Be cautious with your retrackable steps at the pumps!

[asheville]

At a fuel stop in SC,my steps extended over the cement pump isle curbing, when I filled up the chassie must have dropped slightly which resulted in the steps not retracting when I closed the door. I dont think I need to tell you what happen when I pulled off! With out neccessory tools and time I continued to Daytona, Fla by staying in the right lane with steps extended,everyone and his brother blew their horn at me. When I crossed the Fla state line ,trooper was waiting for me,(trucker had called him),chased me down like I was on the 10 most wanted!I explained the story, he told me to keep it in the right lane and did not want to see me on the road after today. 6 bolts and they are off, 200.00 in parts, should be back on track next wk.

[glarnold]

Hi, Ashville.

Sorry to hear about the problems there.

In any bad situation (and I've had lots), I always like to analyze what I might have done differently to avoid it.

I now see a very good reason to have the step switch in the retract position, that would cause the step to retract when I closed the door, after getting out to fill the tank. When I opened it to get back in, the step would bump the concrete, but that's ok.

I also now see a very good reason to check the mirror after starting the engine, to make sure the steps have retracted, before I start driving.

Then, I asked myself, how would I get the steps in, if I found myself in that position, with the steps hung up on that concrete island? (My DW asked what would happen if I lowered the jacks a bit, thus raising the motorhome a little?)

This is one situation I will pay close attention to when gassing.

Thanks for sharing your experience with us.

[Rock342]

Sorry to hear about the damage to your steps..

Can I assume you don't have a "Steps Out" indicator on your dash to warn you they may not be fully retracted when you start the engine?

Craig
04 Windsor

[Steve N Sal]

Sorry to hear about the steps. My first reaction when I start the coach is to look in the mirror to make sure they are in.

[asheville]

i'm afraid I do have a step out light, just in a hurry to get on the road and did not look Thats the first scratch I've put on a MH in 8 yrs, could have been worse.

[asheville]

Also in my defense as I explained it to my DW, the MH only moved about 4 inches and I was on top of the problem, LOL