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Old 03-19-2019, 06:03 PM   #21
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2003 25' Classic
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Al and Missy View Post
Someone had replaced one of the bolts holding the steps to the outrigger on my trailer with a standard hex head bolt. Over time the nut loosened and the bolt wallowed out the end of the slot in the outrigger such that it would no longer hold. Following the suggestion of a repair post I found on here I ground out the end of the slot a little and bought the replacement part at the Salem rally from the Airstream booth. IIRC it was around $4. I had to bend out the bottom of the slot where it changed directions into the lock position to get the shoulder head bolt in and then beat it back into place.


I didn't go to the ODM web page, but an alternative might be found here:
https://www.mcmaster.com/shoulder-screws.

Al
^
X2

I had to file the lock slot profile and replace the arm stud with a hardened bolt that I removed the threads from where it locks in the slot,(threads would just hasten ware)....POI, keep everything well lubricated.

Bob
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Old 03-19-2019, 06:51 PM   #22
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Can you please post some pictures of this modification?

Quote:
Originally Posted by absteen View Post
On my new trailer, I have a custom manufactured bracket that a fellow Airstreamer loaned me that rests against the frame and body, and hooks over the back of the lower step. This takes the fulcrum weight off the lower step and saves wear and tear on the step, and possibly your booty. This unit is shaped like an "H" with a welded steel angle iron on one end for the step, and a bolt welded to a piece of round bar. the bolt is adjustable within the longitudinal rod for length, and the round bar engages the joint between frame and lower body panel. This takes all the spring out of that lower step,Andrew, K6STN
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Old 03-20-2019, 07:48 AM   #23
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Huntsville , Alabama
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On my dad's 89 excella, the corner of the swoosh rounded off and steps would not lock into place. He ordered new outriggers but before replacing them he took the trailer to a welder who built up the corner and then took a die grinder to square up like new. Worked for years until he sold it. Still has the new ones in the shed.
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Old 03-20-2019, 09:02 AM   #24
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I had to work on mine some when I got the trailer 81 Excella II. They work fine now. Looks like you could remove the lower step and rob parts off it to fix the upper step at least till you can get parts.



Here is a post I made a while back and they have worked since then.



http://www.airforums.com/forums/f475...one-92563.html




Perry
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Old 03-21-2019, 12:28 PM   #25
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This morning I managed to totally disassemble the steps. A few of the allen type bolts worked loose, but most of the hardware was rusted to the point where a dremel cutting wheel, vice grips and heat were required to remove them. I only had to drill one large bolt and used an easy-out and more heat to remove it. Two of the smaller bolts also required drilling. All the threads in the treads looked fine and were chased easily. I plan to order all the replacement hardware and reassemble (which should be a heck of lot easier than the disassembly).

I am considering using anti-seize on the hardware, in an effort to avoid future corrosion, and include a more detailed inspection of the hardware in my yearly preventative maintenance program, as well as torque checks every time I set up camp. Any comments or suggestions?

I rarely deploy the lower step, but when I do, I have a large block of wood which fits snug between the step and the ground. I'll speak to my machinist neighbor about fabricating an H bar type support.
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Old 03-21-2019, 01:22 PM   #26
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Originally Posted by the ponz View Post
Thanks for the replies.

So I looked at the Out of Doors parts page and found the necessary hardware.

Cost to replace all hardware, $292.40 for 16 points of contact.

Has anyone found a more reasonable solution? I will be visiting my favorite hardware store later today.
You want to lube those points every 60 days or so.

good luck
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Old 03-22-2019, 03:16 PM   #27
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Originally Posted by DaveP View Post
Can you please post some pictures of this modification?
step stabilizer bar info here

http://odmrv.com/catalog/index.php?m...oducts_id=1514
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Old 03-22-2019, 04:37 PM   #28
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I had a Torklift GlowStep, Revolution, installed in JC. They are a definite upgrade from the original steps. Very sturdy and adjustable for different terrains. They contact the ground so, no diving board effect when using them. I believe they make a special step system for Airstreams, so easy fit too. Here is a link for the Glowstep Revolution.



