Mashed entry step August 28, 2014, 07:40:02 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148251I forgot to fold the step in. A concrete column. Need I say more? We managed to kick bend it enough to fold the step in and used a step stool for the rest of the trip. But now we're home and looking to repair/replace it. We're first going to try taking it off and hammering it back in shape. If that doesn't work, I'll order a new one. Does anybody know what brand of step was on a 2008 MB? I just called Lazy Daze and Todd wouldn't give me a part number, just their price. $218.14 including shipping to AZ. Ouch. Sorry for what's probably a repeat question, but the Yahoo search function still isn't operational. At least on this group, Techsnoz works just fine.Mary Lou
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #1 – August 28, 2014, 08:35:28 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148253" forgot to fold the step in. A concrete column. Need I say more?"When I purchased my LD used the prior owner pre-bended it for me. Was going to take it off and bend back but figured I would eventually make the same mistake. Every time I see a later model LD with the automatic power step am envious. Think I will look into eventually upgraded my rig to the power step if not too expensive.Bob 01 23.5 TK with tows in tow.
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #2 – August 28, 2014, 08:37:06 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148254A lot of us have been-there-done-that. When it happened to me, after removing and hammering it back into shape, I reinstalled it to use until I could get a new one. That was 10 years ago and the hammered back into shape one is still on, and looks and works fine.TomI forgot to fold the step in. A concrete column. Need I say more? We managed to kick bend it enough to fold the step in and used a step stool for the rest of the trip. But now we're home and looking to repair/replace it. We're first going to try taking it off and hammering it back in shape. If that doesn't work, I'll order a new one.
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #3 – August 29, 2014, 12:59:59 am Yahoo Message Number: 148257A lot of us have been-there-done-that. When it happened to me, after removing and hammering it back into shape, I reinstalled it to use until I could get a new one. That was 10 years ago and the hammered back into shape one is still on, and looks and works fine.TomI read where an easyer way to refit/fix the step is to hook a come-a-long to the step and pull it back into shape. Have not had to try it yet.
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #4 – August 29, 2014, 11:03:56 am Yahoo Message Number: 148261I once managed to bend our step toward the rear. I was able to do a home repair with the aid of my trusty assistant, who has a better foot on the gas for very slight vehicle movements than I do. I used a piece of 4"x4" about 8' long and wedged it between the rear of the step housing and a tree. Following my guidance, my assistant very slowly and slightly backup so that the 4"x4" pushed the step back into it's normal position. Worked fine for years after.WxToadMashed entry step Posted by: mlknackjm@... mlknack Date: Thu Aug 28, 2014 4:40 pm ((PDT))I forgot to fold the step in. A concrete column. Need I say more?
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #5 – August 29, 2014, 12:17:13 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148264"my assistant very slowly and slightly backup so that the 4"x4" pushed the step back into it's normal position."Clever, Ted!Andy BairdTravels with Andy
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #6 – August 29, 2014, 03:04:27 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148266Um. We just did the same thing but haven't left for our long trip yet so they're is time we hope to get it fixed before we leave. Trouble is our KalleAnke is our only home now Sandy VT
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #7 – August 29, 2014, 04:15:48 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148267"my assistant very slowly and slightly backup so that the 4"x4" pushed the step back into it's normal position."Clever, Ted!another way is to use a come-o--long.You do not have to worry about going to far.GeorgeRetired plumber
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #8 – August 29, 2014, 04:25:59 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148268Mary Lou, I posted recently about the same issue, a bent step, knocked out of shape by an errant 2x6. It would close half way. Took it to a recommended Camping World collision center where the shop mgr took a look and said, "let me eat lunch and I'll take care of it". He used a ratcheting device on a metal rod, securing one end of the device to a fixed point near the step and the ratcheting part to one side of the step. He ratcheted the step towards the fixed point and into correct shape, hit it with a mallet a couple of times, lubed it and set me home in 15 minutes and $45 later (min. charge).Chris
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #9 – August 29, 2014, 04:32:53 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148270Thanks, George. I could not remember the name of that tool used to bend my step into place. It was a simple variation of the come along tool.Chris
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #10 – August 29, 2014, 08:14:56 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148275Yeap, George, a come-a-long would probably have worked also. However, we were on the road and a come-a-long is not in my tool kit. I scrounged up the 4"x4". And I wasn't worried about going too far. As I mentioned, my able-bodied assistant has a great foot. Whenever we need to go up on leveling blocks, she is behind the wheel while I'm outside holding my hands "this far" apart. She's much better at it than I am.WxToadPosted by: spambox41@... milehioutlaw Date: Fri Aug 29, 2014 1:15 pm ((PDT))"my assistant very slowly and slightly backup so that the 4"x4" pushed the step back into it's normal position." Clever, Ted! another way is to use a come-o--long. You do not have to worry about going to far. George Retired plumber
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #11 – August 30, 2014, 11:13:52 am Yahoo Message Number: 148280Where does one find a "Come-Along", please?Bob Siegel Santa Fe New Mexico
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #12 – August 30, 2014, 11:15:55 am Yahoo Message Number: 148282Here's one of many sources:http://www.arizonatools.com/come-alongs-and-cable-pullersJoan
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #13 – August 30, 2014, 11:19:18 am Yahoo Message Number: 148283Pretty much anywhere that they sell hardware. Home Depot, Lowe's, ACE Hardware, True Value Hardware, Walmart, Harbor Freight, Sears, etc. Should be pretty easy to find. It's a very common and useful item.Dick
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #14 – August 30, 2014, 12:01:03 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148284If you only need the come along for one time you can rent it here: Equipment & Tools Rental in Santa Fe, NM 87507 | United Rentals, Inc.Will be cheaper than buying it outright and you won't have to haul it around.Bob 01 23.5 TK with toys in tow.
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #15 – August 30, 2014, 12:02:52 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148285"Where does one find a 'Come-Along,' please?"I think a Google search for 'come-along' will answer your question. :-)Andy BairdTravels with Andy
Road service on a toll road Reply #16 – August 30, 2014, 12:19:59 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148286http://rvdailyreport.com/owner/toll-roads-pose-headaches-for-emergency-providers/>Now here's some interesting facts about road service as it applies to breaking down on a toll road. Bottom line: call your provider first!Virtual hugs,Judie http://dorrieanne.wordpress.com
Re: Road service on a toll road Reply #17 – August 30, 2014, 12:39:24 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148288Good point, Judie, and that's a good article. Yes, it's true that in many parts of the country (especially in the east, where toll roads are common), the authorities managing these roads have sweetheart contracts with certain towing companies, and no others are allowed.But as the company representatives interviewed for the article pointed out, both Coach-Net and the various Affinity Group services (Good Sam, Camping World, et al) will work with you in such a situation, making sure that you are reimbursed for any out-of-pocket expenses.Andy Baird http://www.andybaird.com/travels
Re: Road service on a toll road Reply #18 – August 30, 2014, 12:39:54 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148289Or, if possible, stay off toll roads! ;-) This site might help to locate and avoid them, if that's a viable choice!http://www.fhwa.dot.gov/policyinformation/tollpage/Joan
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #19 – August 30, 2014, 07:51:23 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148296"Where does one find a 'Come-Along,' please?"Wal-Mart, Harbor freight, for best price.Lowes, Home Depot, Ace, any hardware.
Re: Mashed entry step Reply #20 – August 30, 2014, 10:35:36 pm Yahoo Message Number: 148301Google 'Come along winch"I've seen them at Home Depot, and Lowes advertizes them. Got mine at a local hardware store that died a few years ago. joel