Auto step questions

[norcal01]

Is there a simple way to stop the steps from extending when needed?
I have been forced to park next a curb several times, it bugs me when the steps crash into the concrete.
Can I tape a cow magnet to a stick and set it next to the switch to hold them in?
Going into town tomorrow, so I will pick up a magnet to test it.

[Unplanned Tourist]

Your steps stop when a resistance is applied to the motor, so if they hit a curb or some other solid item, they will stop. If you had a clamp or something on them they won't open. That's why when they stop working, the first thing to do is lube all the pivot points.
Good luck.

[Hufficon]

Originally Posted by norcal01

Is there a simple way to stop the steps from extending when needed?
I have been forced to park next a curb several times, it bugs me when the steps crash into the concrete.
Can I tape a cow magnet to a stick and set it next to the switch to hold them in?
Going into town tomorrow, so I will pick up a magnet to test it.

Mine has a switch. I don't think it will keep it from extending the first time the door is opened after the ignition has been on. No matter what position the switch is in it will retract when the engine is started. You could install a switch to cut all power from the step to keep it in the closed (or open) position but you would need to wire in a warning light so if you cut the power with an extended step you would not drive off.

[gruelens]

I park my MH very close beside a raised porch for 1/2 the year and wish to keep my steps from deploying. I simply took the wires feeding the door magnet switch and put a switch in that circuit. One switch position, the steps act normally, the other switch position, they do not deploy.

The magnet backing off of a nametag can be used for emergency purposes by mounting it against the magnet switch.

[hohenwald48]

I had a 2001 Monaco DP once upon a time and don't remember the step manufacturer. However, I was reading the manual one day and found that I could go thru specific steps with the switch and cause the steps to stay retracted all the time.

I think they called it "ferry" mode because you could use it on ferry boats where they pack you in real close. If you couldn't keep the step in you either had to jam the step into whatever vehicle was parked next to you or you had to stay in the RV for the entire ferry crossing. Some of those Washington state and Alaska ferry rides can be pretty long.

[JPeterson]

I installed a switch on my steps. It cuts off the 12 vdc power.

Use caution if you go this route, the steps will remain in whatever position they were in when the switch was turned off. Not only driving off with the steps extended but also stopping and then walking out the door with the steps retracted!

[AITG]

Originally Posted by JPeterson

I installed a switch on my steps. It cuts off the 12 vdc power.

Use caution if you go this route, the steps will remain in whatever position they were in when the switch was turned off. Not only driving off with the steps extended but also stopping and then walking out the door with the steps retracted!

If you want to add a switch consider that you're working on a 25 amp circuit. For that load you should be using a relay. It's easy to set up a relay and switch so that the relay is only energized when you DON'T want the step to extend. In any event, use your switch before you open the door and not after the step is in motion.

Originally Posted by gruelens

I park my MH very close beside a raised porch for 1/2 the year and wish to keep my steps from deploying. I simply took the wires feeding the door magnet switch and put a switch in that circuit. One switch position, the steps act normally, the other switch position, they do not deploy.

The magnet backing off of a nametag can be used for emergency purposes by mounting it against the magnet switch.

[gruelens]

Originally Posted by AITG

If you want to add a switch consider that you're working on a 25 amp circuit. For that load you should be using a relay. It's easy to set up a relay and switch so that the relay is only energized when you DON'T want the step to extend. In any event, use your switch before you open the door and not after the step is in motion.

The switch I added was very small. It is just used to interrupt the wire going to the door magnet switch. It is very small gauge wire, no relay required.

[Mike Bartelt]

Mine has a switch so i can keep it locked open or closed, but it will still retract if I start the engine. I thought all RVs had something similar.

It should be easy to install a switch somewhere.

[JohnBoyToo]

With the engine off, most steps have a switch to control it so it either stays out until engine restart or goes in and out with the door closing and opening...

On ours, I too would have to add an override switch to stop it from going out with the door opening (think of the liability for the mfg's if you fell on your face )

[soonerdave]

Easiest way is with a small magnet taped to the mag switch. I used a piece of rubber strip magnet that can be cut to length and size, got a roll of it at Office Depot, worked just fine.