Electric Step Question

ArkyGeorgetown330TS · 03-19-2010, 01:22 PM

I know this sounds crazy, but is their a way to keep the steps from coming out on my Georgetown? I have a camp spot at a lake near by that has a deck and I want to keep the steps from coming out while parked by it. Help!!!!

ronhanson · 03-19-2010, 01:33 PM

Disconnect the wire that goes to the battery. Or you can put a magnet next to the door sensor for something less permanent.

NWJeeper · 03-19-2010, 01:55 PM

Most steps that I have seen will not extend if the power switch near the door is turned off when the steps are up and vice versa will not retract if the switch it turned off when the steps are down. Forest River wires them a bit differently. I can think of two ways to do it. Put a switch in that bypasses the door switch and thus makes them think the door is closed all the time (thus they will be up) or put a switch inline with the main power wire from the battery that will disable them completely.

I am thinking of doing either of the two. When I need to check my batteries I clamp a magnate next to the switch on the frame of the screen door so that I can more easily remove my inner steps (battery access) and not have to be leaning over the power steps to do it. The problem with this method is that the clamp and magnate would be in the way of the door closing if that's what you want to do.

ronhanson · 03-19-2010, 02:52 PM

You can have the magnet on the other side of the switch and have it work and not interfere with the door closing. Mine actually sticks to the door frame and activates the sensor. no clamp needed. I think adding a switch is a better idea though.

ArkyGeorgetown330TS · 03-21-2010, 11:46 AM

Thanks for all the suggestions. I will try the magnet for right now, but will look at a inline switch soon.

TulsaSteve · 03-21-2010, 12:35 PM

I vote for the switch to cut the power to the steps. Don't forget the feature that links the steps and the ignition together.

ronhanson · 03-22-2010, 08:29 AM

I was out visiting the RV at the storage lot and snapped a picture. I just roll this magnet down to the door sensor when I want to close the steps.

tmmar · 03-23-2010, 11:05 AM

I wanted to do the same as Arkygeorgetown330ts. Seems that keeping the steps in would reduce the pounding they take quite a bit. Will need to try to find a magnet like ronhanson has. Would anyone know how I find where the magnetic switch is located?

NWJeeper · 03-23-2010, 12:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by tmmar

I wanted to do the same as Arkygeorgetown330ts. Seems that keeping the steps in would reduce the pounding they take quite a bit. Will need to try to find a magnet like ronhanson has. Would anyone know how I find where the magnetic switch is located?

Its the little white thing low on your screen door frame, you can see it in the picture above. The magnate that usually activates it is attached to the screen door opposing the switch.

I have an idea of how to solve this problem and will be looking into it soon.

mbtelguy · 03-23-2010, 06:28 PM

I have not tried this on my GT 378 (in storage), but if you have a Lippert step the following procedure extracted from the Lippert Manual should leave the step in a retracted position.

Lippert manual extract:

With the power switch “OFF”

“If the door is opened and closed without allowing the steps to fully extend the step will retract and will stay in that position until the power switch is turned on and the door is reopened”

If you try this and it works let us know>

PumaPro · 03-23-2010, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbtelguy

I have not tried this on my GT 378 (in storage), but if you have a Lippert step the following procedure extracted from the Lippert Manual should leave the step in a retracted position.

Lippert manual extract:

With the power switch “OFF”

“If the door is opened and closed without allowing the steps to fully extend the step will retract and will stay in that position until the power switch is turned on and the door is reopened”

If you try this and it works let us know>

Agreed. Even with the power switch off, the first time the door is opened the step will extend (safety feature). The above procedure will work. Or, just unplug the step control module (lippert made these modules generic to all their steps - bravo!!! Kwikee didn't figure this out). if you do so choose.

tmmar · 03-24-2010, 10:11 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbtelguy

I have not tried this on my GT 378 (in storage), but if you have a Lippert step the following procedure extracted from the Lippert Manual should leave the step in a retracted position.

Lippert manual extract:

With the power switch “OFF”

“If the door is opened and closed without allowing the steps to fully extend the step will retract and will stay in that position until the power switch is turned on and the door is reopened”

If you try this and it works let us know>

What is meant by the power switch? Is that the auto step override?

ArkyGeorgetown330TS · 03-29-2010, 11:45 AM

Well I guess I'm not holding my mouth just right. No matter what I do the steps come out when I open the door.

I will try the magnet next. Thanks for all the replys.

NWJeeper · 03-29-2010, 05:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mbtelguy

Lippert manual extract:

With the power switch “OFF”

“If the door is opened and closed without allowing the steps to fully extend the step will retract and will stay in that position until the power switch is turned on and the door is reopened”

If you try this and it works let us know>

Tried it several times, Does not work.....

tmmar · 03-29-2010, 05:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by NWJeeper

Tried it several times, Does not work.....

I didn't believe it would work either because I have done the same thing a number of times inadvertently and the steps never stayed in.

mr.ken · 03-30-2010, 12:19 PM

both the magnets I have here arent working, one is too big, and the other too small, so I guess I need to look for one. I want to be able to keep the steps retracted while in storage

NWJeeper · 03-30-2010, 01:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.ken

both the magnets I have here arent working, one is too big, and the other too small, so I guess I need to look for one. I want to be able to keep the steps retracted while in storage

Ummm. What am I missing here then. With the switch in the "on" position the steps will retract every time the door is closed so in storage they would be retracted. No need for a magnate.

mr.ken · 03-30-2010, 02:52 PM

On mine they will retract with the switch on but only if the battery is turned on. Once I turn the house batteries off the the steps stay out

NWJeeper · 03-30-2010, 03:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mr.ken

On mine they will retract with the switch on but only if the battery is turned on. Once I turn the house batteries off the the steps stay out

Ahh, I get it. Mine was wired directly to the battery from the factory so this isn't an issue.

mbtelguy · 03-30-2010, 06:59 PM

I just had an chance to try the Lippert operational instructions on my
GT 378 and I agrre with all that the step does not operate per Lippert insatructions.

So as a follow up I have sent FR an email requesting an explanation, and in addition when I look at the step wiring schematic (see below) it is possible that CSP lead is wired incorrectly, either intentionally or unintentionally. (I did not test this theory)

If you check all steps are wired directly to the battery, it is only the coach step control
power lead that is affected by the battery disconnect switch. The other step power control
lead is connect to the ignition.

If and when I get a reply from FR I will post it.

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