LCI step motor

[Ricci]

Hi - The gearing on the motor for my entry steps died today. That was a quick 19 months! The motor works fine but the gearing between the motor and shaft slips. Also the large gearing and arm attached to the steps is fine.

It is an AM Equipment product labeled AMP110-1022 with a LCI part number of 366043 (which I believe is for the entire unit, not just the motor). Has anyone found another motor that will fit and function properly? From Lippert it's about $280. On previous steps the motors were electric window motors and ran about $45, much more reasonable.

Lippert strikes again!


Thanks,
Tom

[clawsonbob]

I replaced my step motor a couple months ago, on our 2015 Dutch Star Code. It has Kwikee Steps , which I believe were acquired by Lippert. I was near North Trail RV in Fort Myers when mine failed, and I believe the replacement motor they sold me was just over $100 and was made, or at least marked Lippert. I’ve heard of others finding working motors on Amazon for 75 to 95 bucks.

[Dutch Star Don]

This is the one that was correct for my 2019 DS. I bought it in 2019 as a spare for my coach, since there had been several failures. See if it looks the same as yours. It should be the correct one.

https://www.amazon.com/Lippert-Compo...525995&sr=8-10

[Ricci]

Hi - Thanks Don. That's it and I ordered it this morning from Amazon. Current price is $81.43. If you need one in the future it is also available from Etrailer for $91.79. The current Lippert # is 214-1001.
Thanks again. Some better than having to buy the complete unit from Lippert for nearly $300. Have I mentioned lately that I think Lippert makes junk? ;>)


Tom

[clawsonbob]

So my 2015 original motor part no was 110-1422. It is pictured below dis-assembled) The replacement no ( as cross referenced) for motor only was 110-1428 or 379147 (which is what Don bought on amazon and looks/appears correct). And the newest Lipper part no kit ( inc three bolts) which my dealer (North Trail) sold me was also noted as 214-1001...box pictured below. So they are all pretty much the same motor it appears, from 2015 thru 2021 ???

Note, so all three part numbers include the motor and gear housing assembly shown below. I have motor housing removed in the pic below because i wanted to see if I can find replacement plastic gears. It seems in the majority of these step failures, its the plastic gears that fail, not the motor itself. If I can locate a source for these .50 cent gears, I will gladly make them available to all Newmar owners . Based on the dozens of annual failures, well, I could make several dollors, perhaps as much as $5.

Ricci---the fact that my motor lasted 6-7 years appears to be some kinda miracle. and FWIW, I have heard from a tech that keeping the step "cam nuts" properly adjusted is important. Over "stiffening" the cam nut locks can apparently cause motor to wear more/fail earlier. If they came over tightened, that may have contributed to your earlier failure. Just a guess on my part. Glad you got it fixed...I was about to hit the road home from Florida when mine failed, so I was glad to pay North Trail RV in Ft Myers a very slight premium ( $100 bucks or so) and get it in my hand immediately.

And finally, I agree with you about Lippert..this gear set is crap. But they are buying up companies left and right ( kwikee, Hehr, Curt etc).

[Ricci]

Hi Bob - That motor seems to be their mainstay. In our case the motor is fine but the gearing let loose. I haven't opened it up yet to see what broke but will once the new one shows up next week. We had a Phaeton with the same style steps back along and it was pretty much the same situation. Back then I was able to find a Ford electric window motor (all I remember was it was the back door window but don't remember the year or model) but have since lost the model number of the motor.

You'd think that Newmar could find a better source for these steps.

Thanks for the help.


Tom

[clawsonbob]

Originally Posted by Ricci

Hi Bob - That motor seems to be their mainstay. In our case the motor is fine but the gearing let loose. I haven't opened it up yet to see what broke but will once the new one shows up next week. We had a Phaeton with the same style steps back along and it was pretty much the same situation. Back then I was able to find a Ford electric window motor (all I remember was it was the back door window but don't remember the year or model) but have since lost the model number of the motor.

You'd think that Newmar could find a better source for these steps.

Thanks for the help.


Tom

Hi Tom. Your comments about it being a window motor, have me thinking. Was this motor and gear-crankshaft set originally designed to power car windows? Shooting a set of steel stairs in and out repeatedly might be too much for the gear set? And I agree with you......It seems it’s always the gearing. While I’ve see the parts referenced under just the motor number, the gear housing actually serves as the end of the motor casing. Likely you can’t even buy the motor without the gear housing, yet I’ve seen it referenced under both the motor number or the whole component number. Kind of confusing, and as you said, it’s usually the gearing that fails. I was really just trying to point out that people might locate it under either part number. I also noticed some reviews going back to even 10 years before our coach date, so you’re right. This motor is been used for quite some time. Thanks & glad you got yours fixed

[Dutch Star Don]

Just so you know, the biggest cause of failure is when someone steps on the step, before it has cycled through and locked in place. Before it locks in place, all the pressure is on the gears, if you step on it too early. Sometimes people getting a hurry and make that first step, just as it's finishing it's cycle. This is something you might want to let family members know, who may "rush" the step.

[dav-cle]

[QUOTE=Ricci;5774047]Hi - Thanks Don. That's it and I ordered it this morning from Amazon. Current price is $81.43. If you need one in the future it is also available from Etrailer for $91.79. The current Lippert # is 214-1001.
Thanks again. Some better than having to buy the complete unit from Lippert for nearly $300. Have I mentioned lately that I think Lippert makes junk? ;>)

Bought mine from rockauto.com for $41.00 mine may be a little different. it's for a Ford Taurus window motor # A83694

[Ricci]

Hi - Yes it's the rear window motor for a Ford four door something. You are likely right that a Taurus is one of the models Ford used it in. I used to have the information but have lost it. Why someone, several years ago decided that it was sufficient for steps eludes me. Gee, do you think price won out over quality?

I'll see what failed next week when the new one arrives. Previous ones failed where the plastic ratchet balls reside. BTW - we do not step on the stairs until they are completely extended. I'm aware that is a death sentence for these things but thanks for the reminder.



Tom

[Dutch Star Don]

Maybe at some point, these gears and other parts, will be enough to justify a 3D printer and start making parts for all this plastic stuff that breaks.

[Ricci]

Hi - Just wanted to give some closure. The parts were delivered and today I replaced the motor. It's about a 6 minute job and they work great (for now, after all it is Lippert). The real time was taken in finding out what failed on the old motor. Water intrusion! There are only about two metal parts inside the unit not counting the motor itself. And they were rusted. The o-ring installed by the manufacturer must have been there only for the photo shoot. End result was that the square shaft that goes into the 80 cent piece of metal was no longer square thanks to rust eating it away. Everything else was fine so I have some spare parts if something different goes on this installation. Thanks again to all for the help in finding the source for this motor.


Tom

[resullivan]

Text Tim Emerson at (229) 854-2117, he can source you to the plastic gear that typically fails in these motors.