Electric Step Motor Replacement

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January 05, 2020, 04:07:32 pm

Hi, our step has failed. The motor windings look good but the brushes are worn. My husband thinks we should just replace the motor. The labels are worn off except one label with these readable numbers on it. 5073820, 031298 AA?G. We have no idea where to find a replacement motor, or replacement brushes. Any advice would be fantastic. I did look in the old files, and did not find anything there.
We have a 1998 27’ mid bath.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #1 – January 06, 2020, 12:52:00 am

Quote from: Kamani74 - January 05, 2020, 04:07:32 pm

Hi, our step has failed. The motor windings look good but the brushes are worn. My husband thinks we should just replace the motor. The labels are worn off except one label with these readable numbers on it. 5073820, 031298 AA?G. We have no idea where to find a replacement motor, or replacement brushes. Any advice would be fantastic. I did look in the old files, and did not find anything there.
We have a 1998 27’ mid bath.

I just finished removing, cleaning and sealing our electric step's motor for the third and probably the last time.
It stopped working last week after driving through several miles of snowy mush. The gear box has water in it and the motor was rusted tight.
The motor has an exposed vent hole and the gearbox is not sealed against water intrusion. The step was designed to fail when used in a wet environment. Our motor's brushes are worn but appear to still make contact.
Many times brushes will hang up on dirt deposits and not move freely, acting as if worn out when a good cleaning will put the motor back in service. Make sure the brushes' springs are in the right position, they can be hard to see.

If installing the repaired motor, seal the motor's vent hole and around the junction where the motor meet the gearbox with an automotive silicone, so it can be easily disassembled, if necessary, in the future.
Etrailer shows an upgrade kit for the 1998 and older Kwikee steps.
Motor Upgrade Kit for Kwikee Electric RV Steps Kwikee Accessories and Parts...

Etrailer has an upgraded motor and gearbox replacement for the the 1999-2005 steps that fits all steps built from 1999 onward.
Replacement Motor for Kwikee Electric RV Steps - 12V Kwikee Accessories and...

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #2 – January 06, 2020, 08:39:58 am

Larry, why not just protect the motor so it is protected from the elements?

Jane

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #3 – January 06, 2020, 11:59:35 am

"Etrailer has an upgraded motor and gearbox replacement for the the 1999-2005 steps that fits all steps built from 1999 onward."

Wow! Thanks for that link Larry. That may come in handy for my 2004, should it ever be needed.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #4 – January 06, 2020, 12:09:42 pm

Quote from: Jane and Scott - January 06, 2020, 08:39:58 am

why not just protect the motor so it is protected from the elements?

Building a cover around the moving parts would be tough or impossible and would block the lubrication points.
The new, replacement motors are sealed. The old motors are power windows motors adapted for step use and were designed to be used in a more protected environment. The gearbox is another story, it has no seals and no way to add them without a redesign of the gearbox. The gears are now lubed with a marine grease to fight rust.

I removed the entire step assembly yesterday for cleaning and the repair of a couple of the swinging arms that have had bending encounters with curbs and other hard objects. A little torch and hammer work should help straighten things up.

Our LD's interior step's mat needed to be removed to access the four bolt head's that hold the step up. Minor wood damage was found under the rubber mat, it has been cleaned and now coated with marine epoxy, for greater water resistance .
Water damage under the mat is very common if the rig is used in wet climates. Combined with loose or damaged steps below, the wood can be attacked from both the top and bottom, weakening the step area. Something to check out with older rigs.

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #5 – January 06, 2020, 04:13:26 pm

Thanks for the info! Our motor looks really good, and I think we can clean the grotty gears and make it work. But, my husband took the motor off separately and the brushes popped out and the springs disappeared. Any suggestions as to where we could find brush springs? 😲

Quote from: Larry W - January 06, 2020, 12:52:00 am

I just finished removing, cleaning and sealing our electric step's motor for the third and probably the last time.
It stopped working last week after driving through several miles of snowy mush. The gear box has water in it and the motor was rusted tight.
The motor has an exposed vent hole and the gearbox is not sealed against water intrusion. The step was designed to fail when used in a wet environment. Our motor's brushes are worn but appear to still make contact.
Many times brushes will hang up on dirt deposits and not move freely, acting as if worn out when a good cleaning will put the motor back in service. Make sure the brushes' springs are in the right position, they can be hard to see.

If installing the repaired motor, seal the motor's vent hole and around the junction where the motor meet the gearbox with an automotive silicone, so it can be easily disassembled, if necessary, in the future.
Etrailer shows an upgrade kit for the 1998 and older Kwikee steps.
Motor Upgrade Kit for Kwikee Electric RV Steps Kwikee Accessories and Parts...

