The Grey Nomads Forum

Electric motorhome step

Philw said
09:43 PM Sep 11, 2014

Hi all. Wondering if anyone knows about this. Our Jayco Conquest step has been getting soft. It bends down when stepping onto it. I tightened the nuts to the chassis but it seems that the mechanism is worn. Took it to a repair yard yesterday and they replaced it with a Techna Nuova Mapa model. Apart from the stupid labour cost (never again) it flexes like the old one (they assured us it was normal) ,and doesn't retract automatically when we turn on the ignition. I feel as if I took a mercedes engine in for repair and got a holden engine back. At a Mercedes price. Will go back to them tomorrow. But... We have stood on plenty of steps like ours and they were rigid. Can we not buy the original electric step anymore? Has anyone else been through this? Do all these steps wear out after 3 years?

Thanks

Phil

Aus-Kiwi said
12:48 AM Sep 12, 2014

If it's a Holden it will be recalled by the end of the week..
How strong is the attachment points..
I'm not a lightweight person and ours flexes .. But it's always the same..
Have put the odd drop of wd40 or oil in moving parts ..

jules47 said
09:33 AM Sep 12, 2014

PhilC - we have an automatic step on our motorhome, and it actually broke away at one time. Had it fixed, but don't want it to happen again - so we have made two supports - they are two pieces of poly pipe (about 3 inches dia) - one piece is slightly smaller and fits inside the other, we drilled holes through both pipes at a couple of different levels, and use a long bolt pushed through for different heights of the step, depending on the ground.

They sit under the step and take the weight when you step on them - works a treat for us. No more bouncing, and no breaking.

deverall11 said
03:53 PM Sep 12, 2014

Last caravan show we went to had a look at Jayco fifth wheelers. All the one we went into had very very flexible steps to the point where I thought if I had the misfortune to buy one, the first thing to look at would be the steps.
Larry

Philw said
09:03 PM Sep 12, 2014

Hi Guys.
Thanks for the comments. Like the pipe idea. Took it back this morning and he is going to replace it. It has been fitted too low. We have to step up too much to get into van. Plus he is going to reconnect it to the ignition so that it retracts when we start up. One lesson learned here. Get a written quote before any work. My son is totally annoyed with me for not following my own advice. Ow...
cheers
Phil