INTERIOR Steps Problem

[SherynWard]

The INTERIOR steps (they call them step covers) of our 07 Kountry Star have stopped going up and down(retract). They tell us that we need a new motor. Does anyone know how to access the motor without destroying the steps and where we can purchase a new motor?
These are not the exterior steps that go in and out, they are the interior steps which go flat when traveling and convert to steps when parked.

[bluepill]

1. Factory customer service should help.

2. If you can find an online parts catalog listing, it may have enough detail in the diagram to figure it out.

3. Don't just assume it's a bad motor. They are easy to test by connecting directly to 12 volts. Could be a bad switch, circuit breaker, wire connector, etc.

4. If it is the motor, it may have manufacturer's part numbers on it that you can Google to find alternate sources and possible rebuilders. Motors tend to be spendy as new parts.

[ottffss]

Here's everything you probably need....
Searching the irv2 forums first is always a good place to start...

Inside stairwell power lift assembly

and another actuator source is in this post

Inside Step Cover

[bbohn]

Had the same problem on a 04 DS. You'll have to get at the bolt under the steps. (Not easy) Take the bolt out and lift the steps up by hand to flat position. Put block of wood under steps as they want to go down.
Take out motor by removing rear screws. Motors can not be rebuilt. You'll have to get a new one. I contacted the manufacturer and they sold be a new one although on my first call they said they wouldn't do so. Cost was about $220.
There is no clutch on the motor so you can overload it when raising steps or putting them down. To prevent that, I installed two stops so that when the steps were being raised, I could see when they were about to the top.
Also it helps to tell your significant other to keep her hands off the switch. You raise or lower them, not her.

Hope this helps.
Bill

[SherynWard]

My thanks to all who passed along this very valuable information. Since I don't handle hardware, I'll pass the information along to my husband who doesn't do computers or typing.The information was helpful and appreciated!
Now for Bill.....(bbohn)
You evidentally have a different delagation of duties in your motorhome. I ride in the co-pilot seat and have to perform all kinds of duties. Navigate, reset the GPS, get me a snack, get me a pepsi, please stop that rattle and finally upon arriving to our destination, It's my duty to unlock the exterior door, place the screen door handle back in the exterior door latch AND......lower the steps so that the master can exit his throne ! And besides, even though I'm not good with hardware, I don't think that step motor knows the difference between a female finger and a male finger.
(I did enjoy your answer.)

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by SherynWard You evidentally have a different delagation of duties in your motorhome. I ride in the co-pilot seat and have to perform all kinds of duties. Navigate, reset the GPS, get me a snack, get me a pepsi, please stop that rattle and finally upon arriving to our destination, It's my duty to unlock the exterior door, place the screen door handle back in the exterior door latch AND......lower the steps so that the master can exit his throne ! ...

You mean ALL those duties are available with the proper co-pilot choice? WOW! I had no idea! I might have to start accepting applications, via irv2 PM please!
BTW - LOVE the "lowering the steps for the master..." line!
I'm still trying to catch my breath between laughs!

[allynne]

Sheryn,

I like your approach, how can I get it instilled in my wife.
She handles most of those duties as well, but without the deferance you dsplay.

Al Sawyer
'05 MADP

[Perry White]

All mine does is hold the dogs on her lap. PERIOD.

[DutchStar38]

Mine does needle point. I have to plan the routes the day before or else wing it as we go. I also have to make any reservations. When we stop for lunch then she takes care of that unless she wants takeout then it's me off to get lunch. Oh well, at least she keeps me awake with talking.

[DBeauchamp]

This thread should be re-named. I'm following it. It's going to get funny!

[bbohn]

This is the" significant others" response regarding bbohn e-mail.

I feel sorry for all you poor whiny men because as you say, you have it so bad!!!!!!!!!

I will not even bother to list all the things that your wives do for you and never expects a compliment, like someone i know. Have you ever noticed it's always the men in the rv parks that are outside chatting while the wives are busy inside???

No, i don't drive the motorhome or map out the route, but my husband has a gps to use. He is not happy that it is a woman that gives him orders on the gps!!! I have to chuckle--makes my day.

By the way i did not break the step, but i have been told that in the future not to hold down the step button too long.

Life is good, as my husband always says, so cheer up and quit complaining.

[SherynWard]

I'm loving this thread but unfortunately, we've solved the problem (albeit very expensively ! ) My husband removed the motor and found that it was a Duff-Norton motor. He called Duff-Norton who told us they no longer manufacture that part and the engineer says that there is no replacement part documentation. He did offer that if they had the old part it would be under $200 BUT they only sell to dealers. Checked with our dealership technicians who claim that they can get that part for $220 from Duff-Norton (not sure how since Duff-Norton claims to not make them anymore). My husband broke down and ordered the part from Newmar for something over $300 plus shipping and we will be doing the installation. He's out in the shed right now building a wood structure to reinforce the step movement. THANKS AGAIN and to BBOHN's significant other......you have my sympathies and heartfelt support.

[SherynWard]

To BBOHNs S.O.....I, like you, noticed that the men are always standing around talking while the women are inside. When my husband asked me one day why I never stayed outside, I offered to perform an experiment for him and told him what the results would be beforehand. I went outside and joined his group of merry men. Within 30 seconds they started drifting away one by one with some excuse or other. Men our age are not comfortable being around women especially when they have an opinion. Now I give my husband a pat on the back because he truely is not intimidated by women who want to join in the group and from my history of being the only woman in a department of 38 men, I can hold my own with the best of them. Would enjoy meeting you both so look us up if you ever get to North Carolina.l

[ottffss]

OP has now officially confirmed the OP is (or soon will be) fait accompli (albeit rather expensively, sorry about that).

Does this mean this complete and total hijack continues????

Any available sisters??