Locking Stairs into Folded Position

[Scotty]

When working on the house batteries or battery box it is much easier if the stairs stay folded out of the way.

What's the trick to keeping the stairs from automatically opening out?
Scotty

[creativepart]

The only sure way is to pull the step fuse, if you can find it, or turn the ignition on. Some folks turn the engine on so the steps retract then they climb under the RV and disconnect the power connection to the step motor.

You might be able to put a magnet on the door contact? That's what causes the steps to operate. I'm not sure that works but it might.

[Morich]

you have to "trick" it into doing what you want! Our batteries are in the compartment at the steps and I often want the steps in when checking them so I go in, start the engine to retract them, shut it down and then jump out to the ground. Part of the plan has to involve the step kill switch.
It takes a bit to figure what to do on each as some will vary.

[Winterbagoal]

Originally Posted by creativepart

The only sure way is to pull the step fuse, if you can find it, or turn the ignition on. Some folks turn the engine on so the steps retract then they climb under the RV and disconnect the power connection to the step motor.

You might be able to put a magnet on the door contact? That's what causes the steps to operate. I'm not sure that works but it might.

FWIW, I just tried the magnet trick on my 2018 Navion, and it does work.

[tderonne]

I see this topic come up every now and again. On my older step, I just have to let it go through one "auto extend" cycle (first door opening after an ignition on>off event) and then I can just turn it off. I think the logic has changed since my step was built. I see "auto extend" mentioned in recent Kwikee manuals, suggesting it's still the same, but I'm not sure exactly what step we'd be talking about here. What step did a 2016 Navion use? Maybe I'll try the Navion owner's manual, haven't looked there yet...

[Wyatt]

Originally Posted by Scotty

When working on the house batteries or battery box it is much easier if the stairs stay folded out of the way.

What's the trick to keeping the stairs from automatically opening out?
Scotty

On mine, there’s a plug underneath the stairs, and you could just unplug that if yours is the same.

[Doug T]

Just put a magnet near the door switch near the bottom of the step.

[Wyatt]

Originally Posted by Doug T

Just put a magnet near the door switch near the bottom of the step.

Yep, that would work too, and hopefully no one will knock it off while your working on them...ugh

[Jakm]

Harbor Freight sell a magnetic tool bar made up of about a dozen little square magnet for a couple dollars. I use one for my step switch.