Step Problem and Replacement- UPDATE

[Rondo]

Well some of you know about the DW breaking her wrist when the bottom step of the four steps twisted and threw her off and forward. She had to go through surgery and have a plate and nine screws put in her wrist to correct the break and is presently going through PT. The plate and screws will be in her wrist permanently.

I've been in contact with Keystone and trying to work out something about replacing the steps on our 2013 3582RL. The steps had gone through the "Recall of the Recall" and the four bolts were installed replacing the rivots on the top two steps per the Recall instructions. Nothing had been done on the bottom two steps. The bottom step had no support welded or bolted to it, what so ever, and was very weak and twisty. We had purchased the step supports you rotate or crank up to support the step and had them in place when the accident happened because of the reason stated above. We had just finished up the Central Plains Regional Rally when this happened and we were going to take the unit back to the dealer for their examination of the steps and another item to be completed on July 1st.

Got a call from Keystone the other day that they could find no evidence to support any bad step even though Ron Ames had taken a video of Bob Greenlee(HoboBob) standing on the steps and rocking back and forth and the showing the give the step had and sent it to the Montana Division. Bob is a whole 125# soaking wet, if that, and if they give on him just think what they were doing with me coming down them and I'm at least a hundred pounds heavier. The step would actually give three or more inches when I stepped on it without the supports in place under the step when they were down.

I have ordered a NEW set of steps from Leach Camper and they will be installing them before we head to the Mid Atlantic Rally. They WILL NOT be OEM steps! I told Leach camper I wanted a heavier set with supports under ALL steps and that I also want to have the old steps to take to Goshen and show the Montana Division the problem since "they say" there is no evidence of any problem. I'll more than likely be contacting the National Safety Board also on this problem.

I'll let everyone know what the results are come the Fall Rally!

UPDATE(7/10/15)-- Got a call from Keystone today and they are sending a new set of steps out to Leach Camper to replace those on our unit now. I will be taking the ones they take off into Goshen when we head for the Fall Rally unless we decide to make the trip before then. I'll let everyone know what the outcome will be!

SECOND UPDATE (7/16/15)-- Went and picked up the Monte yesterday and Leach had installed the new set of steps on the unit. UNFORTUNATELY this set of steps are not much better than those that came off the unit. They are the newest model of steps manufactured by Elkhart Tool and Die that are now put on the NEW units coming off the line!

[jcurtis934]

I would also consult with a lawyer and have copies sent to keystone to aid in improving their brain cell function given that it is a step issue and not a careless move on you guys part. Or maybe it would be better to send a letter to good sam for publication in trailer life as a warning to others about a serious safety risk to all. That sort of thing seems to work very well. John

[DQDick]

I'd get a lawyer. Keystone tends to listen if it costs them money.

[1retired06]

Keystone sent me a recall notice, so they clearly know the supplier product is inadequate.

[jlb27537]

I'd call the CS number and ask for Stephen Holmes. They will probably have a excuse he is not available, ask to hold for him. 866-425-4369

When they said my emergency window latch was not available, I sent him a picture, said who had them, all of a sudden they found they had them.

Steve can make things happen, or e mail him direct @

holms@keystonerv.com

Also call Larry Long @ 1-202-366-6281, this is his direct line at the National Hwy Safety. He is tracking the recalls on RV's. Or e mail him @ larry.long@dot.gov

[Bigboomer]

Although we are usually not ones to think about suing or getting a lawyer, this would be an exception since this would fall under negligence maybe even gross since thus is an ongoing issue.

[The Oldguard]

Ron, Sorry to hear about Mary. We were just lucky that I was the one on the steps when they broke and not DW or she could have ended up like your DW…

Remember our steps are not on the recall list. They are a different brand…STEPS

Everyone else pay close attention to the pivot arm’s close to the main rivet we had ours break into about ¾ of an inch from the rivet and had to get a mobile welder come out to weld it back together.

Seven years with the old rig and had two of the rivet break and replaced with bolts but never had any of the base metal break/snap like this.

[Rondo]

Mike and Lorraine-- That recall that you received is for the upper part of the steps. They are replacing the rivets on the ends of the top and second step down with bolts and locknuts. They have had a recall on the recall because they were sending out the wrong bolts and nuts to fix the problem/s! They recalled the recall and sent out the proper bolts and locknuts on the second recall. We had that second recall done but this is a problem with the lower two steps and mainly the bottom step. We had the step braces(that you buy and can adjust in height to make the step/s more solid when walking up or down the steps) in place under the bottom step but the step still tilted back and twisted as the DW went down the steps. It actually threw her out about 4-5 ft off the step to the right.

[1retired06]

Really sorry you guys had to suffer the steps, and hope the wrist is healing up. Also sorry to hear the new steps you were excited to get are not much better. My dealer did the first recall, and of course the nuts immediately started coming off. Went to Ace, got some proper locknuts and fixed myself. Plus I brace that bottom step with blocks now as a result of your original post.

[Samiterry]

Step Recall + Broken Wrist = LIABILITY SUIT

[DQDick]

I just don't understand why they can't make a safe sturdy four step system. Their three step system was bad, but easily replaced with a great aftermarket replacement. Nothing is used more than the steps, if it's impossible to fix they need to go back to the suicide step, but I just can't believe that's the only answer.

[Twopetes]

Morning,

Where can I get a copy of the recall for the steps? or a link for it. Just want to review to see if I have to do anything.

thanks,

Steve

[jlb27537]

quote:Originally posted by Twopetes

Morning,

Where can I get a copy of the recall for the steps? or a link for it. Just want to review to see if I have to do anything.

thanks,

Steve

Steve, try this link:

http://www.keystonerv.com/media/2146...step_-_web.pdf

and

http://www.keystonerv.com/customer-s...-notifications

Jim