Step Retraction with Battery Disconnect Switch Off

[buckeyeduffer]

When we go to storage and turn off the battery disconnect in our Tuscany, the steps are left extended. I have tried every thing I know including turning off the disconnect, then opening the door but the steps still extend (probably a safety feature). We would like to have them retracted during storage periods as there is very little space between rigs in our storage facility and it presents an unnecessary tripping hazard for us and others.

Any tips, solutions, or recommendations would be appreciated.

[NLOVNIT]

You should have 2 disconnect switches. 1 for the coach batteries (probably labeled "main") & 1 for the engine. Try this: with the door closed, put the key in the ignition & turn it to the ON position (not start, just on). This should retract the steps. Then hit the engine disconnect switch. The steps should stay retracted even if you open the door. Don't forget to go back & turn the ignition back to off & remove your key.

Let us know if this works.

Lori-

[buckeyeduffer]

Thanks for the quick response. Will give it a try. Will be a few days as we are in the shop now for some warranty work.

Thanks again

[DBOL]

Have you tried the switch just inside door Left serveral one will let you have steps stay out or go in when door is clored or is that what is not working?

[powerboatr]

on mine i placed a switch at the magnetic switch to interrupt the DOOR open signal
this way you can open the door , flick the switch and the step will retract and stay retracted no matter what position the step switch is in
then you can open the door and switch off the batteries
i assume your switch panel is right inside the door way on the passenger side

i use this to kill the steps when we are home so i can slide my wooden step porch up to to the coach

[DBOL]

powerboatr was wondering where you been,you've been queit lately,is this ac thing a on going problem for all Damons?

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by DBOL powerboatr was wondering where you been,you've been queit lately,is this ac thing a on going problem for all Damons?

still alive, barely, been real sick
then

a/c problem i think was luck of the draw

the step switch i used is a simple switch to interrupt the magnetic switch that is attached to the floor by the door, the mag pick up is a ground completion circuit, kill the ground and the step no move.

[buckeyeduffer]

Thanks PB:

Great idea and may give it a try. Procedurally (from inside the coach), I assume you open the ground switch prior to opening the door, and the steps stay retracted?

[powerboatr]

Quote:

Originally Posted by buckeyeduffer Thanks PB: Great idea and may give it a try. Procedurally (from inside the coach), I assume you open the ground switch prior to opening the door, and the steps stay retracted?

correct
the little magnetic switch on the lower inside of the screen door has two wires coming off it. just interrupt one side of it with a switch in series.

the mag switch is a ground connection and when the door is opened it completes the ground and the steps go out.
so you are just adding one more interrupt in the line


funny story at our last dealer visit
the mechanic was running the engine, letting the a/c purge.
he closed the screen door and the step went in, i didn't know he was on the ground under the step on a creeper, I opened the door and he got a scoot out from under the rig, good thing he was on wheels

[buckeyeduffer]

Thanks PB:

I'm going to give the switch a shot.

Good story -- lucky the mechanic didn't get scalped.

[SteveOGilroy]

I have a 2008 Astoria. How did the switch work on keeping the step retracted? I've used a magnet to fool the switch by the screen door but if a switch works that would be better. What does the install look like?

Steve

[Blue Ribbon]

I use a small pocket "extend" (mechanics) magnet. Hold it against the door switch (on the door jam) and the steps go up, then turn off the batteries. That way, the door can be open, when the batteries are turned off.

I know we own a brand "X" MoHo, but our batteries are under the steps, and in the winter time, I completely disconnect (via a knife switch) the batteries for longer periods of storage time.

Hope this helps you.

[buckeyeduffer]

Bill:

Thanks a lot. I sure am going to try the magnet. I like Powerboaters switch idea too but am not much for modifications unless I absolutly have to. Sorta old school in that regard. Keep it cherry.