Partially Deployed Steps

[TripleEEE]

My MH steps will stop when they touch an obstacle such as a curb. It might only need another 2” to be fully deployed.

Is it harmful to have this happen? Can one still stand on the step while partially deployed?

Or does the MH need to be moved so that the steps can fully extend?

[Sbrownstein]

The control circuit senses high motor current and shuts down when this happens. It is exactly the same as when they normally deploy and it hits the stops.

HOWEVER, when partially deployed the linkage puts significantly more load on the internal motor gears and it can eventually strip them, especially on some of the new steps that have internal nylon gears. I would avoid placing a lot of weight on partially deployed steps when possible. I sort of jump over mine in that situation.

[TripleEEE]

Ahh. Got it.

Thank you very much for the info.

[Arch Hoagland]

My steps hit the curb every time we pack for a trip several times a year for the last 14 years.

We walk up and down them normally and haven't had a problem yet.

[Domo]

Grease the 20 locations on your steps every six months.

Always wait for the steps to fully deploy - otherwise don't step on them since you WILL strip the plastic gear that is in the "transmission" of the motor.

Do not step on them if NOT fully deployed. (Did I say that twice?)

[Sbrownstein]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

My steps hit the curb every time we pack for a trip several times a year for the last 14 years.

We walk up and down them normally and haven't had a problem yet.

Depends on the make and model. Some have all nylon gears...which are not reparable.

[ByeTheWay]

Originally Posted by Domo

Grease the 20 locations on your steps every six months.

Always wait for the steps to fully deploy - otherwise don't step on them since you WILL strip the plastic gear that is in the "transmission" of the motor.

Do not step on them if NOT fully deployed. (Did I say that twice?)

X 2 now that I grease mine regularly the issue went away.

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

Depends on the make and model. Some have all nylon gears...which are not reparable.

Interesting. I've been on three RV forums over 10 years and have never heard you can't step on a partial deployed step.

Could you supply your source of information?

[Sbrownstein]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

Interesting. I've been on three RV forums over 10 years and have never heard you can't step on a partial deployed step.

Could you supply your source of information?

Sure, it is experience...and physics. When full deployed, my steps look like this:

The weight on the steps is transferred by the rod linkage to the pivot pin on the external "fan gear." The motor drives the fan gear. If you notice, the linkage is almost a straight line to the fixed pivot point. This means that the rotational force on the gear is virtually zero and thus the motor sees very little torque.

When partially deployed, the angle decreases and transfers more of the load to the motor and not to the post. The plastic motor gears...are very prone to stripping. Hence, the less they are deployed and the more weight you put on them will raise the probability of gear failure.

[Domo]

Originally Posted by Sbrownstein

Sure, it is experience...and physics. When full deployed, my steps look like this:

The weight on the steps is transferred by the rod linkage to the pivot pin on the external "fan gear." The motor drives the fan gear. If you notice, the linkage is almost a straight line to the fixed pivot point. This means that the rotational force on the gear is virtually zero and thus the motor sees very little torque.

When partially deployed, the angle decreases and transfers more of the load to the motor and not to the post. The plastic motor gears...are very prone to stripping. Hence, the less they are deployed and the more weight you put on them will raise the probability of gear failure.

+1 on the explanation - when deployed the steps rest of supports - at all other times it's the motor and gearing that hold it. The motor and gears are only designed to hold/move the steps, not an extra person.

[Sbrownstein]

Originally Posted by Domo

+1 on the explanation - when deployed the steps rest of supports - at all other times it's the motor and gearing that hold it. ...

Actually they never rest on the supports, the motor pushes them into the limits and binds against the supports which increases the motor torque and the controller stops the motor when it sees that much current. With the linkage geometry there is not that much torque re-transferred back to the motor from a persons weight. Partially deployed, however, the angles are not so favorable and it will be $80 for a new motor.

Of course, often you cannot avoid stepping on them when partially deployed, but careful attention to the situation will avoid that $80 fine!

[Arch Hoagland]

We've stepped on ours hundreds of times when not fully deployed over the past 14 years so I must have a really good brand.

[Sbrownstein]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

We've stepped on ours hundreds of times when not fully deployed over the past 14 years so I must have a really good brand.

Nope, you have the old design after 14 years. No fan gear and an internal gearbox. No nylon gears....

[AITG]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

We've stepped on ours hundreds of times when not fully deployed over the past 14 years so I must have a really good brand.

Good for you. Don't be surprised if you're luck runs out one day... you're tempting physics and plastic parts.