Kwikee Steps Help Replacement.

[winnie32v]

2001 Winnebago Adventurer, 32V.

My Kwikee steps have been working as an "On / Off Again" basis for a while.
I find that if I take a long handled screwdriver and give the electric motor a couple of hard 'raps' , then the steps work.
So, I suppose its time to replace the unit.

Could anyone direct me as where to purchase the Complete unit.....motor and gears.....so I can just drop out the old and replace with the new.
Just 4 bolts and a couple of wires, pin.

I have had this unit apart several times and have not been able to fix the problem. It keeps coming back and I'm tired of trying to 'fix' it.

I have attaches photos of the unit I have now.

Thanks for the time to advise me.

[RoaminRichards]

Hello,
I just recently had a very similar problem with my Kwikee steps. I had to replace both the motor and gear box. You can purchase both items on Amazon.com. Just make sure to order the same parts as your coach requires. Match up the part numbers on amazon.com by searching. The total cost for mine was about $170 as I recall. You will also need a good quality lithium grease to use during replacement. Remember to grease the traversing rod up underneath your steps where the gear box rod connects. There are some very good videos on you tube on changing out both parts. My steps now work like brand new. Safe travels and enjoy the ride!

[SSTraveler]

Amazon has lots of replacements, https://www.amazon.com/s?k=kwikee+st...nb_sb_ss_i_3_6, it looks like you need to know what number Series steps and what alphabet linkage you have to get the right replacement.

[777 Driver]

Here's a very good YouTube video:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktk5oKHgzdo

And here's a source for parts: https://www.amequipment.com/shop/230...67-mhpm3-y2lm9

It's very likely that the $64.30 motor assembly will fix your problem.

The YouTube video gives very thorough instructions on troubleshooting and repair.

Take care,
Stu

[Ray,IN]

The Kwikee service training manual might be helpful. https://www.rvtechlibrary.com/exteri...svc_manual.pdf
This Vimeo shows proper electrical testing: https://vimeo.com/45602427
As to purchasing a new motorgearbox, check ebay if you have your model number.

[Skip426]

Now that , Kwikee/ Power Gear, have been swallowed up by Lippert ( LCI ) there are any number of places to get cheaper parts for you step system.

I firmly believe that Lippert's take over policy is ; " Buy up the competition, and make the consumer pay for it."

[winnie32v]

The world of Window Lift Motors seems to be very extensive with small variations among the different models.
Design, Fit, Power are some of the variables.

I read many articles on the selection of motors for RV's and can appreciate the effort that some have gone through to get the correct Fit and Function.

Got one for a Ford Tarus (Forum Recommendation) from the local Auto Zone and it fit "on" but did not mate to the gear box properly.

So, I did the sensible thing. Not wanting to continue the 'hit and miss' scenario, I called the Tech Guys at Lippert Kwikee.
I was given 1st Class treatment and was told that for my unit, I needed a Pre-IMGL Motor, PN Lippert 378608.

So, I spent a little time on the internet searching for the best price.
I saw prices from an average of ~$140 - 210.
Finally found the correct part for $70.
Kit included weatherproof wiring harness w/ connector, Cap, and pinion.
No tax, free shipping.

I am waiting for the shipping confirmation.

I have taken the old motor off of the gearbox and carefully removed what seems to be a gasket. I expect that this may be used in the new assembly, but not sure.

Today I will recheck all of the teeth on the gears and re-grease everything.

So, after I receive the new motor and test it out, I will Update this Forum with my results.

If there are any additional responses or advice, please respond.

[Skip426]

I noticed from you photo , that the three mount screws don't match and one of the originals is rusting .

JMHO: While waiting on your motor , pick up some stainless steel replacements for those machine screws.

[winnie32v]

Originally Posted by Skip426

I noticed from you photo , that the three mount screws don't match and one of the originals is rusting .

JMHO: While waiting on your motor , pick up some stainless steel replacements for those machine screws.

Thank You, All bolts are now cleaned. Looking for the stainless now.

