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Locking steps In

Yahoo Message Number: 55753
I cannot get the steps to stay in when I open the door so I can use our steps we had made for our lot in Florida. Any ideas on how to keep them in when we are parked and open the door? I suppose I could crawl under and unplug them but I am looking for an easier solution. Others I have talked to have tried taking a fuse out and they still extend when they open the door.

Dave McFadden
2008 Intrigue
12235

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55756
Dave,

I don't believe that there is a way to do that. The step switch will leave them out when the door is closed or allow them to retract when the door is closed depending on its position. Yours is probably an unusual requirement as in general having the step stay in when you open the door is quite a safety hazard. That first step can be a surprise at the least. I would expect that CC went to considerable lengths to minimize that possibility.
On my 2004 Allure the fuse that also has the fan controller on it has a portion of the step function. However with the fuse pulled it still extends so there must be another fuse somewhere else for the rest of the function. My problem was involved with the fan controller so I didn't look beyond that.
Unless someone else has solved the problem you may well have to unplug it. Wouldn't surprise me if it still came out .. My coach came without a ladder because for a period of time CC stopped putting them on due to the fear of litigation should someone fall off the roof, particularly a young child.

Don Seager
2004 Allure

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #2 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55757
Try this. With the step switch "on" take the eraser end of a pencil and push in the plunger of the switch extending out of the door frame. The steps will retract and remain so as long as you push. Then with the other hand

simultaneously turn the step switch "off."
TWI 2004 Intrigue 11731.

Original Message:
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From: pinchuscc mac2434@... Date: Mon, 18 Jan 2010 15:39:12 -0000 To: Country-Coach-Owners@yahoogroups.com Subject: [Country-Coach-Owners] Locking steps In

I cannot get the steps to stay in when I open the door so I can use our steps we had made for our lot in Florida. Any ideas on how to keep them in when we are parked and open the door? I suppose I could crawl under and unplug them but I am looking for an easier solution. Others I have talked to have tried taking a fuse out and they still extend when they open the door.

Dave McFadden
2008 Intrigue
12235

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Re: Locking steps In

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55760

IMO that would be a big safety no-no. As noted, CC and the step manufacturer went to great lengths to prevent a situation where the step would fail to extend and a serious injury result. What is wrong with the incorporated steps that you built replacements?
I spent a career in safety and find it difficult to lose the hat. I've seen/learned of too many horrible results from bypassing or failed safety equipment. Obviously my opinion only, it's your rig and your body. But please also consider that while you may be mindful of the change others might not. I would be nervous of a scenario such as the coach needs some work and a tech (or the wife), expecting the steps to be there automatically or under any of the other conditons where they should open, being injured because you bypassed the system.
I would build the replacement steps around the existing system if possible before considering bypassing it. That shouldn't be difficult and retains the safety designed into the product.

Bob (rthandren@...)
'05 Inspire 51178

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55762

There is more than one possible hot wire leading to the steps. On mine I can close the door, steps come in, turn off steps at entry switch panel and open door. Steps stay in. If you don't have that switch you will have to crawl under and unplug the motor.

ddtuttle

aka Billy Byte (trusty hound)
2000 Allure #30443

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55764
Billy,

It appears that yours are wired incorrectly if they stay in when you open the door with the on/off position in the off position that on/off switch should only control them in the extended position. If I turn that switch to off the steps stay extended even when I close the door, as long as the ignition key is off. If I turn the ignition key on with the door switch in off position then the steps will retract which is as designed. The door on/off switch is intended to keep your steps extended when you are parked and don't want the steps going in and out every time you open and close the door.

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55773
Dave, I'm confused. On my coach when I have the steps in, I turn off the step switch and the steps don't go out. As long as I leave the switch off the steps will stay in. This is with either the door open or closed.
The only time this is not true is when the ignition switch is either on or has been on and turned off in the last 15 or 20 minutes.
I also learned that on my coach when the chassis battery is turned off back in the service bay the steps will not move either.

Have they rewired these things?

George in Birmingham
'04 Allure 31038
George in Birmingham
2003 Magna 6298

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #7 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55774
I can do this on my 03 Allure. If I have the step switch to the "step" position, the steps will open and close with the door. When I close the door, the steps come in and while the door is closed, if I turn the switch to "off" the steps will not extend when the door is open.

