drop down entrance step repair

[jasper2222]

Does anyone have a source for the screws/fasteners that are utilized on the drop down step. I have a 96 25ft excella. Dealer has them, but they are about $9.00 each and I have several that need replacing. Thanks

What does a $9.00 screw look like?

[bake315]

As you know there are a couple of different types of screws on those steps - just purchased a few from my local A/S dealer, who had them in stock. I also replaced the insert and screw where the lower step hanger/bracket attaches to the upper step. There were also two washers - one a beveled aluminum washer that she had to special order for me.

I suppose one could try to duplicate these by going to the local hardware store and finding some to grind and cut and otherwise make fit (which is what the PO of my Limited tried to do - badly), but I prefer to stick with the real McCoy for this. Besides, I'm the guy that has to step on it and trust that it holds up.

[swebster]

What does a $9.00 screw look like?

I guess that's why there are called "screws"

[Porky Pig]

Originally Posted by Craftsman

What does a $9.00 screw look like?

Actually ... what does it feel like?

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by Craftsman

What does a $9.00 screw look like?

Ya'r kidding me?
Not tooo long ago it was only 7$ .
I thought that was pricey then..
I use some good ole blue locktight to hang onto mine.
53FC

[jasper2222]

I guess I need to just start the day off with a smile and get over it.

I appreciate the replies, who knows, someone still might come forward with the light in the tunnel.

[john hd]

jasper

how do you wear out the screws on the steps?

the ones on my '92 are holding up fine.

do you have a "open house" everywhere you camp with lots of visitors?

just wondering!

john

[53flyingcloud]

Originally Posted by jasper2222

I guess I need to just start the day off with a smile and get over it.

I appreciate the replies, who knows, someone still might come forward with the light in the tunnel.

Jasper,
I'll look into it for you..How many do you need?
53FC

[bredlo]

Originally Posted by 53FlyingCloud

Ya'r kidding me?
Not tooo long ago it was only 7$ .
I thought that was pricey then..
I use some good ole blue locktight to hang onto mine.
53FC

Maybe they're made by the same magical company that creates $600 toilet seats for NASA and $200 screwdrivers for the Air Force. At that rate, they're relatively cheap!

[Tarheel]

when you find them buy a couple of extra sets. Mine failed while I was on the road, used a no.10 flathead screw as a temp repair. I am now waiting for a dealership to open so I can repair the temp repair. It would be nice to have a drawing showing piece numbers on these steps.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Parts for the aluminum double footstep are not cheap.

Airstream price for that step is $730.00, in a box.

At least you get more material than the $600.00 KT lock.

I have attached an exploded view of the step. The reference numbers are important when contacting a dealer.

CAUTION: this drawing is for 1977 and up footsteps.

Andy

[Tarheel]

Thanks alot Andy it looks like I need a 2,12,13 & 10. Can't tell if the 13 is an insert, if so I still have the insert, or a washer.

[Steve Heywood]

How does one go about realigning their aluminum step? I ask because my step hangs down at about a 15 degree angle and I'd love it it were level.

[Tarheel]

Steve look at Andy's exploded drawing. Make certain that all the parts are there, I'm fairly certain they are. Next pull the steps out and lie on the ground. Look under the steps and to the side on piece 29 aft and piece 8 forward, I hope that is the right piece numbers hard to see, there is a notch at the end of the slot all the way outboard. The flatbar braces help hold the steps upright so that the fastner piece 14 will catch in the notch. My guess is that piece 14 is riding in the slot and not catching in the notch. This will allow the steps to hang and not be a stable platform when you step on it. There is also a aftermarket prop that a friend of mine makes that fits on the back of the bottom step and against the trailer frame that prevents the steps from moving. When my screw failed on one of my braces it allowed the steps to fall just enough that they wouldn't catch on the notch on one side. Hope this helps.

[Inland RV Center, In]

Steve Heywood.

Check the slots in the outriggers.

From your description, it sounds like they are severely worn.

When the slots become elongated, the step will droop downward, as you described.

The fix is replacing the outriggers, or welding up the holes, and carefully remake the new slots.

Andy

[Excella3287]

This is really a simple fix having gone thru this myself. Using an arch welder build a spot at the end of the runners, using a dremel grind it down for finish. Not complicated and only about 2 hours of time.