Community Forums

dwarner109 · 12-28-2015, 12:57 PM

Recently purchased our Ventana DP. Maiden trip resulted in a cracked windshield, but we really enjoyed the unit. Now while preparing for short trip to St. Augustine, FL., the door step has taken to chattering at the end of the retraction cycle. I have applied silicone lube but no relief. Has anyone encountered this issue in the past?

siggyd · 12-28-2015, 01:04 PM

Must be a common problem , mine is doing the same chatter at times.
I did do the lube all...let see what the experts can tell us.
Siggy

dennis45 · 12-28-2015, 01:10 PM

Lubrication of All of the joints on these steps is critical to smooth operation. Silicone Lube has its place to lubricate things like slide out seals etc but falls short on metal joints such as your step mechanism.
The best I have found for this task and all your locks, Hinges etc is the T9 product. Amazon is one source but there are others,,Camping World also comes to mind.

http://www.amazon.com/Boeshield-T-9-...s=t9+lubricant

dwarner109 · 12-28-2015, 01:20 PM

T9 sounds good for future. I hope that lube is the cure but anxious for more input.
Thanks to all for feedback.

GaryKD · 12-28-2015, 01:22 PM

Hi dwarner109,
If the chattering is during retraction, dennis45's post is accurate. If the chattering is the steps continuing to try to retract after full retraction is completed, there is a micro switch under the steps on/very near the cam powered by the step motor. The switch may need adjustment/cleaning.

dwarner109 · 12-28-2015, 01:30 PM

Description sounds possible. I'll get T9 and I'll crawl under tomorrow AM. Really appreciciate feedback.

GaryKD · 12-28-2015, 01:34 PM

Hi dwarner109,
Be real careful if you go under the steps to access the lube points and switch(es). If the steps deploy onto you, they can cause considerable damage to a human. Consider reaching the steps by going under the coach from the front of the coach.

dwarner109 · 12-29-2015, 01:32 PM

Final Answer!
Obtained Kwik Lube, applied to joints, still chattered, stepped in coach for flashlight, stepped out and steps collapsed. Bolt attached to extending/retracting
arm broke. Obviously an adjustment or mechanical issue. Scheduled for service at Dealer. Thanks for all your help and guidance!

dennis45 · 12-29-2015, 02:54 PM

Ouch, that is scary. Hope you were not injured.

dwarner109 · 01-12-2016, 11:54 AM

Story did not end. Was told by dealer that part was out of production and needed to replace complete stap Assembly. Steps not available until end of January. I pursued and found that the broken part was available in a limited supply. Called dealer and part is to be ordered. The difference was having to pay for replacing steps ($900?) because warranty would only pay for part replacement ($50 plus?). it can now be covered under warranty and will be available earlier. I think step manufacturer should step up and replace known defective parts/assemblies. Moral: If you don't like the proposed fix/cost, pursue on your own and ask the right questions.

dennis45 · 01-12-2016, 12:48 PM

Hope it all comes together for you. These things can be frustrating.

I recently decided to replace my hot water heater. So, I ordered the new one from Amazon with free shipping. Package shipped from Amazon on schedule Dec 30 and the did the ping pong thing between Portland and Spokane since then. Calls to UPS only served to get my blood pressure up.
Finally called Amazon today and within seconds, a new heater was scheduled for one day delivery. Hopefully this one makes it on time.
But, I gotta say I am impressed with the response by Amazon.

dwarner109 · 01-12-2016, 01:57 PM

Failed again. The person claiming part was available was in error. So I am back to waiting for a replacement step at approximately $900. Is there some kind of relationship between manufacturers, dealers, parts distributors to make sure an owner pays the highest possible price to maintain an RV? So much for great service. So much for knowledgeable people in the purchasing, parts, and service arena.