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Old 02-21-2016, 03:50 AM   #1
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Question Electric steps rattle

The electric retractable steps rattle very badly (loud, metal banging noise) when I drive my 2014 Itasca Solei 38R (same as Winnebago Forza 38R) Class A Motorhome. All the step's connection screws / rivets seem solid and the steps fully extend and fully retract as designed. I'm positive the steps are retracted in (I.e., NOT sticking out) while driving. Making us crazy - especially on CA cement freeways that are made of 10 foot sections of concrete (aka: freeway-hop). Any help on how to make the rattle go away or quiet them down would be much appreciated. (Note: My RV steps consist of two steps that scissor out / staggered when in the out position - like most RV steps). Sounds like the top and bottom steps are banging together in an up and down manner while driving. Thanks!
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Old 02-21-2016, 04:21 AM   #2
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Big-Dave View Post
The electric retractable steps rattle very badly (loud, metal banging noise) when I drive my 2014 Itasca Solei 38R (same as Winnebago Forza 38R) Class A Motorhome. All the step's connection screws / rivets seem solid and the steps fully extend and fully retract as designed. I'm positive the steps are retracted in (I.e., NOT sticking out) while driving. Making us crazy - especially on CA cement freeways that are made of 10 foot sections of concrete (aka: freeway-hop). Any help on how to make the rattle go away or quiet them down would be much appreciated. (Note: My RV steps consist of two steps that scissor out / staggered when in the out position - like most RV steps). Sounds like the top and bottom steps are banging together in an up and down manner while driving. Thanks!
My now 20 year old Kwikee step has never rattled.

I can't say why but I always lube it with chain wax: MAXIMA - Chain Wax - Chain Care - Cleaners - Accessories - Cycle Gear

And both step treads have always had Prestofit step rugs on them: Prest-O-Fit Jumbo Wraparound+Plus RV Step Rug
Mel
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Old 02-21-2016, 05:38 AM   #3
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Carpet them? They may still be a bit loose but at least the rattle is reduced. Defeating the purpose of electric steps, but I had to bungee some in a past 5er that rattled so bad they could be heard in my truck.
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Old 02-21-2016, 09:59 AM   #4
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Make "custom" bumpers.

Look at them when closed and see where things are banging.

Open up and locate places where a pad can be placed out of sight but would cushion.

Get some real silicon RTV and clean the spot well.

Make a spot of RTV where the cushion (s) need to be then cover with plastic wrap and close the steps.

Next day open and remove plastic and see.

If it needs just a bit more next step is to just add a 1/4 inch bead in the new pad and leave open to cure.
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:36 AM   #5
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Thumbs up Thanks for the advice on rattling steps solution!

Thanks everyone for the great suggestions for my rattling steps. They came with non-skid strips, but I might try the carpeting-them or the silicone-dots/pads ideas.
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:39 AM   #6
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Carpet them? They may still be a bit loose but at least the rattle is reduced. Defeating the purpose of electric steps, but I had to bungee some in a past 5er that rattled so bad they could be heard in my truck.
I had considered bungee cording them when I drove from Vegas to L.A. because the rattle was SO bad that I couldn't carry on a conversation, but that would have been problematic getting in and out without steps. Frustrating six hour drive.
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:41 AM   #7
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Make "custom" bumpers.

Look at them when closed and see where things are banging.

Open up and locate places where a pad can be placed out of sight but would cushion.

Get some real silicon RTV and clean the spot well.

Make a spot of RTV where the cushion (s) need to be then cover with plastic wrap and close the steps.

Next day open and remove plastic and see.

If it needs just a bit more next step is to just add a 1/4 inch bead in the new pad and leave open to cure.
I like the "make a spot of RTV" silicone bumpers / dots idea. Easier than trying to glue store bought furniture bumpers onto the steps. Thanks!
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Old 02-22-2016, 02:43 AM   #8
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My now 20 year old Kwikee step has never rattled.

I can't say why but I always lube it with chain wax: MAXIMA - Chain Wax - Chain Care - Cleaners - Accessories - Cycle Gear

And both step treads have always had Prestofit step rugs on them: Prest-O-Fit Jumbo Wraparound+Plus RV Step Rug
Mel
'96 Safari, 146k miles
Are the step rugs slippery?
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Old 02-22-2016, 05:50 AM   #9
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Mine started rattling and after I lubed them they stopped.

A little tefon go's a long way.
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Old 02-22-2016, 05:54 AM   #10
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How about when you are parked, put the stairs in the stowed position and wiggly them around and see where they hit or where they are loose!
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Old 02-23-2016, 01:26 PM   #11
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How about when you are parked, put the stairs in the stowed position and wiggly them around and see where they hit or where they are loose!
Good idea. I did notice about a quarter inch space between the two steps (when closed) and thought perhaps the bottom one was banging against the top one. I will have to wiggle them when they're in the stowed position. Thank you.
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Old 03-21-2016, 10:26 PM   #12
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quiet the steps

Try spraying a good quality undercoat on the under side ,that will quiet them down ,for sure.
Depending on your location and how you use your rv , you can apply
STUFF insulating foam ,then apply the undercoat.


Good luck ,

john
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Old 03-23-2016, 12:44 PM   #13
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Great idea! Thanks!
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Old 03-24-2016, 07:45 AM   #14
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If I'm not mistaken, there are some rubber bump pads in a couple locations on these steps from the factory, not necessarily on the steps themselves. You might want to check those out.
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