https://torkliftcentral.com/rving-an...iAAEgJU5vD_BwE
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Old 03-24-2019, 11:24 AM   #29
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Repair the broken or badly worn parts only. Lube all points with silicon spray. Keep lubed and you may never have another problem.
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Old 03-24-2019, 01:31 PM   #30
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Personally, I wouldn't look for parts at ODM. You can call the factory Airstream service center and ask the for an "exploded parts diagram" for the folding step. It identifies each part in the step with a part number. With the part number, an Airstream dealer with a decent parts department can order them for you. Later in my AS owner experience, I learned that it would be good to have some of these unique parts on hand so when the step breaks again, and it will, I can do the deed with no delay. I've owned a 1977 International, a 1991 Excella, a 1999 Excella, and now a 2007 Classic. The steps are identical on all of these. If you ever visit Jackson Center, the store has all the parts and the exploded parts diagram. I keep one in my trailer all the time.
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Old 03-24-2019, 02:32 PM   #31
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MORryde step

I broke my steps last year and had my engineers make these clip on steps that I have attached. We are looking to take them to the aftermarket for sales if interested. We are also currently designing a step that looks like the original steps but hinges and folds inside the door like the traditional fifth wheels are currently providing the end user. If anyone is istereded in taking a look and some drawings of the step that folds in please let me know. Also, I am hoping to be at Alumapolussa at JC in May with completed step for others to look at as well.
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Old 03-24-2019, 03:22 PM   #32
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My steps would fail under load...so I had new brackets fabricated & welded onto the frame. I believe they are aftermarket and available at JD Sanders Airstream in FL.
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Old 03-24-2019, 05:23 PM   #33
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Diagram
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Old 03-24-2019, 09:21 PM   #34
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Thumbs up

I tore mine off and decided to order a new set from A/S and I think it was about $500 bucks or so.
After ordering the new one I again decided to get a breakdown and set about figuring out what braces, bolts, washers, and you name it and ordered all the parts and rebuilt the old ones. Still have the old set of steps but they are around if I ever need them.

I would suggest rebuilding the ones you have with new parts. It may be a bit pricey but should be worth it. Some of the washers can come from the hardware store but the allan wrench bolts are not around as far as I know.
Lube them regularly and check the bolts every so often and they should last a long time.

One of the answers sent to you recommended getting a step breakdown by part number I would second that and to keep it in the trailer book.
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Old 03-25-2019, 08:59 AM   #35
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Thanks, where did you find the four legged step?
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Old 03-25-2019, 09:14 PM   #36
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Today the parts came that I ordered from Out of Doors. Cost was nearly $260 for the specialty hardware to replace 18 points of contact.

I would suggest that anyone who plans to do this repair take a few photos before disassembling the steps, as it makes putting the puzzle pieces back together somewhat easier.

I coated the areas where the smooth metal surfaces made contact with anti-seize compound.

I used blue locktite on all the threads

After installing the hardware, I cleaned the surfaces with acetone, then applied Penetrol to the exposed hardware faces. Penetrol is a paint additive which, among other things, prevents rust on clean metal surfaces. It can be found in any hardware store in the paint department.

All fasteners were tightened to "German Torque", which is "goot-an-tight".

I also dressed out one of the sliding slots on the outrigger that had become worn.

The enterance steps are now back in service and working like new. Good to go for another 30+ years.

Thanks to all who posted.
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Old 03-25-2019, 09:19 PM   #37
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out with bad; in with the good

$260 worth of hardware

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Old 03-25-2019, 09:24 PM   #38
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addressing the dressing

I had to clean up the worn slot on one side. Photo courtesy of Robert Cross

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Old 03-25-2019, 09:26 PM   #39
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stepping up like new

Ready for next month's excursion

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Old 03-26-2019, 01:44 PM   #40
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You can get a whole box of those flat head Phillips screws from mcmaster.com pretty cheap. I would use stainless steel screws.https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-flat-head-screws




Perry





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