Atlas Steps Rattling

[Wkcarbon]

Wondering if anyone has experienced Atlas steps rattling at freeway speeds. I’ve crawled under the folded steps and can recreate the sound be pushing up on the upper step (which in this condition is inverted) and letting it drop back into position. There’s a stainless steel tab that it appears to rest against and I’m thinking that may be some kind of tensioning device to prevent this rattle.

Would love to benefit from others’ experience with this!

[WA_Airstream]

We have not experienced this (that we know). Our steps are pretty tight and don’t make much noise

[Wkcarbon]

Thanks for the feedback. If it's not much trouble, would you mind posting a photo of the little stainless steel tab on yours? It's on the left (toward rear of vehicle) when facing the stairs from outside. I'd post mine, but just put it in storage yesterday. I'm thinking that somehow ours is bent and no longer doing its job. Only way to tell is to compare to one that isn't!

[aftermath]

I will ask the obvious question. Have you considered taking it back to the dealer for a fix? Isn't the Atlas somewhere north of $240K? I would think that Airstream would bend over backwards to take care of this issue.

[Wkcarbon]

Fair question. The original dealer is 1500 miles from me and I don't have a local relationship. In the meantime, I called Lippert and they have been super helpful. If I get to a resolution, I'll post it.

[Zach05855]

The problem is not the steps, it is a well known issue.

The issue is the heat shield behind the steps.

I just attached a few bungie cords to the edge and the frame and problem is solved.

[Wkcarbon]

Great to know! Should I be able to move that heat shield manually to recreate the rattle? Is there a thread on this forum I could study about this issue? Many thanks!

[Zach05855]

yes, just tap the shield and you will hear it rattle.

There is a description with photos on the Atlas Facebook page.

quite simple just drill a few small hole along the edge of the shield and use some small bungies stretched to the steel straps.

[Wkcarbon]

Outstanding. Will do and report back. Thanks.

[Zach05855]

if you would like some pics, let me know

[Wkcarbon]

Saw the photo on facebook. And, you're so right. The minute I grabbed and and let go, it rattled loudly. Clearly, not a well executed part. Working on a slightly more permanent fix for mine!

[Zach05855]

My dealer did complete a permanent fix, but I left the bungies just in case.

[Wkcarbon]

My mechanical upbringing would not allow me to use bungees as a long-term fix! Attached photos show how I solved the issue...

Two struts now fix the heat shield, one to the bottom of the steps frame on one end and the other to the LED ground light frame on the other.

Thanks so much for this thread and the helpful advice!!