Step Support Bolts. . .

[JeffandSuzanne]

ON A RECENT TRIP TO THE TEXAS GULF COAST, WE HAD ONE OF THE FLUSH MOUNTED BOLTS (NOT SURE IF THEY ARE CALLED BOLTS) WORK LOOSE AND DROP OUT OF THE "DISAPPEARING" FOLD UP STEP SUPPORTS. THE BOLTS HAVE A HEX SHAPED INDENTION WHICH CALLS FOR AN ALLEN WRENCH. JUST THOUGHT I'D POST THIS AS A MAINTAINENCE HEADS-UP. THE BOLTS OBVIOUSLY NEED PERIODIC CHECKING AND TIGHTENING!

[fphil]

We have a 1998 Excella 1000 34 ft FK and the same thing happened,so I check them from time to time. Replacments would be hard to come by.


Phil and Sharon Freeman 1998 34 ft. FK. Grandson Corbin, Chile the Sm. Dog 2001 GMC c3

[Silvertwinky]

I also think it's a good thing to check from time to time. I almost lost one of the bolts on a 1975 International we had. I just happened to catch it before the bolt was lost for good.

[thenewkid64]

While they may not be cheap, I am sure the local Airstream dealer either stocks or can get the replacement hardware as this step is still in production today.

[JeffandSuzanne]

Went to North Dallas RV and Randy gave me a 1/4"-20 Allen head screw that fixed the step. . . no charge! Thanks Randy!

[GREENovaters]

Uh oh.... I lost the bolt on the right side of my '98 34' and have wondered where to get a replacement.

[2airishuman]

NICE JOB green' finding a 7 year old thread on this...

that's mighty fine search'n!

Originally Posted by GREENovaters

...where to get a replacement.

these steps are STILL in production and use today.

a/s carries the FULL parts kit for these.

check IN the online parts manual on the company website here...

Airstream, Inc :: Travel Trailer Manuals

once armed with the part # any dealer can order the bolts.

the parts store has a section with 'step parts and bolts'

but normally u can only buy from them IN person.
________

consider using a threading agent (not glue) to reduce spontaneous loosening...

commonly referred to as thread compound, anti-seize, or nipple prep for bikes...

cheers
2air'

[oledawg]

OK, maybe a really dumb question, but I recently bought a '94 Excella 1000 and no matter which way I flip open the steps I only get one step to open and their are two ;-)

Looked at the owners manual...no help. Asked the previous owner and he said that it was indeed one of his unsolved mysteries. I am sure that there is a method to the madness.

Thoughts?

[adonh]

include a picture of the step in the open position with just the one step. Someone may be able to figure it out.

[oledawg]

Will do later today. Thanks.

[cwf]

Oh, you haven't been shown the secret 'handshake'!!!

Think of 'rolling out' the step.

First, release from stowed position
pull to full lock/extend
flip BACK/furthest edge of lower step UP while holding the FORWARD/closest edge down as you ROLL out the lower step...

Hope this helps.. keep fingers attached to your hands by being careful where you grab.

[RUMSHIP]

Think of it as the second step doing a summersault off the first step.

[TG Twinkie]

With the first step down and in position. Grab the back of the lower step, that closest to the coach. Lift and rotate the step up and away from the coach. It will roll out and down into position.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Couldn't find a hex countersunk...

Found a bolt in the "junk" drawer of my tool box with the same threads.
Ran a nut down to the head and filed off the threads that run in the channel.
Chased the threads in the capture nut on the step arm.
Filed the notch in the slide channel to a profile that would support the step.
Lock washer and Permatex red thread-loc to secure.

Bob

[arodriguez60]

They are available from ODMRV. They have plenty of parts for the steps. I machined mine before I found that they carried them.

[ROBERT CROSS]

Originally Posted by arodriguez60

They are available from ODMRV. They have plenty of parts for the steps. I machined mine before I found that they carried them.

But ain't it fun to Mcgyver....

Bob

[cwf]

Got the "kits"

From OODM. Replaced two of them.

Different from "stock".... The original appeared to have Teflon or nylon on the long shouldered female part. The new is clean. No coatings. It looks like a "blind" nut but of course it is not. It is a flat head with long shoulder.

The holes in ends of links are stretched a bit due to use and age.

There is a "wave" washer in the KIt that goes between the links an over the shouldered nut. It really snugs up the links making step more stable feeling and easier to deploy.

YMMV... This is expensive solution, but now I know how to make my own. I will make up my own KIt. Soon.