Steps

[Dennis Crawford]

All,

The step on my 2005 Monterey has an intermittent motor issue.  I was all ready to go out and buy a new Kwikee motor.  But alas, my steps are SCS/Frigette Coach Step which is now owned by Lippert.  The motor is nearly $200.  I am thinking about replacing the entire step.  Does anyone know why there is only one step, when two would be better.  Cheaper I know, but if I do replace, I would like to know if there is a problem with a two step system.  The coach is air leveled.  Could that be the reason why?

Dennis

[Richard And Babs Ames]

First check the ground for your steps. Interment operation is sometimes caused by a loose ground.

[Randy Perry]

Dennis,
In regards to one step vs two, I've found myself having issues with just my one step hitting the curb or on a recent trip to Prescott, I leveled the coach and turns out the concrete patio slab was quite a bit higher than the gravel RV pad and bent the brackets on the step :-/

[Bill Sprague]

The Kwikee motor is an electric window motor that was (I think) used in GMC products.  Yours may be similar.  If it is, auto parts stores may be able to provide a less expensive new motor.  In my notes I have written that it's a Siemens "Window Lift Motor", part number WL43003.

[Jim Shaw]

Dennis,
I checked at the local Auto Zone store using the Siemens part number that Bill listed and they can cross reference it and get a new motor for under $50.00.
It was not in stock but easy to order. I'm sure other auto parts stores can do the same.
Jim

[Ken Buck]

This site  http://www.strombergcarlson.com/store/products.php?categoryParentName=RV+Steps+%26+Step+Accessories&categoryName=Electric+RV+Steps   has the trouble shooting manual.  As with anything electric, check the ground. I think that's one of the first things the manual says too.

Ken

[Chris_Pany]

The problem is the motor's commutator has no insulation between segments, with use, the carbon from the brushes fills the spaces and shorts the segments.
The motor can be disassembled and spaces cleaned, replacing the armature is a pain as the brushes have to be held in place while inserting the armature.
This should give you another 5 years of use.

Chris Pany