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08-25-2019, 09:51 PM
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#1
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2 Rivet Member
2018 23' International
Seattle
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 30
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Steps not properly supported in the extended position
We have a 2018 23' International Serenity. Our steps failed and I need to figure out a repair, as we are on a long trip.
Not certain of the correct terms, but in the retracted position, there is an arm on both the forward and rear sides of the steps that extends up and back toward the upper rear corners of the step enclosure. The rear arm has a bolt that passes through it near its end, extending past the inside surface of the arm (see the first picture ... the threads can be seen). The forward arm has a hole for the bolt, but the bolt is missing (see the second picture). When the steps are in their extended position, the rear side of the steps locks in place, but the forward side doesn't due to the missing bolt (see the third picture). If the bolt was in place, it would guide the steps as it moves down the slot, then come to rest in the anchor position.
I suspect the bolt was not properly tightened during assembly, loosened during use, then fell back through the slot into an area that is fully enclosed by aluminum. Recovering the bolt would mean loosening/removing a small aluminum sheet just forward of the steps.
Any way to repair this while on the road?
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08-26-2019, 04:19 AM
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#2
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Rivet Master
Currently Looking...
Mantua
, Ohio
Join Date: Jul 2005
Posts: 7,062
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Can you just put a bolt and nut in it?
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08-26-2019, 04:31 AM
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#3
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Rivet Master
2019 30' International
Pennsylvania
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 1,242
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I'd call Airstream in Jackson Center and ask them how to remedy, or see if there's a local rv repair shop that would be able to do the fix.
__________________
If you ain't havin' fun you ain't doin' it right
2017 Ford CCSB F250 XLT 6.2L Gas 4x4 4:30 rear Leer Topper Ruby Red
2019 International Serenity 30 Rear Twin
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08-26-2019, 04:47 AM
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#4
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Stay Calm and Stream On
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Palm Springs
, California
Join Date: Sep 2017
Posts: 313
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We went to JC and had our step repaired. However we do not use the step much after buying this portable entry step as a temporary replacement until fixed. The step has a deep first step which makes exiting the AS much easier. Easy to lift and really solid.
The step fits nicely in the entrance when traveling. Never leave without this step. Only bring down the AS step to clean/lube.
Here is a link to the step:
https://www.amazon.com/High-Country-...ateway&sr=8-33
__________________
Stay Calm and Stream On!
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08-26-2019, 05:37 AM
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#5
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"Cloudsplitter"
2003 25' Classic
Houstatlantavegas
, Malebolgia
Join Date: Jun 2007
Posts: 20,000
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Quote:
Originally Posted by chrisnancy
We have a 2018 23' International Serenity. Our steps failed and I need to figure out a repair, as we are on a long trip.
Not certain of the correct terms, but in the retracted position, there is an arm on both the forward and rear sides of the steps that extends up and back toward the upper rear corners of the step enclosure. The rear arm has a bolt that passes through it near its end, extending past the inside surface of the arm (see the first picture ... the threads can be seen). The forward arm has a hole for the bolt, but the bolt is missing (see the second picture). When the steps are in their extended position, the rear side of the steps locks in place, but the forward side doesn't due to the missing bolt (see the third picture). If the bolt was in place, it would guide the steps as it moves down the slot, then come to rest in the anchor position.
I suspect the bolt was not properly tightened during assembly, loosened during use, then fell back through the slot into an area that is fully enclosed by aluminum. Recovering the bolt would mean loosening/removing a small aluminum sheet just forward of the steps.
Any way to repair this while on the road?
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What I did....used g5 bolt.
When we got home I took it out, screwed a nut down to the shoulder, ground the threads off where it contacts the notch to minimize ware at that point. Removed the nut, applied Loctite blue and re-installed. 8yrs SFSG 👍
I also filed the notch to better fit the bolt.
POI...it was also 8yrs ago that checking the steps and tightening and lubing the pivots became part of the regular maintenance schedule.🥴
Bob
🇺🇸
__________________
I’m done with ‘adulting’…Let’s go find Bigfoot.
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08-26-2019, 10:03 AM
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#6
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Half a Rivet Short
2017 30' Classic
2022 Interstate 24X
Carlisle
, Pennsylvania
Join Date: May 2017
Posts: 15,742
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Hi
Most (but not all as pointed out above) of the bolts on the step are very custom items. They also aren't very inexpensive. They do fall out / need to be checked for tightness.
One alternative source is to phone around to Airstream dealers. A few have a pretty good parts inventory and can ship a bit faster than JC can. Out of Doors Mart in NC is where I got my set of bolts for the step. It would not surprise me if Colonial in NJ also has the parts ready for fast ship.
Bob
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08-27-2019, 04:28 AM
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#7
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3 Rivet Member
2010 27' FB Classic
Austin
, Texas
Join Date: Aug 2013
Posts: 179
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This has happened to me three times. My fix is written up here:
http://www.airforums.com/forums/f366...ff-127219.html
The access hole made it possible to re-fix the problem on the road. I think I finally fixed it for good by adding some locktite to the bolt.
__________________
2010 27FB Classic
1989 190 Class B (Sold)
1977 29 Ambassador Land Yacht (Sold)
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08-27-2019, 05:51 PM
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#8
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3 Rivet Member
2017 25' Flying Cloud
Woodway
, Texas
Join Date: Oct 2017
Posts: 155
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Had the same thing (nearly) happen to us overnighting at Bennett Spring SP in MO. Released the step and the screw, a wavy washer and slotted nut fell out, fortunately, right below that side of the step. Didn't have an Allen wrench set with us (since added to tool kit) so used some blue Loctite and a small blade screwdriver to set things right until we got home. Un- and re-installed all of the little arm-attaching hardware with Loctite but still periodically check for looseness.
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09-18-2019, 09:00 AM
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#9
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2 Rivet Member
2018 23' International
Seattle
, Washington
Join Date: Aug 2018
Posts: 30
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Hi again. We are still on the road and the step you recommended is working well. The only issue is that the two steps are a bit concave which allow puddles to form when it is raining (not a big deal). I plan to replace the missing shoulder bolt after we return home later this week. Thx ...
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11-22-2019, 11:34 AM
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#10
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Rivet Master
2022 25' Flying Cloud
NCR
, Ontario
Join Date: Feb 2017
Posts: 3,107
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i bolted a 1/2" bolt between the step frame and the AS frame on each side.
That made the step extended much more stable
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11-24-2019, 10:19 AM
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#11
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2 Rivet Member
2019 30' International
Spring
, Texas
Join Date: Mar 2019
Posts: 37
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Quote:
Originally Posted by ROBERT CROSS
What I did....used g5 bolt.
When we got home I took it out, screwed a nut down to the shoulder, ground the threads off where it contacts the notch to minimize ware at that point. Removed the nut, applied Loctite blue and re-installed. 8yrs SFSG 👍
I also filed the notch to better fit the bolt.
POI...it was also 8yrs ago that checking the steps and tightening and lubing the pivots became part of the regular maintenance schedule.🥴
Bob
🇺🇸
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Hi Bob. Responding to an earlier post because I have this same problem with my 2019. Did you have to remove some of the panels underneath to fix this? If not, how did you get in there to secure the nut? Thanks.
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