LCI Steps on GT

[ohiobill]

Well, it sounds like I'm on borrowed time with my steps. As they are nearly fully retracted they begin making a banging noise while jerking in and out. Then finish retracting normally. They just make the usual clunking noises as they extend. I'm concerned something will soon break. Headed for Goshen, hope they can fix them there.

[Falcon35]

They replaced mine last year at Frog.
I'm sure they will look after you as well.

[RVINSMCM]

Ohiobill,I gave up trying to post short video. Good luck up in goshen. Sure they will take care of you.

[jojo bamboo]

The same thing happen to my stairs.
There is a half moon gear that's missing 2 or three gear teeth at the end of it.
I tried to buy just the replacement gear but they don't make that style any more.
had to buy new steps, $600.00
Took me about a hour to swap them out.
I saved all the bolts and motor for future repairs
......I love RVing ??
Good Luck

[RVINSMCM]

Falcon35... Wonder how my video that I couldn't post ended up on your post! Wow, interesting!

[honda_nos]

My center pin sheared as well on my 2013 351DS. Replaced with a new bolt I bought from LCI. No problems since (yet).

[ohiobill]

Well, the step problem is fixed! New ones installed at the Goshen Rally where they also addressed a few other minor issues. They did a great job!

[Falcon35]

I

Originally Posted by RVINSMCM

Falcon35... Wonder how my video that I couldn't post ended up on your post! Wow, interesting!

Yes that is crazy. I sure didn't put it there.

It was nice to hear that they were still replacing steps at frog. I only had a few small things done for us at this year. The main one was the electric side of the water heater. By checking the electrical feed I knew that the breaker on the panel was okay. The element was also good and the switch on the front of the water heater was good as well. So I was sure that it had to be the wire. It turned out that there is an in-line fuse that the frog water heater specialist quickly found and replaced. I don't know why I or the two service people that looked at it couldn't find that fuse. The service technicians also replaced a few trim pieces.

[sherman12]

Ohiobill, did they install for free? And if so, are you the original owner of your GT? I just got an email from them that they will sell me the Kwikee steps for $357 and I pay the shipping.

[ohiobill]

They replaced the steps for free at the rally. I am the original owner, but nobody asked. I understand they were replacing a lot of steps that week. I spoke with another 378 owner and they replaced his as well. In addition to the steps they put metal strips on the bottom edges of the main slides to stop the wearing of the wafer board.

I can't say enough about what a great job the service people did that week! Everyone at the rally I spoke with said they would never buy anything but a Forest River Product. I have never before seen a company stand behind its products like FR.

[sherman12]

Good for you Ohio! Thanks.

[rwehba]

What kind of metal strips did they install under the slide as mine is wearing into the bottom also and it's only a year old 378xl


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[ohiobill]

Apparently on the newer GT they are installing a metal piece on the bottom edge of the front slides. It's L shaped in that it replaces the metal piece at the bottom side of each slide. The old piece did not wrap under the slide as the new one does. There are no screws in the bottom, just on the sides . Hope this makes sense. I'd send a pic, but can't open the slides where it's now parked.

During the installation it was also necessary to carve a groove on the inside top of the nylon rubbing blocks to keep the new wear bars (as they call them) from catching on the blocks as the slide comes in.

[sherman12]

Ohio, when you get the chance pics would really be great. Can't fully comprehend your description.

[Reyco50]

Originally Posted by CaseyC

I have also replaced the shoulder bolt 3 times...and have gone through 2 new sets of stairs...real pita! However, I have a fix...drill out the hole with a 5/8 bit and install a hardened bolt with a nylon lock nut. Gives the gear a lot more to press against when it finishes out it's rotation, instead of a dam* welded thread. With a little flex and a lot more overall support, it's working better than the last new steps I got. Seems to have really tightened up the stairs too...they don't feel like they'll break if you walk down them!


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Hi Casey, I just had my bolt break and since I'm out of warranty and not near dealer, I thought I would replace myself. I do have a replacement bolt now from local Bolt company and it's a grade 8. Anything in particular I need to know to reinstall? I already removed old thread that was welded by grinding down tip sticking out and unthreading it. Wasn't sure if any adjustments are needed for the comb gear and double joint turn buckle? Or does it find it's own position for fully extended and fully retracted? I have a 3 step Coach Step. Any advise from you or others would be appreciated ….tks…jerry

[wrapperman]

Has anyone had issues with their Lippert steps braking.
Any injuries or hurts

We had the broken bolt issue and the wife fell but no serious injury
I have been contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration board and they would like to hear from anyone that has had a broken step and/or injuries.
Here is his contact link or you can file a complaint at the link below.

Nate Seymour
Safety Defect Investigator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Defects Investigation - Med/Heavy Duty Vehicles
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
W46-323
Washington, DC 20590
202 366 2069
202 366 1767 fax
877 536 8368 x62069 Toll Free

Class A CDL with T,N,P,S,H endorsements
Class M license
Captain, Logistics Branch, Army National Guard

www.safertruck.gov


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[Iggy]

Originally Posted by wrapperman

Has anyone had issues with their Lippert steps braking.
Any injuries or hurts

We had the broken bolt issue and the wife fell but no serious injury
I have been contacted by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration board and they would like to hear from anyone that has had a broken step and/or injuries.
Here is his contact link or you can file a complaint at the link below.

Nate Seymour
Safety Defect Investigator
National Highway Traffic Safety Administration
Office of Defects Investigation - Med/Heavy Duty Vehicles
1200 New Jersey Ave SE
W46-323
Washington, DC 20590
202 366 2069
202 366 1767 fax
877 536 8368 x62069 Toll Free

Class A CDL with T,N,P,S,H endorsements
Class M license
Captain, Logistics Branch, Army National Guard

www.safertruck.gov


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Have you contacted Forest River?

[wrapperman]

No
I received an email from NHST yesterday asking for more information on the report I filed last year.
I filed it after asking lippert for replacement and not getting a timely response.
NHST was following up on the issue.


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[Iggy]

Originally Posted by wrapperman

No
I received an email from NHST yesterday asking for more information on the report I filed last year.
I filed it after asking lippert for replacement and not getting a timely response.
NHST was following up on the issue.


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I had the same issue with the steps and Forest River send my dealer the new Kwikee steps and they installed with Forest River paying for it all.
That is why I asked? What did get to replace the steps with?

[wrapperman]

Mine were replaced with Lippert steps
Still don't like them
They make a cluck noise at the end of each travel and are also spongy feeling. (Not solid)


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