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Old 10-29-2014, 02:37 PM   #1
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2010 27' FB Classic
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Steps falling off

I just set up in Port Aransas, and the steps drooped. It looks like there is a bolt from the outside that is missing. At first look I don't see a way to get to it without pulling rivets, which I have no tools for.

27ft Classic Front Bed 2010


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Old 10-30-2014, 06:06 AM   #2
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I've never trusted the steps. I always use a step stool available from camping world. If the stool isn't high enough I bought a higher one from harbor freight. I use both. Jim
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Old 10-30-2014, 06:58 AM   #3
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I have a little step support I put under the step to brace/steady it.
I don't really trust the steps. I'm a gret ole big un with a whole family of gret ole big uns-
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Old 10-30-2014, 07:21 AM   #4
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steps

Hmmmm, never thought about a brace or step stool.

I have a wood pallet that I added some wood strips (in the gaps) and put down 'AstroTurf ' on it. (stapled)
We use it as a landing, wipe your feet, sand catcher, cat claw sharpener etc.
The steps come right down to it.
It also doubles doubles as a tee off green

Ill post a pic in use next week, when in use.
Sweep it off and load in the back of the truck, reuse next campground.
Have a good one !
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Old 10-30-2014, 06:22 PM   #5
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We were on a very unlevel spot in Tennessee where when the trailer was level the steps were too high off the ground. The only thing I had was an oil change ramp I carry around in case I have a flat. It made an excellent first step.
We have been on unlevel pads in Mississippi where the coupler was on the ground and we didn't need a step.
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Old 10-30-2014, 06:27 PM   #6
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I was considering having the aluminum Classic steps retrofitted to our FC....they looked nicer IMO. Are you all saying that they're not designed well? I'm 6'4" 220lbs and probably would put higher than average stress on them.
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Old 10-30-2014, 06:33 PM   #7
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The steps on my 72 seem pretty firm, I have never worried about them. I am about 260...
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Old 11-04-2014, 07:17 PM   #8
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I have found the steps on my 2005 INTL CCD to be not firm . I have replaced at least one set of steps, but the current are not firm. The culprit seems to be the weld (of the frame member that supports the steps) has cracked. This is probably the same design on many years of TTs, so beware. I will need to get it rewelded in order to have secure steps again. In the mean time, and probably after, I lower the rig onto a wood block so that the step is supported,which is incredibly rock solid. I would recommend supporting the step to avoid any similar fatigue issues (I typically carried about 50 lbs in and out of the rig, often using the step).
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Old 12-17-2014, 09:37 AM   #9
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I believe that I had essentially the same problem with my 30 ft '09 Classic with S/O. It turned out that one of the bolts in the step mechanism had backed off, and as you said, there is no easy way to get to it. I took it back to J D Sanders in Alachua, FL and they solved the problem by going underneath and using a round hole cutter made a hole that would give them access to where the bolt is located. They put a new one in using LocTite on the threads to prevent it re-occuring. Then they covered the hole with a small piece of aluminum sheet and rivets.

No problem with the step since they fixed it. Works perfect.

Walter
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Old 12-17-2014, 12:20 PM   #10
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Had to 'change' the design a bit...

I also lost this latch 'bolt' on our step mechanism......


It's actually installed from the inside and screws into arm, it's not accessible with the step installed.
I got a bolt and nut from my tool box 'junk drawer, screwed the nut all the way down, ground and filed the threads off, removed the nut to renew the threads and installed it as shown,(from the outside), secured with a lock washer and red Loctite.

Also had to re-shape the notch it fits into a little. Four years and counting...SFSG.


On edit.....I've found the Classic steps to be robust enough, IF you don't loose your 'nuts'.

Bob
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Old 12-17-2014, 01:32 PM   #11
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I think you have to get into the opening beside the step one way or another. Ours has a riveted plate about 8" square on each side that is for accessing the step bolts. And I think it is a special shoulder bolt. You could probably drill the rivets out and then use screws to re-install. But rivet tools are cheap.
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Old 12-18-2014, 05:52 AM   #12
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Maybe Later View Post
I believe that I had essentially the same problem with my 30 ft '09 Classic with S/O. It turned out that one of the bolts in the step mechanism had backed off, and as you said, there is no easy way to get to it. I took it back to J D Sanders in Alachua, FL and they solved the problem by going underneath and using a round hole cutter made a hole that would give them access to where the bolt is located. They put a new one in using LocTite on the threads to prevent it re-occuring. Then they covered the hole with a small piece of aluminum sheet and rivets.

No problem with the step since they fixed it. Works perfect.

Walter

The resolution to my step problem migrated to a different thread. It was exactly as you propose and is repeated here for ease of access. Thanks for you input though.

Quote:
Originally Posted by Bbelk View Post
Two claws have been ordered so I will have a spare.

The scary project was the front steps and they have been fixed for free.

This collared bold fell out of the right hand side of the steps with no easy way to retrieve it.



So I cut this hole from the bottom in the black panel to the right of the steps.



Found the bolt and returned it to its proper place and then patched the hole.



You can't see it unless you crawl under there.

Now I just have to order the counter brackets.
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