Community Forums

UFO Pilot · 03-10-2012, 09:04 PM

My Kwikee Steps do not fully retract on their own. If I "help" them as they are retracting, they fully close so I don't think anything is binding up. Looking for suggestions on what to look for and a possible fix.

Old Trucker · 03-10-2012, 09:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by UFO Pilot

My Kwikee Steps do not fully retract on their own. If I "help" them as they are retracting, they fully close so I don't think anything is binding up. Looking for suggestions on what to look for and a possible fix.

Hi UFO Pilot,

I have had the same problems with mine. I removed the pin that connects the mechanism, lubed all pivit points, worked back and forth by hand and replaced the connecting pin. No more problems. I have tried to contact Kwikee about their poorly enginered system, but unable to make contact. Any 10 year old kid should be able to see that the step needs some plastic or teflon bushings. We spend thewinter in south Tex, steps tend to rust at the pivot points. If all else fails I have a new (still in the box) electrical control system, but sounds like yours is working. good wishes, old trucker.

Old Trucker · 03-10-2012, 09:39 PM

Brake Problems' Has anybody had an Alpine problem with the brake pedal going straight to the floor with no resistance, and not be able tor pump up with a full master cylinder..Mine has done this twice on a 99 Alpine. old trucker

John Hilley · 03-10-2012, 09:55 PM

It is for sure just a lubrication problem. Kwikee makes a product for lubricating the steps - Kwikee Kwik Lube. Here is a Kwikee Steps Service Tips that shows what points to lubricate.

SUMDALUS · 03-11-2012, 05:17 PM

The real secret to Kwikee Steps is clearly printed in all their manuals and serviced tips:

"lubricate every 30 days"

and they mean it, too!

Because the electric steps are usually very close behind the right front tire, everything you drive through - water, sand, dirt, gravel, mud, etc, - is kicked up against the step pivot points, causing immediate corrosive action. And the corrosion problem is just as bad when the RV sits for long periods of time with the steps out, too.

Other important equipments needing regular lubricating: Leveling Jacks (monthly), Wingard antenna gears (semi-annually), and exposed roller bearings on slides (semi-annually).

Nothing on an RV is maintenance free!!!!!!!

racefn · 03-11-2012, 05:31 PM

in the past if my batteries were low the steps wouldn't retract all the way, make sure your batteries are charged, then lube anyway.

RustyF · 03-11-2012, 06:30 PM

I had defective Kwikee power steps on my Winnebago Access 31c a few years ago. The steps didn't operate properly and constantly drew power off the chassis battery, destroying it within 2 years. Even General RV couldn't contact Kwikee tech support for assistance. If your Kwikee steps are defective, it may be a great opportunity to buy a higher quality product.