Etrailer has an upgraded motor and gearbox replacement for the the 1999-2005 steps that fits all steps built from 1999 onward.
Replacement Motor for Kwikee Electric RV Steps - 12V Kwikee Accessories and...

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #6 – January 06, 2020, 04:23:11 pm

Quote from: Kamani74 - January 06, 2020, 04:13:26 pm

Thanks for the info! Our motor looks really good, and I think we can clean the grotty gears and make it work. But, my husband took the motor off separately and the brushes popped out and the springs disappeared. Any suggestions as to where we could find brush springs? 😲

If the springs are truly lost, it's time for a new motor, the brushes are custom fitted to the application and need to be an exact fit.
Get a powerful magnet and see if you can find the brushes.

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #7 – January 06, 2020, 04:37:34 pm

Thanks Larry! We have the brushes, just lost the springs. Trying to save the 200+$ for replacement. But have no idea what the springs look like and if there is a replacement for them. Great idea about the magnet! We will try that

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #8 – January 06, 2020, 04:54:25 pm

Quote from: Kamani74 - January 06, 2020, 04:37:34 pm

Thanks Larry! We have the brushes, just lost the springs. Trying to save the 200+$ for replacement. But have no idea what the springs look like and if there is a replacement for them. Great idea about the magnet! We will try that

I had the motor's springs removed yesterday, wish I had taken a photo. They look like a very small clothes pin springs.
I can't imagine where you would buy such a tiny spring, they are most likely custom bent for the application.

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #9 – January 06, 2020, 06:00:07 pm

"I can't imagine where you would buy such a tiny spring"

McMaster-Carr? Check out the torsion spring department--might be something there you could use.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #10 – January 06, 2020, 09:33:02 pm

Boy, this thread makes me glad I opted for the manual step. Thanks Steve (Newton) for the advice!

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #11 – January 07, 2020, 06:51:35 am

Ok, thanks for the great advice. Another question, how complicated is it to retro fit an electric step to manual? I agree that manual steps solve a lot of problems. Except for that big step down at the beginning to pull out the step and remembering to put it away before leaving. But we drove from the keys back to central Florida with a step down ( it was broken) and just were really careful.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #12 – January 07, 2020, 12:48:47 pm

Quote from: Andy Baird - January 06, 2020, 06:00:07 pm

"I can't imagine where you would buy such a tiny spring"
McMaster-Carr? Check out the torsion spring department--might be something there you could use.

Without the spring to match and no idea what they looks like, this would be daunting task. They are extremely small springs with complicated bends.
Either they find the original springs or will need to buy another motor.

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #13 – January 07, 2020, 12:59:34 pm

Quote from: Kamani74 - January 07, 2020, 06:51:35 am

Ok, thanks for the great advice. Another question, how complicated is it to retro fit an electric step to manual?

Replacing the manual with a power step is big project. Hanging the new step assembly is the easy part.
Getting all the needed wring to the right places is going to a complicated project since the walls are sealed .

-First fused power needs to be provided to the step.
-A wire from the ignition that is 'hot' when the ignition is 'on' needs to be run to the step's controller. This causes the step to retract when the engine is started, if it has not already been retracted
-A wall mounted, interior switch that control the step needs to be installed and wiring run from it to the step. This stage going to be difficult
-A magnet reed sensor switch needs to mounted on the door frame and the wiring run to the control box plus a magnet needs installation on the screen door.

Expect to pay big bucks for this modification unless you do it yourself .

Larry

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #14 – January 07, 2020, 01:13:22 pm

Possibly Kamani74 was inquiring about electric to manual conversion?
I'll be interested in this answer.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #15 – January 07, 2020, 01:24:43 pm

Following this thread with interest since DW wants an electric step and I don't. Wonder who will "win?"

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #16 – January 07, 2020, 04:08:49 pm

Yes, I am wondering if switching to a manual step from an electric step is feasible? The electric step is a pain.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #17 – January 07, 2020, 04:33:39 pm

Greg,
I HATE the electric step. I always wonder if it will stick out or in. I have no confidence in the motor assembly after repeated failures and repairs. It works after the last disassembly and repair, but when will it fail next? If there is any consolation, it is that it I can fix it. And then we wait for the next failure.
I would rather just lift it out and lift it back in when I need it. Manual steps are simple, dependable, functional, and reliable. None of those applies to my electric step.

Harold

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #18 – January 07, 2020, 04:33:51 pm

"Following this thread with interest since DW wants an electric step and I don't. Wonder who will "win?"

