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Old 01-16-2018, 09:50 AM   #1
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1998 National RV Dolphin Electric Step

Good morning,
Our step suddenly stopped working last night and so far unable to determine the reason and correct the problem. Any ideas or suggestions folks?

Thanks,
Eric
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Old 01-16-2018, 11:18 AM   #2
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Some answers will be coming soon. Do a search on this forum.....and if you decide to go underneath and fool around.....be really, really careful.
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Old 01-16-2018, 11:31 AM   #3
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National didn't make your step, look and find the actual manufacturer, very likely Kwikee (Lippert) There are many resources, including manuals and troubleshooting guides available online.

Underneath the front of your RV, the steps most likely are powered by a 4 conductor plug. You could try pulling that connector out and test for 12v power there. BE CAREFUL the steps could move at any time and pinch or hurt you! Check for a bad fuse, and also the magnetic door switch, etc. Lube is also a good idea, the step mechanism most likely has more than 20 joints that need lube. (use White grease rather than WD-40) The motor and gears are out of an electric window mechanism from an auto, likely if it's bad you can get a replacement by taking the bad unit to an auto parts store and they can match it up for ˘ on a dollar.

When you figure out who made your steps, search the forum using the search box with the Google logo to find other threads of step repair.

Good luck with it!
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Old 01-16-2018, 11:25 PM   #4
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Most likely need to be lubed, lack of lube is the main cause of the steps not working. I use Slick 50 spray lube from ACE hardware my local store stocks it. You can use any spray lube that last, standard WD-40 doesn't last.

Slick 50 12 Oz One Lube ( - Automotive Grease & Lubrication - Ace Hardware
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Old 01-17-2018, 06:14 AM   #5
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Steps

Safety first...check power supply, clean ground, connections at plug and sensor.
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Old 01-19-2018, 06:44 AM   #6
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Did someone turn it off? Does it extend/retract when the engine is running?
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Old 02-02-2018, 10:50 PM   #7
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You might want to take a look under the step when it is extended but be very careful and check to see if all the wires are connected.
If you see one that was knocked off before you connect it be sure the switch is turned off.
There was a time when I was driving our M.H. and we wanted to stop some place to get something to eat.
We went down a back side street to park out of the way of the traffic but I never thought about the height of the curb and when I open the door "Bang" the step did not go over the curb instead it hit the curb and broke the levers under the step.
I had it fixed but I aleays check the curb hight before I FLIP THE STEP SWITCH.
Just a thought.
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Old 02-05-2018, 12:00 AM   #8
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Hi again,r
I still have all of the paper work on just about everything in and about my M.H.
I have it all and that is a lot over the last 21 years.
I was going through my paper work and came across the paper on the entrance step.
Its made by Kwikee Phone # (541)-942-3888.
Or you can go on line at www.kwikee.com I am sure that they can help you.
If they cant help you let me know and I will see what I can do. Walter5555
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Old 02-06-2018, 06:22 AM   #9
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check power, check door switch, check switch by door, then turn key and see if it retracts with the door open, are your batteries charged on the chasis? it works off chassis power on my 98 tradewinds and not from the house batteries.


good luck and keep us posted. they are very simple to work on but can be dangerous if you get pinched in there so be careful
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Old 02-06-2018, 05:28 PM   #10
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Electric Step Solution

Turns out the it was an electrical problem fellow RV owners, I corrected and it worked again. Thanks to all for valuable input, I'm going to save them all for the future

Eric
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Old 02-06-2018, 10:49 PM   #11
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Biggie....would you elucidate a bit about what was the problem...and how did you fix ?
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Old 02-07-2018, 10:44 PM   #12
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Electric Step Solution

We used a voltmeter checking all of the fuses and they were fine. We found that 2 electrical wires connecting the outdoor step to the battery were joined by a plastic connector that had pulled free. We replaced the connector, tightened it and it worked. Problem solved
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Old 02-08-2018, 08:16 AM   #13
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10-4 and thanks.....
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Old 02-22-2018, 04:25 PM   #14
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I have a 2006 National rv 8321 Seabreeze. Motor has gone out. Can't find model numbers on any parts. Anyone with the same MH have that info?
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