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Old 04-04-2020, 11:52 AM   #1
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1988 32' Excella
1987 34.5' Airstream 345
Livingston , Texas
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Anyone know where I cant get a new motor for 345 electric steps?

My electric steps by the front door have never worked and I want to dig in and replace the motor.

Anyone know where I could snag a used one? And if so, what brand/model am I looking for?
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Old 04-04-2020, 01:51 PM   #2
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1982 28' Airstream 280
Port Angeles , Washington
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I had the same problem. The factory said the steps were too old and would have to be replaced. There are lots of Lippert Kwikee parts on eBay. This is what I did to repair mine. https://www.airforums.com/forums/f31...-183003-3.html
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Old 04-06-2020, 12:12 AM   #3
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1987 34.5' Airstream 345
northern IL , Illinois
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It's a power window motor from a 85 Buick or something llke that.
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Old 04-06-2020, 10:08 AM   #4
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1991 34' Excella
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Does it look like this? It’s a 1980’s to ‘90’s GM window lift motor. They had left and right hand plus various output gear versions. Click image for larger version

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Old 04-09-2020, 10:30 AM   #5
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1991 25' Airstream 250
Oxford , Oxfordshire
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You can buy a Dorman Window motor which will work as a replacement. The reference numbers are on the forum. However, I think those motors had small plastic cogs which shred easily and I've never been convinced about longeivity. You could try though. You can just buy the replacement cogs. I think the original motors might have had metal cogs but someone more knowledgable than me can advise on that #BradKahler #MartinWarman #BobMiller #PeterHausmann

Kwikee have some excellent fault testing on their website or available on the web. It's worth noting that the problem can also reside in the control module and, if that is the case, you might be looking at replacing the module (now Lippert) plus the motor, door switch etc. I think the polarity and set up is different to the stock stuff.
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Old 04-09-2020, 10:38 PM   #6
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1987 34.5' Airstream 345
northern IL , Illinois
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Search Kwikee steps - that plastic gear issue 1991 25
I have a picture of the one I pulled out of my step
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Old 08-25-2020, 02:34 PM   #7
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Oakville , Ontario
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Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can specify the exact motor for the kwikee electric 2 step in my 345 LE?
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Old 08-25-2020, 02:41 PM   #8
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2007 30' Classic S/O
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Quote:
Originally Posted by parnek View Post
Hi, I'm wondering if anyone can specify the exact motor for the kwikee electric 2 step in my 345 LE?
Can you see any numbers on the motor? Picture might be best. Lot's of leads posted above.
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Old 08-25-2020, 02:43 PM   #9
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Amazon. No sweat.
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Old 09-15-2020, 10:44 AM   #10
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Ebro , Fla Panhandle
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Has anyone found the drive motor for the steps for the 345 LE, the one with metal drive motors.
Could you please post the numbers that you have found for this part.

Cheers Richard
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Old 09-16-2020, 09:02 AM   #11
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1991 25' Airstream 250
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Hi Richard - I think the metal cog version is the one available via Kwikee. I can't be certain, but I think it is made by AM equipment. I would call them and check and ask the question about the metal cogs/parts and also whether it is cheaper via AM Equipment direct or via another supplier.

The Dorman window motor i posted has the plastic cogs which disintegrate over time. Saying that, if the Motor is the problem, the Dorman replacement is a cheap easy fix (less than 60 mins) and you could put in another if it fails in a few years.

........note to self and everyone - be careful under those steps...disconnect power
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Old 09-16-2020, 09:03 AM   #12
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1991 25' Airstream 250
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Boom Sounds View Post
Hi Richard - I think the metal cog version is the one available via Kwikee. I can't be certain, but I think it is made by AM equipment. I would call them and check and ask the question about the metal cogs/parts and also whether it is cheaper via AM Equipment direct or via another supplier.

The Dorman window motor i posted has the plastic cogs which disintegrate over time. Saying that, if the Motor is the problem, the Dorman replacement is a cheap easy fix (less than 60 mins) and you could put in another if it fails in a few years.

........note to self and everyone - be careful under those steps...disconnect power
Something like this...you need to line up your step type to the correct replacement part
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Kwikee-1101.../dp/B005G21JP2
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Old 09-16-2020, 06:42 PM   #13
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1989 34.5' Airstream 345
Ebro , Fla Panhandle
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Thanks Boom sounds, I found them listed on craigslist here in the US.

I've got some clean up to do here over the next couple of days from the hurricane that blew thru yesterday and this morning.

So once I can get to the stairs I'll dive into them it detrimined what it's is that wrong with them, I'll see what is wrong with them.

Thanks for the details!

Cheers Richard
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Old 09-17-2020, 03:53 AM   #14
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1991 25' Airstream 250
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You can probably check the motor by taking it out and running 12v through it/taking it apart. It could easily be another issue e.g. the control module or steps binding in which case they won't retract. Check out the Kwikee test procedures. They are pretty good from memory. If you have to replace the control module, you may need to change other stuff e.g. door jamb due to polarity.....some time ago, PPL used to do deals on Kwikee steps
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Old 09-17-2020, 04:38 PM   #15
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1986 34.5' Airstream 345
choctaw , Oklahoma
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If you want to just replace the whole step ass, here is where I'm getting mine: https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/...ch-kit_3722616


I can tell in a couple days whether it's the right one cause my new one is coming tomorrow.
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Old 09-17-2020, 05:37 PM   #16
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1974 20' Argosy 20
Richmond , Kentucky
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Quote:
Originally Posted by choctawmel View Post
If you want to just replace the whole step ass, here is where I'm getting mine: https://www.pplmotorhomes.com/parts/...ch-kit_3722616


I can tell in a couple days whether it's the right one cause my new one is coming tomorrow.
The series 32 steps will fit. I installed the same one on my 84 310. Only problem is the new steps are not as deep so you have to fill about a 1-1/2" or so gap between the step and the door frame. You'll see what I'm saying once you try to fit the new ones.

Kwikee step installation on 84 310

Brad
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Old 09-21-2020, 06:13 PM   #17
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1990 34.5' Airstream 345
Seminole , Florida
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I replaced mine with a new kit, I purchased it through the Airstream parts department In Grand Rapids, Michigan.
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