Hi Gregg

Even though some folks have problems with their electric step, I would Not be without one.

Larry W. has been quite clear about his dislike of this option, but read his posts, particularly the last few, it seems the arms were mangled and he gets a lot of stuff like sand and moisture in the mechanism. Maybe some of that comes from his kind of usage. Even though he hates it, so far he is keeping his wife happy. (Larry, I am not picking on you. No offense intended)

Contrast the potential problems of a problematic step against someone breaking an ankle trying to exit the Rv without an extended step. Or that someone always has to exit the rig to raise the step when leaving. Hey, why not add that there is rain or snow mixed into that situation. Not a pretty picture in my opinion.

I might add that for 16 years we have gotten along fine with our electric step. When we grocery shop on the road, it sure makes it convenient to not have to lower the step to climb in and not have to worry about raising it before we leave the parking lot. Yes, I use Kwickee's lube on the step once a month when in travel season. Yes, I don't drive off road in the desert. And I seldom have our rig on the road in snow.

We aren't getting younger and I have a wife that has had a shattered leg and broken ankle. I would do just about anything to prevent another event. Even if it means replacing a step motor....

Water pumps fail. Dump valves fail. Awnings break. Roof antennas forget to be cranked down. Lights stop working. Refrigerators and water heaters need replacing. Batteries fail...The only way I know of to not have problems with an RV is to NOT have one. And I might add that IF the electric step was THAT problematic, why would LazyDaze have it as standard equipment on their flagship 31 footers?

Without use of an electric step, I am climbing off my soapbox,

Steve K.

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #19 – January 07, 2020, 07:57:05 pm

Hi Kamani; What with the pros and cons of electric steps vs. manual, it is really easy to put back a manual step in place of the electric. You can generally just tape up the wires and ignore them. Just four bolts hold on the manual step. Assuming the bolts and wooden foundation are sound, and the bolt pattern is the same, it should be easy. I would do a more complete removal of the switchplate inside and wiring. As Larry said it takes a lot of wiring and switches to put one in. Already having that, I might just replace the motor and do the maintenance, to retain it as a 'feature'.
I have a manual step, and I've only had to 'sledge hammer' it back into shape once in twenty years. (a slow speed mishap off road, high centered on a rock.) I get out of a coach door and put it in/out for my wife. At home in the driveway I don't use the step. It is on the check list now after I was reminded on the hightway once that it was still out.(no damage) That off road impact and repair would have been impractical on an electric step. Simplicity is a good thing. RonB

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #20 – January 07, 2020, 08:09:06 pm

Thanks Ron for your advice. I guess we might as well bite the bullet for a new motor. Thanks

Re: Motor step motor replacement.

Reply #21 – January 10, 2020, 04:58:42 pm

Well after much research my husband actually found an exact replacement motor on Amazon. Here is the link:
Lippert Components 379608 Lippert Kwikee Step Motor Replacement Kit for Pre-IMGL Amazon.com: Lippert Components 379608 Lippert Kwikee Step Motor Replacement....
I hope this link works ok. The hard part was finding the replacement, it was a breeze to install. No fancy retro anything. It fit perfectly.
Thanks for everyoneâ€™s advice.

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January 05, 2020, 04:07:32 pm

Reply #1 – January 06, 2020, 12:52:00 am

Reply #2 – January 06, 2020, 08:39:58 am

Reply #3 – January 06, 2020, 11:59:35 am

Reply #4 – January 06, 2020, 12:09:42 pm

Reply #5 – January 06, 2020, 04:13:26 pm

Reply #6 – January 06, 2020, 04:23:11 pm

Reply #7 – January 06, 2020, 04:37:34 pm

Reply #8 – January 06, 2020, 04:54:25 pm

Reply #9 – January 06, 2020, 06:00:07 pm

Reply #10 – January 06, 2020, 09:33:02 pm

Reply #11 – January 07, 2020, 06:51:35 am

Reply #12 – January 07, 2020, 12:48:47 pm

Reply #13 – January 07, 2020, 12:59:34 pm

Reply #14 – January 07, 2020, 01:13:22 pm

Reply #15 – January 07, 2020, 01:24:43 pm

Reply #16 – January 07, 2020, 04:08:49 pm

Reply #17 – January 07, 2020, 04:33:39 pm

Reply #18 – January 07, 2020, 04:33:51 pm

Reply #19 – January 07, 2020, 07:57:05 pm

Reply #20 – January 07, 2020, 08:09:06 pm

Reply #21 – January 10, 2020, 04:58:42 pm

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