Auto step

[MountainMike]

I have two question.
1) it seems that both the chassis and house batteries have to be on in order for the door step to work. I would think just the house batteries should be enough. I know there is a wiring option to have the step retract when the engine is started but that is not happening right now.
2) When you are camped for a few days do you leave the power to the chassis turned on. I don't see a reason to, shutting down the power would turn off the Vansco unit meaning less run time. Does that make sense?

[DrDaveMA]

Mike,

1) the step should be wired to the chassis batteries, not the house batteries. There is a switch by the door that will allow the step to operate each time the door is opened. Reset your Vansco see if that corrects the engine start issue.

2) I never turn off the chassis batteries unless I am putting the coach in storage.

[MountainMike]

Thanks Dave, I think someone has has their fingers into the wiring of the step. it is on my list the further investigate this.

[Jeep401]

When the engine is running or key on the step should be going in and out when you open and close the door. The switch by the door defeats this when the engine or key is off so that the step will stay out while parked.
There is also a switch on the door itself that tell the step to open and close with the engine/key on. I also never turn the master switch off except for extended time being stored.

[Cinequip]

Regarding the idea of turning off chassis power, so Vansco is off, my opinion is they should be left on 24/7, assuming your coach is left plugged in. In my 40 year electronics career, I found that most devices last longer if left on. (not true for motors, heaters, light bulbs - i.e. things that move or create heat.) Computers are best to run 24/7, for example. The strain from frequent startups is worse than 24/7 operation. Because the Vansco units have no fans, and they tend to run relatively cool - it is a prime electronic candidate for 24/7 use. Occasional 'warm reboots' are a good idea, so you have a fresh start from time to time. Obviously, coaches that are stored without being plugged in, cannot follow this advise.

Our coach has been either plugged in or driven for 9 years of ownership, with Vansco and Xantrex charger/inverter running pretty much all the time. We have had no electronic issues, other than changing out the cooling fan on the Xantrex once.

[Wil Rathke]

I agree with CINEQUIP.

[ralph0808]

Yep, I agree with Cinequip, my equipment is only turned off to service batteries and/or for a reset if needed.