Excella steps?

Warren W. Wiley · 08-07-2003, 05:24 AM

The steps on our 88 Excella will not lock properly. I can see nothing wrong under there, but the steps tend to lock only on one side. Sometimes if you play with it a while you can get them to lock in, but they may not stay there.
Any thoughts before I get out the big hammer and go to work?

Happycampers · 08-07-2003, 05:50 AM

Hello.. Our 1976 Tradewind had the same problem when we got it .. Hubby got under and put a liberal amount of lithium grease and they work like a dream.. Annie

smily · 08-07-2003, 05:58 AM

Airstream implemented several types of steps. Can you post photos of steps on your unit?

We can better help you if we can see the steps.

Smily

Happycampers · 08-07-2003, 06:05 AM

Would gladly take some pic but it is in for some servicing.. it only has one stair with the lever on the right.

eikel1we · 08-10-2003, 10:29 PM

We, too, are having a problem with the steps. Ours, however, are refusing to come down. Ike couldn't see a thing when he looked underneath. The lever and spring seem to be moving ok but no release. He has gotten them to come down after MUCH exasperation. Ours are aluminum with the bottom step folding upward (sort of a rolling up motion) and onto the top step. I think you then give them a little lift and slide them into the belly pan.

Thank you for any help,

suz

smily · 08-11-2003, 06:05 AM

Typically the tracks will rust out.

Also there tends to get a wear spot from stepping on them over the years.

Check all of the allen screws that hold the unit together. The screws will sometimes back out a little and cause the steps to bind up.

If a screw is missing, this too can cause the steps to bind.

you can check this link to see if you missing something:

http://www.airforums.com/forum...ep+replacement

For more info on steps and repairs, just type in steps in the search line.

Smily

CO_Don · 08-21-2003, 09:35 PM

Like everyone, the steps seemed to be a problem on my '85 Excella. As a mechanical engineer, my first inclination was to find something to fix. I decided to play the Navy pilot approach and WD-40 the hell out of it and they have cooperated very well ever since. You will, of course, have different problems if you are from the rust belt, but try the easy solution first.

eikel1we · 08-21-2003, 10:28 PM

We remembered something else after our first post. One time the door wouldn't close . . . the trailer wasn't level. An adjustment on the tongue jack took care of it. Will check that out at the next opportunity, maybe armed w/WD40 also.