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Old 08-04-2021, 06:05 PM   #1
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Door entry steps on/off

Does your motorhome have door entry steps that have a switch inside to turn the power to the step motor on and off? Or a manual up/down switch so they go up or down only as you hit the switch? If so, please give brand and model number as I want one. BTY, please do not comment about the switch that makes the steps always go up and down with the opening and closing of the door.
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Old 08-04-2021, 06:48 PM   #2
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Huh? On my Newmar the switch in position A (my term, as switch is not marked) the steps stay out regardless of door open or close but will retract when ignition key is turned on. Will extend when door opened. In position B, will retract anytime door closed, extend anytime door opened. I usually keep switch set in position A. When parked in our carport I’ll switch it to position B to reduce thee risk of hitting the steps while parking or driving the Jeep.

As far as I know there is no switch to totally turn power off to steps as it would be a safety issue.
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Old 08-04-2021, 07:46 PM   #3
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Haven't heard of anything like that. I suppose you could bypass the safety switch somehow, but why would anyone want to?
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Old 08-04-2021, 08:13 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by RonandDeb View Post
Haven't heard of anything like that. I suppose you could bypass the safety switch somehow, but why would anyone want to?
Because several times my steps have gone down while the coach is moving, plus smashing into curbs when exiting.
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Old 08-05-2021, 06:31 AM   #5
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Because several times my steps have gone down while the coach is moving, plus smashing into curbs when exiting.
In that case, it sounds like yours may need serviced. If you don't want to get it fixed or replaced, I supposed you could simply locate the positive lead to the motor and install a switch. This way you could kill the power to it when you don't want it to have a mind of it's own. You could find a switch at any auto parts store.

Good luck.
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Old 08-05-2021, 06:45 AM   #6
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There should be a magnetic switch in the door frame that activates the steps when the door opens. If yours is randomly opening, then the switch is either failing or there is too much space between the magnet and the switch. Our friends had the same problem with another brand coach and we had to put spacers behind the magnet to close the gap. No more problems after that. As for hitting a curb, the step controller is designed to stop the motor when it hits an obstruction.
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Old 08-05-2021, 07:13 AM   #7
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I would assume any MomOn/MomOn switch could be wired in place of the current switch and control circuit, eliminating the current setup in its entirety. The switch would have to be Mom so that once extended or retracted, power to the step motor would be removed.
Of course by doing this, you would have to be fully aware of the steps status.
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Old 08-05-2021, 08:25 AM   #8
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Because several times my steps have gone down while the coach is moving, plus smashing into curbs when exiting.

Your problem is with the door position sensor and/or the ignition interlock, not the step mode switch.


If you want a brute force way to prevent it from moving, you can wire in a simple on/off switch on the power wire to the motor. No special switch of knowledge needed.
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Old 08-05-2021, 08:27 AM   #9
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I removed the answer he requested I not make. Even though its the correct one.
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Old 08-05-2021, 01:42 PM   #10
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To do what you want, simply put a switch in the negative ground wire(there's only one) since they receive constant 12V positive to make the components work properly.
That IMO is the best method of avoiding servicing your steps per the Kwikee Service Training Manual.
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Old 08-07-2021, 06:32 AM   #11
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When I park at home I have a set of permanent steps with a landing built in. I have to disable the steps and keep them in the retracted position.

I just retract them and crawl under and unplug the motor. You have to do it carefully as activating the motor mechanism with hands, head and fingers all up in there could end badly.

I would never install an on/off switch (it would be easy) because of the chance of forgetting and having someone step out expecting steps and they're not there. It's a long drop to the ground from my motorhome. Just too risky.
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Old 08-07-2021, 06:40 AM   #12
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[QUOTE=hohenwald48;5863757]When I park at home I have a set of permanent steps with a landing built in. I have to disable the steps and keep them in the retracted position.

I just retract them and crawl under and unplug the motor. You have to do it carefully as activating the motor mechanism with hands, head and fingers all up in there could end badly.

what could possibly go wrong! Please don't do this. Just the thought of it scares me.
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Old 08-07-2021, 07:05 AM   #13
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I have thought about disabling the steps also. Being younger sometimes it feels like an eternity waiting for the steps to operate whenever I open the door. I always leave the switch in extend and stay mode However whenever the engine is running they extend and retract usually when I want to quickly go in or out while checking cargo on the road or initial setup break down at camp. Sometimes I jump over them. Eventually I will install a override switch on the door reed switch to keep the steps in when door open. It is not a priority project so by the time I get to it I may be old enough to prefer the wait
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Old 08-07-2021, 07:21 AM   #14
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Here's what happened to us. We were traveling and I noticed the steps were out. I asked my DW to go back and check. When she stepped on the bottom inside step they went in. When she took her weight off thebottom step they went back out. She stayed on the bottom step until I exited the freeway. Got out and pulled the power from the steps. After arriving at our first camp ground I figured out there was a loose connection on the magnetic switch. Fixed the loose wire and they are fine and have been for 3 years.

So in fact you may also have a defective magnetic switch. That is for sure one way the steps can come out when you don't want them out.
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