SCS/Frigette Steps

[Floridakamper]

Yesterday when I parked my steps malfunctioned. They go out just fine but when they retract it sounds like the motor does not turn off and the drive gear is ratcheting. I'm able to turn the step switch off and parked with steps extended I'm OK. Has anyone experienced this failure and what was the cause. I went under the MH and watched it cycle and malfunction but the cause is not obvious. Thanks Bob

[Floridakamper]

Yesterday when I parked my steps malfunctioned. They go out just fine but when they retract it sounds like the motor does not turn off and the drive gear is ratcheting. I'm able to turn the step switch off and parked with steps extended I'm OK. Has anyone experienced this failure and what was the cause. I went under the MH and watched it cycle and malfunction but the cause is not obvious. Thanks Bob

[RV Wizard]

Bob, it sounds like it is probably in the gear box. Normally the mechanism will stall out and the controller can cycle off on amperage. With the gearbox slipping the controller cannot sense the high lockup amperage and turn off.

[Floridakamper]

Thanks Mike. We leave for home tomorrow for a three day stop and then on the road again. I'm going to wait until I'm home to take a closer look. I found that if I give it a kick just before it is completely stowed that the motor turns off. That will get me home.

[Floridakamper]

discovered that the company that made my steps (SCS/Frigett) sold that division in 2007 to LCI (Lippert Components, Inc.) in Elkhart, Indiana. I called their Customer Service and was pleasantly surprised at the great service I received. The rep (Gary) had me do some trouble shooting and determined that that pie shaped gear is bad. The good news is that I'm still in warranty and they are shipping the gear today. In spite of tough times, some companies realize that customer service is more important now than ever before.

[observer]

I had the same faiure on my 2007 HR Endeavor. If you remove the motor you can get access to the drive gear. The failure occurs because the steel gear is pressed into an aluminum collar. Eventually the gear starts to slip in the collar. After I ordered a new motor ($80) I repaired the old motor by set screwing the gear to the collar and carry the motor as a spare. The motor assembly is a power window drive motor.

[RV Wizard]

observer, welcome to iRV2.com. We are glad to have you join us. Thanks for the info on the steps. We look forward to reading of your adventures and experiences. Good luck and stay safe.

[Floridakamper]

Thank you observer.