Step Well Cover Stuck

August 16, 2014, 11:30:56 pm

I'm starting a new thread under the appropriate subject in case anyone later does a search. All the previous posts were under the subject, "Step Stuck".
Thanks to all who responded, my problem is 90% solved. I appreciate this forum and all those who take the time to contribute. Remember, my plywood-carpet-covered step well cover quit going in about 2/3 of the way. The switch clearly had electricity because pushing it made little sounds. Being partially in , I could not access the rod and nut needed to remove the cover. This forum did, however, teach me what I was looking for.
My friend suggested he pull slightly on the cover while I pushed the switch. It worked. The cover gently extended as if nothing had gone wrong. Underneath access was easy by looking under from the lowest step. The 3/4" nut holding the rod was just snug and easy to remove with a crescent wrench. The passenger seat had to be moved forward and backward and swiveled to allow the cover to be removed.
What moves the cover is a 1/2" aluminum bar with teeth on one side. These teeth pass through a mechanism by the motor. I did not remove the cover and inspect it. What caused the bind up was the rod or shaft was bowed. This occurred because of too many heavy people standing on the cover. It's just not designed to be a floor. It's for resting feet during travel. Beyond that is asking for my problem.
Additionally, in my case the gear box has either lost a tooth or is not meshing at some point on the circle. When my cover gets about 1/3 way from stowing, it bumps and acts for a split second like it wants to stop. This is probably where the missing/broken tooth on the gear hits it. My bind up was causes by the meeting in the universe of the bow in the rod and the messed up gear box. By slightly tugging, the rod teeth got past the problem.
My friend straightened the rod, being aluminum, by hand and eyeballing it. He would have me move it in and out to the next-most bent place and straighten it some more.
I am really happy and richer by the amount I was about to pay an RV repair shop. This time, the forum worked along with a little old fashioned "don't give up".

Jerry Lewis

2008 Allure 470 38'
McKinney TX

Re: Step Well Cover Stuck

Reply #1 – August 17, 2014, 07:49:03 am

Yahoo Message Number: 97003

Jerry,

Glad you discovered your issue and got it fixed. Funny, but after responding to your first post on this, mine has started to act up. It stuck about 1/4 out, then moved fully out, then stuck there. We finally got it working and today I am going to get under there and see what is going on.

Gary

'07 Allure 470 #31578

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