Steps not properly supported in the extended position

[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?

[xrvr]

Can you just put a bolt and nut in it?

[majorairhead]

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.

[HHPJ]

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

[ROBERT CROSS]

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?

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
🇺🇸

[uncle_bob]

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

[Bbelk]

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.

[emelaich01]

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.

[chrisnancy]

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 ...

[waninae39]

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

[StanA]

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
🇺🇸

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.