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Topic: step wiring modification (Read 423 times) previous topic - next topic

step wiring modification

I just completed the step wiring modification so the step would close without the ignition on.
I turned the HWH air system to off (for storage) and the air press front and rear is currently at about 60 LBS. A question I have, the step lowered and is now in the lower position, is this common wtth the air pressures reducing, that the step lowers? I know when I build the pressure back up the step works, but do I have anything to be concerned about?
Peter    Alberta Canada
'98 U320 40'  Build 5359 M11 450 HP, Aqua hot, Blu Ox

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #1 –
Quote
do I have anything to be concerned about?

Nope. When the air pressure drops so does the step!  :D  If we could get rid of all the pesky air leaks that mod would work all the time. After the air leaks down, the only way to get the step up is to just push it up and it will stay in place.
jor

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #2 –
Mine acts exactly the same way.  I did the step wiring mod years ago and wouldn't be without it.

Here is my question: why does the step drop down when the air pressure bleeds off, but it will stay UP when I push it up manually?  IF it is already up when the pressure bleeds off, why doesn't it just stay up?
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"It goes without saying..."

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #3 –
Pressure on the open side of the ram hasn't bleed off yet? Close side bleeds of first
Scott
Scott and Kim Davidson
If you're going to be dumb, you got to be tough.
DEGOIWKY
Don't ever get old, it will kill you
June 30, 2020
2001 U320 3610 Barn find
Build 5834

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #4 –
I know that when the air bled off with mine it would open which probably a good thing as if I open the door and the step wasn't
down it might hurt. Mine has never stayed up all night as the air  would blead out in about 4 hours.
Peter and Frieda Morin
1999 36ft. U320 Foretravel
Build # 5436
1998 Suzuki Sidekick Sport

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #5 –
Quote from: oldguy –
I know that when the air bled off with mine it would open which probably a good thing as if I open the door and the step wasn't down it might hurt. Mine has never stayed up all night as the air would bleed off in about 4 hours.
Excellent Point!  Perhaps the air step designer was actually smart enough to anticipate this very situation, and built in this action as a safety measure.  After your comment, I see the wisdom in the way the OEM air steps work, and I'll stop questioning it.    :facepalm:

Note:  Years ago, after I made the "step wiring mod" I got in the habit of switching the step to "always down" mode as soon as we got parked for the night.  That way I knew it was DOWN regardless of the air system pressure, plus it didn't open and close with a "clunk" every time we went in or out.  I guess that's why I didn't think of your scenario.

For those Forum members not familiar with the "Step Wiring Mod" who may be scratching their heads and wondering what we are talking about, I refer you to the link below:

Modify outside air step wiring to allow step to retract when ignition is off...
1993 U280 SE 40' WTBI, Build: 4359
C8.3 300hp, 6-Speed, Exhaust Brake
960 watts on the roof (6 x 160)
Sorento (or BOLT) on a Kar Kaddy SS
"It goes without saying..."
 

Re: step wiring modification

Reply #6 –
Gravity ? Uses air pressure to stay up and to stay down. Without air pressure, step is free to move in any direction.