Entry step rotted wood? May 27, 2017, 12:35:35 pm I'm in the process of replacing a rotten entry step. I am having a difficult time removing the door sill. I'd rather not damage it if possible. Any hints? I've searched the archives. I'm assuming that I should remove the metal entry stair and it's rusted bolts. Also, a problem, unable to budge them. Then locating the source of the original leak. Thanks for your help.
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #1 – May 27, 2017, 12:47:48 pm Had a leak in the foot box of the entry way. Fixed the soft wood board with Gitrot which turned it into petrified wood. The leak was obviously coming from the area in front of the box. Fixed the leak with Great Stuff expandable foam getting the little hose jammed well into the space. Squeezed enough stuff until it started popping out around the hose. Made sure the stuff didn't keep oozing out, trimming the little that did.Problem solved.Dave
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #2 – May 27, 2017, 12:58:45 pm The door sill looks like it is part of the Sailor door frame on my '88 MB. You will likely need to remove the door and frame. Removing the plastic strirp on the outside of the door frame should expose the screws holding the door and door frame on the coach. The remove the rusty bolts try a nut cracker, the Mechanics type that cut the nut.Or a 4-1/2 grinder with an abrasive metal cut off blade. Cut the nut and bolt off flush with the step metal angle.Before reinstalling clean the door frame sealing surfaces. My door frame was installed using putty tape as the sealant. The factory is currently using Loctite PS L40.
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #3 – May 27, 2017, 08:07:56 pm "rotten entry step. "In a prior LD i owned, the framework and plywood that comprised the step was simply untreated wood that had been painted black. Road spray from the front tires keeps this wood soaked during rains.To keep the water off, I used a spray-on, high quality rubberized automotive undercoating to cover all exposed wood.Ed
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #4 – May 28, 2017, 12:49:34 am Quote from: rodneyhelfrich - May 27, 2017, 12:58:45 pm To remove the rusty bolts try a ..... a 4-1/2 grinder with an abrasive metal cut off blade. Cut the nut and bolt off flush with the step metal angle.The 4-1/2" grinder, with a cutoff blade, would be my tool choice. Nut crackers are a hit or miss tool, after breaking a couple of them, I quit using them years ago. A torch and/or a grinder can remove most badly rusted nuts.I have never removed an entry step but removing the entire door frame would be something I would go to lengths to avoid.Too many things to screw up during the removal, especially knowing how LD well glues things together .I would try to remove the rotted plywood without messing with the door. If the plywood is captured by the bottom of the door frame, chisel the plywood out. The black stuff sprayed on the plywood is an automotive spray undercoating. After a few seasons of wet and dry, it will flake off.To provide protection for the new plywood, you would be better off fully undercoating it with an exterior primer and then painting it.Larry
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #5 – June 26, 2024, 08:06:13 pm Did you get the "rotten wood step" repaired? If so, any thoughts on how to do it. Same issue on my 2004 27' mid bath. Open to any and all suggestions from anyone!
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #6 – July 02, 2024, 10:02:32 am I had the same issue on my 97RB. Only portions of the step were bad. 1. Remove the metal step.2. Use whatever you can to stop or stabilize the rot. It is very difficult to remove the step without re-doing the entire entrance.3. Paint, coat, install sheet metal, do whatever you can to seal the bottom and sides of the step beneath the rig.4. Install 3/4inch ply on top of the bad step, glue it or screw in. 5. Drill holes for your metal step through the ply.6. Get two 1 or 1 1/2 inch wide by 1/8th inch thick pieces of aluminum or steel bar stock the width of the step.7. Drill holes through the bar stock, run your step bolts through the new ply and bad step.8. Cover with some sort of mat. I used those funky looking thick mats that look like dead grass.That's roughly what I did. Your mileage may vary.Chuck 1 Likes
Re: Entry step rotted wood? Reply #7 – July 02, 2024, 12:36:30 pm I have repaired a few rotted steps, usually caused by water getting trapped under the rubber mat on the entry step.The mat is glued down so it can't be easily removed to dry after exposure to rain, snow, or whatever source of moisture.Those repairing rotted steps should consider not gluing the rubber mat back in position, instead leaving it loose so it can be lifted and checked for wetness during the rainy season. Our mat isn't glued down anymore, it's a tight fit and does not move unless pulled out.Larry
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