Community Forums

ChristoRV · 05-23-2024, 11:08 AM

I have a 2002 32V Adventurer, and while this is a problem across almost ALL RV's with these Kwikee auto steps, no fault of Kwikee, its the mounting plate the MH manufactures use is too flimsy IMO, I think this little product from Lippert is absolutely perfect! I had it installed in an hour. I had to mod it a bit by adding washers to allow space for the step carpet zip ties....

No having to find the screw flat step jack and storing it, and twisting it to fit. This little gem attaches to the bottom step and can be adjusted in whatever way it needs to be for the terrain your last step is hanging over...

Solid Stance Step Stabilizer Kit

Nice and solid first step on your way in, and solid solid last step on your exit! And it hides up and under and is always there if and when you want/need it!

daveinaz58 · 05-23-2024, 05:53 PM

we have a support for our Kwikee steps too. Did you also adjust the cam stops underneath the steps so they don't move as much when you step on them?

FIRE UP · 05-25-2024, 10:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by daveinaz58

we have a support for our Kwikee steps too. Did you also adjust the cam stops underneath the steps so they don't move as much when you step on them?

Just for your information, the "cams" don't have anything to do with step support. All they do is, when adjusted properly, they assist in limiting the step travel to the EXTEND position. You'd see how they work if you lay under those steps and watch the contact of the step mechanism and the cam as someone steps on the step. As for the step support, I do like that mechanism. We've been using a step saver (kind-of a screw jack only a shortie) and depending on how high the step is off the ground, we add those yellow leggo plastic stacking pads.

But, without a doubt, that step stabilizer kit is pretty snazy for sure. Might have to look into one. Thanks for the tip.
Scott

Ray,IN · 06-06-2024, 08:32 PM

With proper adjustment of the cam stops, my Kwikee single step is very solid.

Gold Pot · 06-09-2024, 08:13 AM

I stopped using my screw type support jack when camping on "soft" ground because the jack sank down and pushed the bottom step upward. It did not damage the step but when removing the jack, I had to work hard to unscrew it in a compressed mode.

shepardmike · 06-10-2024, 08:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gold Pot

I stopped using my screw type support jack when camping on "soft" ground because the jack sank down and pushed the bottom step upward. It did not damage the step but when removing the jack, I had to work hard to unscrew it in a compressed mode.

Same here. Also my air bags deflate a tiny bit and it raised my step. Stopped using it after that.

tderonne · 06-10-2024, 09:06 AM

You may have what was a common structural issue on Winnebagos of that era.

Step mounting

Wadders1962 · 11-20-2024, 05:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tderonne

You may have what was a common structural issue on Winnebagos of that era.

Step mounting

This is exactly what I have been looking for, and it looks like something that i would be willing to try and do myself.
I now need to go away and think about it before i start.
Thankyou

Ray,IN · 11-20-2024, 06:25 PM

I can visualize getting on the ground on a rainy day to adjust the legs of that support, but it ain't gonna happen with me.

tap4154 · 11-20-2024, 08:27 PM

I saw a similar version jack that you put under the Kwikee step, but because I don't put stabilizing jacks under my Class C, it just seemed like if I was walking inside the motorhome, it would be putting stress on the step when it rocks side to side. The step is fairly solid anyway, and IMO it's the motorhome that moves slightly when I step on it.

Wadders1962 · 11-21-2024, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

I can visualize getting on the ground on a rainy day to adjust the legs of that support, but it ain't gonna happen with me.

I have one too and 100% agree it’s a pain
In the back side, however ours are so spongy at the moment I don’t like stepping on them without using it.

FIRE UP · 11-21-2024, 01:37 PM

Using a step saver, of ANY design, is a good thing because it simply takes the strain of the weight of people stepping on the steps while entering or exiting the coach. Using a singular style, i.e. screw type jack and any version of it, or the twin leg style that's been shown also, will work to take the strain off the mounting system of the steps.

As stated earlier, the "cams" have absolutely NOTHING to do with a *solid* feel when stepping the steps. All they do is assist in a parallel stopping point when the steps travel out, period. When you step on the steps, you actually disconnect contact with those cams. Sometimes the gap off those cams is very little and sometimes it's large, depending on just how the mounting structure is handling the weight of a person stepping on the steps.

I have entered and exited some coaches where those steps have felt like I was stepping on CONCRETE they were so stable and structurally sound. And there was/is ZERO step savers being used. And, I've stepped some that felt like a trampoline.

When Winne/Itasca created the structure for our step system, as much as I think the '04 Itasca Horizon was a very well built unit for its time, the structure for those steps SUCKS BIG TIME!!!! I've had to really bolster the framing for those mounting points and still, it's not nearly as sound as some I've stepped on. For this reason, I use the single point "Step Saver" screw jack style. It has worked flawlessly for 13.5 years and 116,000 miles. On occasion, if the ground below the step is slightly soft, I will place a 1x6x10" or so under that jack. That will spread the load out enough that there will be ZERO sinking of that jack/step saver.

Now, if one uses the jacks for leveling like a zillion of us do, and they know that their jacks might settle or maybe one or more leaks down over time, then OF COURSE you have to realize that the use of a step saver OF ANY STYLE can be compromised or there is potential for damage to the steps or the mounting system or both. When we're traveling and camping or staying at RV parks, I constantly monitor those steps. Quite often I've either looked at them or felt them and could tell they're under some stress because the jacks have settled or leaked some.

No biggie as long as I correct the situation somewhat promptly by extending jacks slightly and taking the immediate load off the steps. No damage. But, in any case, you use what you feel is best for your application. Orrrr, don't use any at all, your choice.
Scott

tap4154 · 11-22-2024, 02:01 PM

When I first saw jacks for under the step, my thought was a sturdy airbag would be better. It wouldn't sink into sand, and would be forgiving on the steps if the MH rocked side to side.

BTW, I've been using chain wax on my steps (great for motorcycles chains) instead of silicone spray, and it really works well.

https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0...e?ie=UTF8&th=1