She backed into the steps!

Click_here · 07-12-2018, 02:32 PM

Likely my fault for leaving the steps out while parked in the driveway, however who would have guessed the DW would back in to the drive next to the RV and (apparently) not use her side mirrors!

She came in quite distressed to say she was sorry. I asked for what and she said for ruining the RV steps. Well, not sure they are 'ruined' but they do not return on their own now and have to be pushed back into place. The entire steel frame supporting the two steps are bent to the left slightly. They don't actually rub against the vehicle but it is close. They come out OK but will not retract completely on their own.

My question is, since this has likely never happened to anyone on this forum before, any suggestions?

I was thinking of using a come along winch to try and pull it back into being a little more straight. Appreciate any other thoughts.

Dave55 · 07-12-2018, 02:46 PM

Thats a good start. You might be successful. If not the replacement steps are not that costly. Just save the the step motor, gears and controller and mount them on the new steps. Get the kwikee greaseun the can. It really helps on any binding parts.

ALJO · 07-12-2018, 03:28 PM

Have seen many bent steps in my life of RVing.
Just un-bolt the whole step assembly, then you can straighten each part which is bent.
Some companies used rivets, drill them out (they wear out anyway) and use stainless steel bolts and lock nuts for assembly.

bdreinv · 07-12-2018, 03:37 PM

Took my steps out on a big boulder in our front yard. Don't leave steps out any more lol!

RAurand · 07-12-2018, 03:58 PM

When my Trailer is parked in my driveway. If I have ANYTHING OPEN, I place Orange cones around so people can see them BEFORE they even begin to pull into my driveway.

Kim Gass · 07-12-2018, 03:59 PM

Tell your wife all is OK.. Seems many ( males) have made the same mistake
https://www.pinterest.com/pin/351984527097908359/

cabinetmaker · 07-12-2018, 04:09 PM

Don’t be too hard on her...that way first time you do something boneheaded she will be understanding so just Bank it and go on. ��

Now as far as the steps. These things are very important to be working 100% or your trips won’t be fun.

Like others have said, I would pull them off and buy a brand new replacement and install them so your back to new again.

Then keep the old one for spare parts in the future...motor, control, light, wiring, etc.

Or like someone said you can just buy a new frame and use your old electrics. ETrailer has them.

cabinetmaker · 07-12-2018, 04:32 PM

This might be the one...be sure and check the model number underneath the steps. Good luck!

bap · 07-12-2018, 04:57 PM

If you can take them off. A hammer and something that is flat and solid like a piece of flat steel, can be used to pound it back into shape. An adjustable wrench works good for bending metal too. It might work well or you end up replacing it, but certainly could be worth trying. If it works you have saved money, if not remember it could have been worse.

mikew968 · 07-12-2018, 05:14 PM

I agree with trying to straighten them first. Can always buy new.

rockaw · 07-12-2018, 08:04 PM

Just remember, it could have been worse.....
my wife could have backed into our RV steps.
.... try to fix, then ask you wife what kind of steps she wants in replacement...(she wasn't complaining about the steps was she?)

SloPoke · 07-12-2018, 10:32 PM

It's all good... I drove away with my steps extended on our previous MH, caught them on something I still do not know and bent the crap out of everything. Tell her new steps and a new tool to install them are in order.

in the wind · 07-13-2018, 07:21 AM

I tried straightening my steps when I bought it from the PO. He left his steps down at a campsite and drove off.
New ones retract when the ignition is turned on.
Those steps are darn near impossible to straighten.
Get a new set. etrailer.com has the best prices.
Look at the label on the underneath of your steps to get the right model number.
The replacement is a perfect bolt on.

Click_here · 07-13-2018, 08:31 AM

Love this site. What a great group of folks with good advice!

Hitting Northern Tool on the way home today to at least try and straighten them our with the winch first. Then if that doesn't work so well, can look at ordering.

And yeah, I assured her it wasn't a big deal, after swearing just slightly.

When she came home the next day, I had the steps lowered and had placed an orange cone we use to 'guard' our satellite dish sitting on the lower step. She appreciated the gesture.

Of course, if we replace, I have to reinstall those carpet covers on the steps which are a nice addition IMO. Maybe Northern Tool will have those super long zip ties...

Victoria · 07-13-2018, 09:01 AM

ours were screwed up when we bought our octane used. we replaced them. The area you screw into the frame was damaged too so we had to drill new holes. good luck.

2edgesword · 07-13-2018, 09:21 AM

That should be could for a couple of days of breakfast in bed

.

Wertles · 07-13-2018, 09:24 AM

Is there a place to source only the steps and not the whole unit? I bent mine a while back and while straightening them helped, it’s not really fixed right. It puts some strain on the motor.

in the wind · 07-13-2018, 10:24 AM

https://store.lci1.com/products/step...tep-assemblies

https://www.etrailer.com/?msclkid=bc...t=etrailer.com

shrpshtr · 07-13-2018, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Click_here

Love this site. What a great group of folks with good advice!

Hitting Northern Tool on the way home today to at least try and straighten them our with the winch first. Then if that doesn't work so well, can look at ordering.

And yeah, I assured her it wasn't a big deal, after swearing just slightly.

When she came home the next day, I had the steps lowered and had placed an orange cone we use to 'guard' our satellite dish sitting on the lower step. She appreciated the gesture.

Of course, if we replace, I have to reinstall those carpet covers on the steps which are a nice addition IMO. Maybe Northern Tool will have those super long zip ties...

A little tip when it comes to straightening flat pieces. Take a board (or other flat, straight object) and set 2 anchor points on it. Attach a rope (strap or chain will do also) to each anchor point and connect your winch to the midpoint on that rope. Pull from that point and it will flatten everything out to the board nice and even. SLOW and STEADY wins this race. HTH and good luck!

shrp

TWP723 · 07-13-2018, 10:52 AM

Grounds for divorce! LOL.

I agree with replacing them. But I'm picky.

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