Bent Rear Step Track - 2004 Classic

[gklott]

Have experienced deformation of the rear step track.

First picture is of the front step track, which appears to be in good shape. Second image is of the rear step track, which is bent inward to the mount. Third image is a closeup of the deformed area. Fourth is how the steps natural deploy.

There is no indication of something hitting the steps are while traveling - no marks on steps themselves, no adjacent damage to skin, no black marks, no damage to other track area... When stowed, the tracks protect the track area.

We use the steps as normal, and we've not had them drop while traveling. We are both normal sized folks (<200 lbs), and we haven't "bounced" on the steps. Use has been normal in and out.

Luckily, the trailer is under warranty, so we will need to arrange for repairs.

Am wondering what might be the cause? Any suggestions?

Any guidance on what will be the possible repair strategies? What's involved?

73/gus

[74Argosy24MH]

In the last picture, has the step always sat at an angle to the body like that? If so the mount was probably damaged in manufacture. If not, the step probably wasn't pulled all the way out and the weight was supported by the point and bent it.

John

[gklott]

We think the step was always a "little" off, but the last trip is when we really began to notice it. When we deployed the stairs, we always made sure they "locked" out into position.

Can normal in and out traffic cause the steps to move up to the point? Previous trip we noticed that we had to "reset" the step into position after every few in's and outs.

Any ideas?

73/gus

[gklott]

Also, it is the top section that is bent the most, above the track.

Would the downward pressure of standing on the stairs cause the upper section to bend horizontally inward? Seems the weight would pull outward, not into the track, but it's hard to tell with the dynamic load.

Any clues?

73/gus

[74Argosy24MH]

The bar is the lock/positioner and the weight presses upward when you stand on the step. If it was never straight it was probably always bent, just got worse with use. When you get it back make sure it is square to the door and level and both sides are solid and feel the same. It is really just a hammer it back flat job, there shouldn't be much problem.

John