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Mitchone · 09-24-2014, 10:29 PM

So far my trip has been eventful. I like to think that I'm running out of things to break. My latest 'break' is the step cover. I usually close it before going to bed. When I push the button I hear the motor but step doesn't raise. I have searched the forums and most I've seen is the motor failing. Since i hear the motor I assume it hasn't failed.

Any assistance in this would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Mitch

2005 Newmar Dutchstar 4010

gmarsha2 · 09-25-2014, 06:54 AM

I had a similar situation and yes the motor will run but the gear mechanism has sprung apart and the gears are not engaging. The original unit was rated at 100 ft/lbs and I replaced it with the same make but 150 ft lbs of lift. Supposedly it was slower but we did not notice any difference. I had to pry my step up in order to release the pin off of the shaft of the motor. Once that is released you can lift the step up manually and remove the motor apparatus. I ran my old unit for awhile by using a hose clamp to draw the gears on the jack back together. Eventually I had to replace the actuator unit. Hope this helps and good luck.

HHIDan · 09-25-2014, 10:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gmarsha2

I had a similar situation and yes the motor will run but the gear mechanism has sprung apart and the gears are not engaging. The original unit was rated at 100 ft/lbs and I replaced it with the same make but 150 ft lbs of lift. Supposedly it was slower but we did not notice any difference. I had to pry my step up in order to release the pin off of the shaft of the motor. Once that is released you can lift the step up manually and remove the motor apparatus. I ran my old unit for awhile by using a hose clamp to draw the gears on the jack back together. Eventually I had to replace the actuator unit. Hope this helps and good luck.

How did you pry and how much force?? I have the same problem and I have tried prying a little but it did not feel like nothing was going to move...

hawgguy · 09-25-2014, 11:02 AM

It took a fair amount of force I'n my case to wedge the treadle open enough to slip a 3/8 in wrench in the opening and remove the clevis rod and disengage the failed linear actuator. Not a terrific design and not the highest quality components. Mine failed twice in 3 years.

A cheaper & better replacement is :

Heavy Duty 6" Linear Actuator Stroke 200 Pound Max Lift 12 Volt DC: Amazon.com: Industrial & Scientific

"007" · 09-25-2014, 06:58 PM

Here is information from QT's # 3 in step information section.
You will find other info in same section on steps in QT's # 3 and also in QT's 1 & 2.

HHIDan · 09-26-2014, 04:47 AM

Thanks again 007, already have the motor out. A steel plate is screwed to the middle step's plywood with 6 rather small screws. The screws popped out when I pulled... I will drill more holes and use larger screws. Shopping for motor now.

mercerc44 · 09-26-2014, 07:30 PM

Not sure if my previous post was sent. I would suggest not raising the cover at night. If in case of a fire, you would hate to have the cover malfunction. My cover motor has been replaced, so we leave it down, especially at night.

Mitchone · 09-26-2014, 07:45 PM

Hate to say, I never considered my only door exit being used for an emergency. The only reason I raised the step is that we, the DW, has cats. The noise they make at night digging in their cat litter is annoying to say the least. For now, the fact that the step won't raise will have to be an unexpected feature. Other things such as fun and fixing the faucet in the kitchen sink has to take precedence. My vacation ends Wednesday. I'll start crawling under things then.

Thanks so much for the input. I'll update things later.