Kwikee step motor replacement

[rapidroy5858]

I have ordered a replacement motor for the steps on our coach.
I am trying to find out if it matters whether the steps are in the up or down position when I install the new motor.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

[dabrooks]

It does not matter what position the steps are in. Make sure you disconnect power from the steps before you start work on them and as an added safety precaution don't let anyone open or close the door.

You most likely will have to swing the steps out once you disconnect the arm from the gearbox to the steps. They are heavy and may move unexpected so keep your fingers away from pinch points

[OldWEB]

Originally Posted by rapidroy5858

I have ordered a replacement motor for the steps on our coach.
I am trying to find out if it matters whether the steps are in the up or down position when I install the new motor.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Without your model number, I will advise you find and read your model at the Kwikee site.
They offer a lot of good info.

[Argosy]

Mount the motor where it's easiest to line everything up.


When the steps go to full extension or retraction the design of the linkage stops motion. This locks the rotor in the motor which makes current spike. The control board sees this spike and turns off power to the motor.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by Argosy

Mount the motor where it's easiest to line everything up.


When the steps go to full extension or retraction the design of the linkage stops motion. This locks the rotor in the motor which makes current spike. The control board sees this spike and turns off power to the motor.

Actually the controller switches the ground connection, the controller is always "hot".

[SavnTheWales]

Maybe you can service the motor… eg clean the brushes, etc. This video shows the tear down and how to clean brushes.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ktk5oKHgzdo

[SoDonald]

I just replaced the motor and gearbox on my MH and found I couldn’t access the mounting screws with the stairs in “stored” position - had to leave them extended. One of the bolts holding the gearbox assembly snapped at the slightest torque, so a quick run to Tractor Supply and replaced the carriage bolts, nuts and lock washers for less than $5.

Not an engineer, but best I could tell those bolts bear the brunt of the force when stepping on/off the steps. Pleasant side effect, the steps definitely “flexed” less. Tried a larger bolt but carriage square didn’t fit.

Overall, turned out to be an easy fix. Good luck!

[rarebear.nm]

Originally Posted by rapidroy5858

I have ordered a replacement motor for the steps on our coach.
I am trying to find out if it matters whether the steps are in the up or down position when I install the new motor.
Any advice is greatly appreciated.

Not totally sure what you by up or down. I think of them as being extended or retracted. Working on them is much simpler with the steps fully extended.


Just pull the clevis pin with the cotter pin that links the step to the gearbox arm.

[rarebear.nm]

Originally Posted by SoDonald

I just replaced the motor and gearbox on my MH and found I couldn’t access the mounting screws with the stairs in “stored” position - had to leave them extended. One of the bolts holding the gearbox assembly snapped at the slightest torque, so a quick run to Tractor Supply and replaced the carriage bolts, nuts and lock washers for less than $5.

Not an engineer, but best I could tell those bolts bear the brunt of the force when stepping on/off the steps. Pleasant side effect, the steps definitely “flexed” less. Tried a larger bolt but carriage square didn’t fit.

Overall, turned out to be an easy fix. Good luck!

The gear box bolts should never carry a person's weight. All the load is carried by the four bolts at the corners or sides of the step mounting base.

[moisheh]

Does the OP not know that the motor is usually a Ford Window motor. Usually available at 1/3 of the Kwiikee price?.

[harleyjt]

Available on Amazon.
[ATTACH]

[SoDonald]

Originally Posted by rarebear.nm

The gear box bolts should never carry a person's weight. All the load is carried by the four bolts at the corners or sides of the step mounting base.

Ultimately, yes… Again, not an engineer- but from what I seen the weight is borne by all components. Step weight is transferred to the pivot, then to the gearbox arm, then to the gearbox/gearbox plate/four bolts), then finally to the mounting base/four main bolts. When I would observe flex it was gearbox plate torsion, stressing the 4 gearbox mounting bolts with a shear load - which are significantly smaller than the 4 base corner bolts. I’ve not observed any flex in the base plate so those bolts receive a tensile load. Admittedly, I’m 240# which is why I tried beefing up the weak link in the chain.

Just going off personal experience. I purchased the MH used 9mos ago, and prior to changing the motor/gearbox/bolts there was an inch or more of “give” when stepping on bottom step. With everything replaced, including the old bolts - one of which snapped like a twig with minimal torque, now the “give” is very slight - perhaps 1/16th of an inch. Prior to replacing the bolts I couldn’t torque enough to remove the torsion/twisting of the gearbox plate.

[tap4154]

Originally Posted by harleyjt

Available on Amazon.
[ATTACH]

I just put that same motor in my Kwikee steps. The old motor failed when they were out. so it was easy. Just make sure the battery switch is off, and don't lose the locator pin that goes inside the gear, as well as 2 spacer washers that go underneath the gear. The new bolts that came with it were a bit long, so I used the old ones. It seems to work very well.

[edge68474]

Good info here. Thank you.