explain in more detail?

Do you mean along the top edge so when the step is retracted water doesn't run down the side of the coach and into the space between the edge of the plate and the step - soaking the tape?

I'm also interested in the contact-cement idea -- how much would you apply, a bead all along or just a few spots.. and when you say let it dry do you mean dry a little till it's tacky and then mount the piece?

Thanks - sorry if I seem stupid.

[flyboy013]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

When I use two sided tape and know that it will be under stress and weather, I use Contact Cement on the surfaces of the two sided tape and SS plate.

Don, any recommendation on using a primer or adhesion promoter? For Steel or Aluminum 3M recommends 3M Adhesion Promoter 111, 3M Tape Primer 94 or 3M[emoji769] VHB[emoji769] Tape Universal Primer UV.

Does the contact cement act as an adhesion promoter?

[LagunaJim]

Originally Posted by Dutch Star Don

...I use Contact Cement on the surfaces of the two sided tape and SS plate. I let it dry and then apply. ...

[I just educated myself about contact cement, and now understand the 'let it dry' part :( ]

[LagunaJim]

Ok, stainless steel panel applied.

Step still bangs open like a bitch.

Here's a link to a 19 second video. Is this how yours works??

https://youtu.be/dC8PDAVD_vU

[LagunaJim]

Here's a positive update:

It seems the problem was that the lower step was sticking and binding in its retracted position.

There is a plastic/rubber "bumper" the step rests against when it is retracted. Those bumpers were caked with grime and grease, and therefore sticky.

I cleaned the heck out of the tracks, those bumpers, and then lubricated the entire thing probably too liberally -- but now the step lowers gracefully as the steps extend.

A little spring in there to give the step a push as it begins to extend would really help - if my problem comes back I'll be trying to figure out a way to give it a little push at the beginning of its travel.

p.s. irritating that neither Newmar nor Kwikee had advice for me that would have helped me find this solution sooner..