[winnie32v]

All that seems well may NOT be well......

It seems that my purchase from the internet is from a fraudulent site.
Somehow my PayPal account was charged MORE than the invoice.
Also, I got a shipping notice with a tracking number that says it the item was delivered on June 16th!!!

So, I went to the Resolution Center on PayPal and opened a claim.

In the meantime......
Thinking a little,
the motor does work when it is tapped.
This tells me that the motor has a contact issue, nothing broken, etc.
Worm gear is OK, etc.
I loosened the 4 screws that hold the motor housing to the rest of the frame and squirted some Contact Cleaner into the gap, all around the housing.
Maybe a little cleaner will ensure that the proper contact is made.
Bench tested A-OK.
So, replaced the unit and seems to be working flawlessly so far.

Will keep you posted on the motor function as well as the fraud Claim I issued.

Regards.

[paul65k]

Does your step move freely with no binding when the arm is disconnected?

I threw a couple of motors at mine and it would work for a while until I realized that the whole step frame was bent and the last little bit of travel was constricted, as it was apparently damaged when hitting a curb or something by the PO. (PS Mine is of this same vintage)

I took it off and to a body shop to see if they could straighten it out and no luck....those things are tough.

I ended up buying an entire new step from Trailer for $~450. Solved 2 problems;

1. The obvious operation issue
2. COmpletely updated the system to the newer type

it was plug and play and mounted with the help of a floor jack and 4 bolts and works like a champ.

PS....when you have it off I highly recommend that you replace the incandescent bulb with an LED replacement

[winnie32v]

Originally Posted by paul65k

Does your step move freely with no binding when the arm is disconnected?

I threw a couple of motors at mine and it would work for a while until I realized that the whole step frame was bent and the last little bit of travel was constricted, as it was apparently damaged when hitting a curb or something by the PO. (PS Mine is of this same vintage)

I took it off and to a body shop to see if they could straighten it out and no luck....those things are tough.

I ended up buying an entire new step from Trailer for $~450. Solved 2 problems;

1. The obvious operation issue
2. COmpletely updated the system to the newer type

it was plug and play and mounted with the help of a floor jack and 4 bolts and works like a champ.

PS....when you have it off I highly recommend that you replace the incandescent bulb with an LED replacement

Thanks,
Never thought about replacing the amber light with a led. I will pull the lens cap the next time I'm under the steps and proceed to get a led bulb.
Also, do you have the information on the motors that you replaced in the past?
Your unit should also use the Pre-IGML motors, like mine. (pre 2006 steps)
My unit is a 2-step, Series 32 Kwikee set up.
I still see a motor replacement in the future.
Thanks.

[Gordiegaffer]

Originally Posted by winnie32v

Thanks,

Never thought about replacing the amber light with a led. I will pull the lens cap the next time I'm under the steps and proceed to get a led bulb.

Also, do you have the information on the motors that you replaced in the past?

Your unit should also use the Pre-IGML motors, like mine. (pre 2006 steps)

My unit is a 2-step, Series 32 Kwikee set up.

I still see a motor replacement in the future.

Thanks.

I replaced mine got on Amazon the hardest part was removing the pin it took me over a hr to remove pin

[winnie32v]

Originally Posted by Gordiegaffer

I replaced mine got on Amazon the hardest part was removing the pin it took me over a hr to remove pin

Was able to get an EXACT replacement from an eBay seller.
Steps work perfect now.

About removing the pin.......
Here's what I discovered.
When the steps are fully up or down, the motor senses a resistance and stops.
At this point, the steps are in a high level of tension and there is a lot of pressure on the gear arm that engages the steps.
So, the pin requires a lot of effort to get out of the arm housing.

To relieve this tension:
1. Unplug the 2-pin electric connector from the motor.
2. Using a 12v electric source (battery) and a set of alligator clips (or suitable wires), activate the motor to move just enough to eliminate the tension on the steps.
3. At this point, the steps are "loose" and the pin can easily be removed.