Disable Electric Steps?

BatesMotel2 · 05-30-2018, 08:13 AM

How do you disable the electric steps on an FR3 30DS? Would like to be able to prevent steps from opening sometimes when parking in certain areas.

Finch · 05-30-2018, 08:50 AM

There is a switch on the control panel at the bottom step. It will only work if the ignition key is in the off position, not the last position when you turn off the ignition

rk06382 · 05-30-2018, 10:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Finch

There is a switch on the control panel at the bottom step. It will only work if the ignition key is in the off position, not the last position when you turn off the ignition

That switch only lockes steps in the down position. BatesMotel2 would have to install a new shut-off switch parallel to the screen door switch.

I think I read of another thread on this.

BatesMotel2 · 05-31-2018, 09:06 AM

Robert is correct, the switch only locks the steps in the down position when the ignition is off.

Looking for a fuse or circuit breaker but no luck so far, anyone else???

What does CS Forward mean on the 12 volt fuse panel in the bedroom?

BatesMotel2 · 05-31-2018, 09:36 AM

Did a forum search and found this "step power fuse is a 25amp". Now to locate the fuse, perhaps CS Forward stands for "Chassis Step"?

Time for some fuse testing unless anyone knows where the step fuse is on an FR3?

rk06382 · 05-31-2018, 12:05 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rk06382

That switch only lockes steps in the down position. BatesMotel2 would have to install a new shut-off switch parallel to the screen door switch.

I think I read of another thread on this.

This is the post:
http://www.forestriverforums.com/for...ml#post1547726

BatesMotel2 · 05-31-2018, 12:29 PM

Thanks Robert, a little hard to disconnect the wire harness plug outside from inside the coach 8-). I need a way to lock them out before exiting, will do some fuse testing soon

bubbles · 05-31-2018, 12:45 PM

The fuse is going to be an inline fuse directly off the battery. A way (other than a switch) to keep the steps from extending when the door is opened, if possible, is just place an external magnetic at the door switch. The structure is aluminum but may be possible.

rk06382 · 05-31-2018, 12:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatesMotel2

Thanks Robert, a little hard to disconnect the wire harness plug outside from inside the coach 8-). I need a way to lock them out before exiting, will do some fuse testing soon

A thought: Why can't you use a 2nd magnet on the "magnet switch?" I am going to look at mine to see if I can disable the steps with a magnet.

BatesMotel2 · 05-31-2018, 06:13 PM

Good ideas, something has to work, back soon!.........

roseberryc · 06-04-2018, 02:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by BatesMotel2

Did a forum search and found this "step power fuse is a 25amp". Now to locate the fuse, perhaps CS Forward stands for "Chassis Step"?

Time for some fuse testing unless anyone knows where the step fuse is on an FR3?

I put a switch in the line beside the door

rk06382 · 06-04-2018, 03:15 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by roseberryc

I put a switch in the line beside the door

Please post a photo.

TLAK · 06-05-2018, 08:45 PM

My understanding of how the control works is it runs until it can't move any farther, like when fully extended, it sees a voltage spike on the motor and shuts off. So if you park too close to a curb and the step hits it, it just stops, same as it does every time it extends normally.

Mine does behave this way, I've hit curbs or rocks opening the step a couple of times and it stops and doesn't seem to hurt anything.

So the solution may be to do nothing. If it hits something it just thinks its fully extended and stops. Need someone with more technical knowledge to confirm.

DutchRv · 06-06-2018, 07:36 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TLAK

My understanding of how the control works is it runs until it can't move any farther, like when fully extended, it sees a voltage spike on the motor and shuts off. So if you park too close to a curb and the step hits it, it just stops, same as it does every time it extends normally.

Mine does behave this way, I've hit curbs or rocks opening the step a couple of times and it stops and doesn't seem to hurt anything.

So the solution may be to do nothing. If it hits something it just thinks its fully extended and stops. Need someone with more technical knowledge to confirm.

Yes it does stop, but not before putting extra unnecessary and damaging power/energy on the gears inside the motor. BTW the actual worm and shaft are metal, but the worm wheel is Chinesium Plastic.

I installed a switch for 3 reasons:

*1* When I know the steps are going to hit something, I turn it off. You will add longevity to the motor. The PLASTIC worm gears WILL strip eventually.
*2* When the plastic gears do strip while camping, the steps are going to need 'help' to fully retract. How are you going to get into the bus without being able to turn it off so it doesn't extend again. (yes happened to us)
*3* Cotton Hill Campground, Georgia. Beautiful and one of our favorites. Lots of funny angles and slopes. It takes more energy/power to retract the steps than to extend. When steps extend and scrape the ground, they might get stuck and won't retract. Wish I would have had the switch back then...

BTW that motor is very easy to replace, and no need to buy the $90-$100 Kwikkee/Lippert ones. You can find a Cardone (I think it is P/N 42-309 window motor for and old Buick for around $25)and also carry a spare...

PS don't forget to lube the steps once in a while to save that motor. Use DRY PTFE lube only to prevent dust and debri to build up... (CRC 3044). I really don't mind fixing things, but I do hate fixing the same thing twice

bubbles · 06-06-2018, 08:01 AM

Just don't go stepping out the doorway thinking the steps are there when the extending has been defeated.

DutchRv · 06-06-2018, 08:10 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bubbles

Just don't go stepping out the doorway thinking the steps are there when the extending has been defeated.

True. It's why I don't start drinking after the steps have extended

rk06382 · 06-06-2018, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DutchRv

Yes it does stop, but not before putting extra unnecessary and damaging power/energy on the gears inside the motor. BTW the actual worm and shaft are metal, but the worm wheel is Chinesium Plastic.

I installed a switch for 3 reasons:

*1* When I know the steps are going to hit something, I turn it off. You will add longevity to the motor. The PLASTIC worm gears WILL strip eventually.
*2* When the plastic gears do strip while camping, the steps are going to need 'help' to fully retract. How are you going to get into the bus without being able to turn it off so it doesn't extend again. (yes happened to us)
*3* Cotton Hill Campground, Georgia. Beautiful and one of our favorites. Lots of funny angles and slopes. It takes more energy/power to retract the steps than to extend. When steps extend and scrape the ground, they might get stuck and won't retract. Wish I would have had the switch back then...

BTW that motor is very easy to replace, and no need to buy the $90-$100 Kwikkee/Lippert ones. You can find a Cardone (I think it is P/N 42-309 window motor for and old Buick for around $25)and also carry a spare...

PS don't forget to lube the steps once in a while to save that motor. Use DRY PTFE lube only to prevent dust and debri to build up... (CRC 3044). I really don't mind fixing things, but I do hate fixing the same thing twice

Have you found a way to stop the steps half way? Three steps is a long way to step up without the steps.

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