Convert entry 3-step to 2?

[two2go]

My MH has a Kwikee electric three-step entry unit. That lowest step gets hung up far too often on a near curb or patio pad. I would think that having the steps stall half way out is not good for them, plus it can be difficult to get in and out of the coach, as well as having to park with two feet of clearance just so the steps will come out.
When I look at the mechanism, it seems like if I could take the steps apart and rearrange the arms and steps, I could make a two step unit out of it. Has anyone done this? How do you get the pivot bolts off? It looks like they are welded on.
I would not mind stepping a bit higher or using a portable first step to avoid the constant crunch of that bottom step hitting something.

[two2go]

My MH has a Kwikee electric three-step entry unit. That lowest step gets hung up far too often on a near curb or patio pad. I would think that having the steps stall half way out is not good for them, plus it can be difficult to get in and out of the coach, as well as having to park with two feet of clearance just so the steps will come out.
When I look at the mechanism, it seems like if I could take the steps apart and rearrange the arms and steps, I could make a two step unit out of it. Has anyone done this? How do you get the pivot bolts off? It looks like they are welded on.
I would not mind stepping a bit higher or using a portable first step to avoid the constant crunch of that bottom step hitting something.

[Fred and Bonnie]

I laughed when I saw the title of your post, we also have a '05 Dolphin. I am hoping the step will eventually rip itself off and can replace it with a two step.

Sorry, no good ideas, just sympathy.

Fred

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by two2go:
My MH has a Kwikee electric three-step entry unit. That lowest step gets hung up far too often on a near curb or patio pad. I would think that having the steps stall half way out is not good for them, plus it can be difficult to get in and out of the coach, as well as having to park with two feet of clearance just so the steps will come out.
When I look at the mechanism, it seems like if I could take the steps apart and rearrange the arms and steps, I could make a two step unit out of it. Has anyone done this? How do you get the pivot bolts off? It looks like they are welded on.
I would not mind stepping a bit higher or using a portable first step to avoid the constant crunch of that bottom step hitting something. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

On my prevous coach someone drove into my extended steps when the turned around in my driveway and then drove off. I simply cut off the bottom step with a SawsAll and used them minus the bottom step for some time. Just round off and paint the arms after you cut the bottom loose.

[Joeycockerspaniel]

That's what I did. Saws-all. Just cut the blasted thing off!

[speed racer]

I have a two step with a manual third step bolted to the bottom of the bottom step that you can pull out if you need it.

[two2go]

Well, I guess just sawing off the arms to the third step is one way. I was looking for a "neater" solution without having to buy a new unit. Plus, it looks like the bottom step has a stop built in so the steps extend to a preset length. When I look at all the parts, making a two-step unit will work if the thing can be disassembled. Maybe I could apply the saws-all to the rivets? But then I'll have to buy a saws-all.

[NeilV]

<BLOCKQUOTE class="ip-ubbcode-quote"><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-title">quote:</div><div class="ip-ubbcode-quote-content">Originally posted by two2go:
Well, I guess just sawing off the arms to the third step is one way. I was looking for a "neater" solution without having to buy a new unit. Plus, it looks like the bottom step has a stop built in so the steps extend to a preset length. When I look at all the parts, making a two-step unit will work if the thing can be disassembled. Maybe I could apply the saws-all to the rivets? But then I'll have to buy a saws-all. </div></BLOCKQUOTE>

How much better can it get then that - an excuse to buy another tool! You have got to learn to appreciate when life hands you these golden opportunities and gives you a valid excuse to head to the toy, er I mean tool store.

An inexpensive but decent sawsall can be had for less than $20 when there is a sale at Harbor Freight and a pack of bi-metal blades usually can be had for less than $6. This is quite a bit less than the $400 to $600 for a new double step.

The rivets are usually much harder to cut and if you replace them with bolts it does not work out that well as they will usually wear out much more quickly.

I am not familiar with your particular coach and step so only you can really decide what will work best for you.

Hit it with your best shot. Take your time before comming up with your final decision and go with what you are most comfortable with.

The wonderfull thing about asking for advice is even though you asked for it you don't have to follow it.

[Captain Bud]

I would never think of removing a step, I think that that is one of the best features of my MH. Why have the bother of a portable step, or danger of having a larger step off than what your coach comes equipped with...puzzled in NJ