Community Forums

jdanyi · 06-01-2023, 12:45 PM

Between stops, I disconnect the 4 pin connector on the steps, because I just don't want the possibility they pop out at the wrong time, and don't retract.

When I get situated, I plug them back in.

I was thinking about grabbing the power wire before the harness and putting an on/off switch inline. That way I can just reach underneath and flip the switch.

I'm posting this to get either confirmation this is a good idea or not.
Or, if there are other considerations I'm not thinking of.

MrMark52 · 06-01-2023, 05:49 PM

Kwikee step controllers allow for an ignition control wire that tells the steps to retract when the ignition switch is turned on - something g that is automatic when you go to move the coach.
What your describing is a manual procedure that can easily be forgotten (like remembering to put the roof antenna down before driving off).

Vintage Iron · 06-01-2023, 06:23 PM

Just to be clear.... you are worried the steps might deploy while under way and you unplug them to prevent that. It's a valid concern as , in my case, the steps require a constant connection from ground to the signal line. If that connection is lost for any reason.. broken wire, corroded connection or just interruption by the sensing switch... the steps will deploy if under power. I would not put the switch underneath where it is vulnerable to weather and road debris. I mounted a power switch with an indicator LED inside near the stairwell. I don't see what type of RV you have so hard to tell what your options are.

MrMark52 · 06-01-2023, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Vintage Iron

Just to be clear.... you are worried the steps might deploy while under way and you unplug them to prevent that. It's a valid concern as , in my case, the steps require a constant connection from ground to the signal line. If that connection is lost for any reason.. broken wire, corroded connection or just interruption by the sensing switch... the steps will deploy if under power. I would not put the switch underneath where it is vulnerable to weather and road debris. I mounted a power switch with an indicator LED inside near the stairwell. I don't see what type of RV you have so hard to tell what your options are.

Why would the steps deploy while under power if the ignition signal was lost - unless there was a habit of opening the door while driving down the highway?

Skip426 · 06-01-2023, 10:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by MrMark52

Why would the steps deploy while under power if the ignition signal was lost - unless there was a habit of opening the door while driving down the highway?

Issues with the magnetic door closed switch . Even a bad bump can misalign the magnet enough to trigger step deployment.

The system monitors the ignition on ; BUT; not coach movement , so priority to door opening so you can exit the coach ; when stopped with engine running.

MrMark52 · 06-02-2023, 02:59 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Skip426

Issues with the magnetic door closed switch . Even a bad bump can misalign the magnet enough to trigger step deployment.

The system monitors the ignition on ; BUT; not coach movement , so priority to door opening so you can exit the coach ; when stopped with engine running.

Wow! Didn’t realize this was such a prevalent problem. I’ve been on this and other sites for over 3 years and have observed other coaches as we camp at various MoHo parks and sites - and have yet to see this issue come up as a problem or seen people replacing their destroyed steps due to unintended deployment.

Learn something new every day I guess!

jdanyi · 06-02-2023, 04:45 AM

I've had it happen twice on me-
The steps extended - but because of a motor issue and a battery issue, it wouldn't retract.
So unplugging them took an anxiety off the table for me.

thegats1 · 06-02-2023, 06:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanyi

I've had it happen twice on me-
The steps extended - but because of a motor issue and a battery issue, it wouldn't retract.
So unplugging them took an anxiety off the table for me.

Man that would stink. Makes sense after reading Skip426 comment. Will be curious to see what your solution is. What is the year/make/model of your coach?

Tha_Rooster · 06-02-2023, 10:00 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdanyi

Between stops, I disconnect the 4 pin connector on the steps, because I just don't want the possibility they pop out at the wrong time, and don't retract.

When I get situated, I plug them back in.

I was thinking about grabbing the power wire before the harness and putting an on/off switch inline. That way I can just reach underneath and flip the switch.

I'm posting this to get either confirmation this is a good idea or not.

Or, if there are other considerations I'm not thinking of.

I say your putting to much thought into it.
What if your awning comes out, my door awning did came out like a bay wing on the freeway.

jdanyi · 06-02-2023, 12:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thegats1

Man that would stink. Makes sense after reading Skip426 comment. Will be curious to see what your solution is. What is the year/make/model of your coach?

2020 Fleetwood Bounder

I decided I'm going to do it. I bought a switch and wire.
I'm going to run it into the power cabinet in the first bay.

Last trip, I just hit the battery disconnect - but I lost all of the other computer control features - so that won't do. This will be much, much simpler.

Worst case, I remove the splice and put it back the old way.
I'll share back when it's complete.

jdanyi · 06-02-2023, 12:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tha_Rooster

I say your putting to much thought into it.
What if your awning comes out, my door awning did came out like a bay wing on the freeway.

With the door activating the steps, it poses much more of a risk than the awning.

I considered doing something funky with the wires leading to the magnetic switch - but I'm fairly certain that switching the magnet off would activate the steps.

MrMark52 · 06-02-2023, 01:07 PM

And when you forget to flip the switch only to drive off into the sunrise with your steps out . . . . .

There is a reason Kwikee built the ability to trigger the steps to go in into their controller.

If the alignment of the magnet to its proximity switch on the door frame needs to be tweaked, spend 30 minutes testing, and get them properly aligned, or figure out the cause of the erratic step operation.
The needed info is easily found on the Lippert (who bought Kwikee) website.

tap4154 · 06-02-2023, 01:23 PM

How about just cinching a tiedown around them when retracted? Then they could try to deploy, but would stop quickly for the same reason they stop when extended.

Ray,IN · 06-02-2023, 08:37 PM

Try this; my steps respond using this method.
With the door closed flip the switch so the steps follow the door instead of staying extended like normal when parked.
This way when I open the door the steps remain retracted.
Perhaps my Kwikee step is unique(messed up) because others say theirs does not operate this way.

If you prefer to add a switch, I cannot see any downside, unless you forget and step out the door onto nothing.