Entrance Steps

[gunner]

Has anyone converted or replaced their entrance step from a single step to a two or three step on their classic motorhome? If so please provide details.
Thanks,

[Robfike]

Gunner,
We did exactly that. We went from the old vacuum single to a new electric two step. It is a perfect up-grade. The Quickie two step fits great, and works very well. Having two steps makes the first step-up much easier. The only draw-back that I can see is that it works just a bit slower than the old vacuum one. I purchased ours from PPL motorhomes in Houston, TX.
Good luck,Rob

[Chuckles]

I am interested in the same idea, but would prefer to retain the vacuum operation.

As I see it the step ALWAYS goes in on engine start whereas, from reading other posts, many experience voltage drain and occasionally failures to remember to retract the steps.

Is there a vacuum two step - step?

[Robfike]

The Quickie step also always retracts with engine start. They normaly retract with door closure, but you have an "override" switch which overrides the normal door close function. If in override, the step stays out with the door closed. But no matter what position the switch is in, the steps retract with engine start.
One of the reasons we went to the electric steps was due to a problem with the old vacuum unit. The vacuum unit has an electric soleniod valve to control it's movement. Our valve shorted out, and blew the fuse that has all of the "ignition on" hot items. This includes the alternator field! It was only after removing the alternator for inspection that I found the blown fuse and put the two failures together.
Good luck, Rob

[Geophilist]

Rob

Do you have the model number of that Quickie, or do they only make one two step?

Steve

[Robfike]

I've been out of town, but I will try to get you the P/N tomorrow.
Rob

[Geophilist]

Rob,

Thanks for looking.

How much trouble was it to install? Can you share any picts?

Thanks again.

Steve

[Robfike]

Geophilist,
The steps are the series 32, two step unit that I got from PPL Motorhomes in Houston. They had the best price by far, and have a great website.
The steps were easy to install. The hardest part on mine was getting the old step unit off. I could not access the bolt heads so I just die-grinded the bolts off from the underside. I drilled 4 new holes for mounting the new unit being carefull to go through the coach step framework.
The electrics just need a "full time" hot wire, an "ignition on" hot wire, and ground. You will also have an "override" switch. I put mine just under the 3 switches in the cabinet next to the door opening. This switch overrides the normal "door close-step up" function. If you are going in and out a lot this lets you just leave the steps out. No matter what position the override switch is in, if the engine is started, the steps will retract when the door is shut.
The original door jam close switch is no longer used. The step comes with a magnetic switch that senses the door closing.
The weather is lousy today, so I will try to get some pictures tomorrow.
Rob

[Geophilist]

Rob,

This is great. I have dealt with PPL before, I ordered a supplemental braking kit for our Toad. (Break Buddy).

One other thing, what is the distance between steps and the ground and the first step? I have a wife that is unable to step real high. I have made a set of wooden steps that I haul around, but to have something attached that would work would be great.

Thanks again for your help.

Steve

[Robfike]

Geophilist,
The distance from the ground to the first step was one of our reasons to switch also. With the two step unit, the first step is only about 9". It's great. The electric unit also has an amber light that illuminates the ground under the steps at night. I wired this lower light into my normal overhead "door" light switch so it will come on when the door light is switched on, or with it's automatic function.
Here are some pictures, I hope this helps.
Rob

[balrgn]

That looks Sweet!

[gunner]

Thanks for all of the information and pictures.

[Geophilist]

Rob,

The pictures look great and thank you for all of your trouble. It looks like it just might work for us.

The interior of your MoHo looks really nice. I can tell that AS really up-graded from my 82 to your 85. I think that they were really worried about keeping things light and cheap when they built mine.

Thanks again for all your help.

Steve