Larry, 03 Allure, 30856

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #8 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55776
Same here. And when I have the steps out, if I turn off the "step" switch, they stay out, door open or closed.
I can see at least two good reasons for this set up - when you are maneuvering in a tight space, or are close to a fuel island or wall, and need to get the door open, it will not jam your step into the object in question. Otherwise you will have to climb out a window to not extend the step.
The second reason is, to let Darwin have a chance at people that should not be out on their own. I guess you could put a $4,000 TSOd laser position sensor, with a siren and rotating red light to check on the step, if the existing system is bothersome. I prefer to be somewhat aware of my surroundings.
I am no fan of safety Nazis, or politically correct meddlers that make life more difficult than it has to be.

Sorry, been working on my taxes all day.

Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #10 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55779
Well, yea. The term is not aimed at the providers of safety information, just to those that mandate politically correct aggravation that does little more than massage their ego.
I am a CDL, Haz Mat holder, and instrument rated pilot, so understand safety information. I also understand needless aggravation, and understand the difference.

Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #11 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55782
Ray, Quickee changed the logic of their steps a few years ago so they always go out when the door is opened regardless of switch position. Lawsuits.

Rich 2002 Magna

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #12 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55785
Jack,

You are a glutton for punishment, working on your taxes and it is only January 18th, I wait untill April 14th to even think about them and if they give me a headache then I file an extension! If I started looking at them now I would have a headache until I actually filed on April 15th, I'd rather put off the headache as long as possible and besides I haven't received the 1099s yet. ;-)

Ray

2000 Intrigue 11040

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #13 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55788
Ray:
I spent too much time in Oregon, so will not have to worry about 1099s from working wages this year. My CPA and I are just trying to shortcut any "creative book keeping" my ex might come up with.
I like the feature of being able to control the steps, all sarcasm aside, and it came in handy when maneuvering in a very tight spot at a friend's back yard in Phoenix. There were low walls and deep ditches retained by concrete that had no lip, so at the worst spots it was "move two feet, get out and look". I would not have been able to do it if the steps were constantly popping in and out. For instance, if he had mounted a security light six inches higher, I could not have tucked my awning housing over it. Took me about 30 minutes to wiggle in there, but once there had a nice view, free water and reasonably priced electricity for as long as I wanted. Old friends are sure appreciated.
The fact that the factory rigged the steps as they did is understandable, given the insurance rates that might have resulted from NOT doing it. But again it came as a "mandate". Yes, I will get over it. ;*)
Which brings me to another favorite topic, Tort Reform. ;*)
This forum is a great source of information, thank you all.
Jack Nichols, 2003 Intrigue

Locking steps In

Reply #14 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55794
Dave

I believe you can set the switch to close when the door closes, then move your new steps up to the coach, open your door and when the steps touch the new steps they will stop.

Bill & Judy Claypool
158 Rainbow Drive #5843
Livingston, TX 77399-1058

bill@...
Intrigue 2004 42' 11696

530 957-7789

location of Bill & Judy http://map.datastormusers.com/user2.cfm?user=3035
Locking steps In Posted by: "pinchuscc" mac2434@... pinchuscc Mon Jan 18, 2010 7:39 am (PST)
I cannot get the steps to stay in when I open the door so I can use our steps we had made for our lot in Florida. Any ideas on how to keep them in when we are parked and open the door? I suppose I could crawl under and unplug them but I am looking for an easier solution. Others I have talked to have tried taking a fuse out and they still extend when they open the door.

Dave McFadden
2008 Intrigue
12235

Re: Locking steps In

Reply #15 –
Yahoo Message Number: 55872
Simple solution, stop step from getting door switch signal. Step will not move if it does not get door moved signal. Add a switch across the step wires to door buttons or add switch in series with door pin switch.

This modification is simple & effective, not safe!

5 Inspire 51321

God Bless You,

Eric Lee Elliott
5 Inspire 51321

hooyah@...
phone 870.613.1398 or 800.827.5038

167 Rainbow Driver, #6755
Livingston TX 77399-1067

Read the Holy Bible, it is good for the soul

Common sense is not. National Rifle Association Life Member
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