Automatic step retraction question

[Dallasrules]

Is there a way to lock the steps in?

There is a switch to lock them out, but I would like to be able to lock them in for a couple of reasons. First, when working on the batteries it would be easier to stand on the ground next to the door with the steps in. Second, I have been considering using some external steps and don't want to remove the existing steps.

I think this would be a general question, but my MH is a 2011 Vista 36D.

[Morich]

There is a magnetic reed switch mounted nest to the door which controls step movement. There is a magnet on the moving portion of the door, so we can trick the steps into thinking the door is closed if we place a small magnet on the reed switch!

I've never tried it but logic says one might also trick the controls if we added a strap between the two wires of the switch. the question there is whether the reed opens or closes contacts when the door is opened? I suspect the door open closes contacts but never tried it as my use was always for short term like wanting the steps in while working in the battery compartment under the inside steps!

A couple notes on things I've found? Don't use a super strong magnet to fake it as the reed is very weak and too much magnet can warp it, making it funky to operate!
Also if you are working in front of the steps, bumping the magnet off the switch will likely get your shins banged, so be alert!

[creativepart]

I use that magnetic step switch. I turn the steps "on" so that they go in and out with the door opening and closing. Then I put a magnet on the reed switch and the steps think the door is closed and fold in. Just leave the magnet there as long as you want the steps to stay in.

[tim myers]

You are correct Richard, a well placed magnet will keep the steps in, but it must be secure, if it falls off your shins are gonna take a beating when it opens onto you

[Ray,IN]

That magnet trick depends on if your reed switch is NO or NC. IMO it is more sure to just splice in a small off/on switch on one of the two reed switch wires. That eliminates the type switch and a magnet falling away.

[Morich]

But if one is looking for longer term stopping the steps, one way would be to pull one or more of these breakers?


Outside the driver's side and a few feet back from front along with mode solenoid and disconnect relay?

[tderonne]

A 2011 should be able to made to stay in with no magnets, switches, or breakers.

The "auto extend" feature makes it seems like they won't stay in, as they'll extend once after an ignition cycle with the switch off. It's described in the manual (including one from 2011 I found online).

To make mine stay in I open the door with the stairs "on" (from outside) stairs come out. I close the screen door, steps go in. I reach in through the handle opening flip the switch to "off". They stay in when I open the door.

[Dallasrules]

Originally Posted by tderonne

A 2011 should be able to made to stay in with no magnets, switches, or breakers.

The "auto extend" feature makes it seems like they won't stay in, as they'll extend once after an ignition cycle with the switch off. It's described in the manual (including one from 2011 I found online).

To make mine stay in I open the door with the stairs "on" (from outside) stairs come out. I close the screen door, steps go in. I reach in through the handle opening flip the switch to "off". They stay in when I open the door.

I will try this as it is the simplest to do.

[Dallasrules]

I tried this and it kept the steps out, not in. I think maybe if I put the switch in between a wire connecting the two posts it might work. I hope tferonne's method works though because it doesn't require any modification.

[Morich]

That does sound like a simple way to go but I suspect there are not many working that way! One problem with doing that is it leaves them open to letting you have the steps in and shut down.
That would allow you to open the door and step out with no step, so big liability there.
I have no doubt that it works as reported as there are tons of different step models to sort and lots of small differences.
Those I have had all seem nearly neurotic on the steps flying out, if I did not trick them!

[eyecando]

Originally Posted by Dallasrules

Is there a way to lock the steps in?

There is a switch to lock them out, but I would like to be able to lock them in for a couple of reasons. First, when working on the batteries it would be easier to stand on the ground next to the door with the steps in. Second, I have been considering using some external steps and don't want to remove the existing steps.

I think this would be a general question, but my MH is a 2011 Vista 36D.

If you want to permanently disable the steps, just unplug the connection to the motor under the steps. Cover the connections with tape to keep them clean in case you want to re-enable them in the future.

[wyocamper]

I keep a magnet stuck on the wall on the hinge side of the door, and I tape it over the switch with a strip of Gorilla tape. Keeps the steps in and out of my way when I need to work on the battery compartment.

[Ray,IN]

Originally Posted by tderonne

A 2011 should be able to made to stay in with no magnets, switches, or breakers.

The "auto extend" feature makes it seems like they won't stay in, as they'll extend once after an ignition cycle with the switch off. It's described in the manual (including one from 2011 I found online).

To make mine stay in I open the door with the stairs "on" (from outside) stairs come out. I close the screen door, steps go in. I reach in through the handle opening flip the switch to "off". They stay in when I open the door.

I also do it that way. I've had people tell me that can't be done, but that's OK, I'll continue anyway..

[dickb46]

It shouldn't be this hard to figure out.
if I want my stairs to stay in I turn the switch on and close the door and the steps come in, then I turn the switch off.

If I want the stairs to stay out I turn the stairs on and open the door, when they come out I turn the switch off.
Rule of thumb, get the steps where you want them and turn the "power" off...
dick

[Wilmic]

Originally Posted by Ray,IN

That magnet trick depends on if your reed switch is NO or NC. IMO it is more sure to just splice in a small off/on switch on one of the two reed switch wires. That eliminates the type switch and a magnet falling away.

I wired a second switch into the reed switch wire. Most of the time I just leave it in the off position. When I want to keep them in I turn it “ON”. This has been most useful when pulling close to a curb.

[Rixthe1]

With the door closed, crawl under and disconnect the wires from the stair motor.