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Old 03-24-2008, 03:08 PM   #1
timandsusan
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Had to Tie Down the Steps!

We were driving from Denton, TX to Amarillo today with about 30 mph of wind on the driver's side of the Monty. Steering was OK but the step unfolded or opened twice from the force of the wind coming from the drivers side! The steps only unfolded to the first position but we finally stopped and tied the steps closed! Every trip is a new experience.
 
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:34 PM   #2
Waynem
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Guess we need a step lock like an awning lock.

Any takers?
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:43 PM   #3
rames14
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Tim -

We had the same problem last summer driving home from Colorado through Wyoming. We used a bungee cord after it came down a few times. Like you said, it's always something new.
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:47 PM   #4
OntMont
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We have been doing this for a long time. A black cargo tie strap with one of the S hooks reversed will snap right into existing holes (at least it will on ours). Ours would come down just from cornering on city streets. I'm not sure how many people have had this experience, but it is worth putting the strap on just to make sure the steps don't come down and hit something.
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:55 PM   #5
exav8tr
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Happened to me twice so far. I will tie up before I leave Tucson....
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Old 03-24-2008, 03:57 PM   #6
Jolu
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Tim,
Thanks for sharing your step experience. I will certainly keep this in the back of my mind. I seem to always hit wind.
Did you notice the step in your rear view mirror or when you stopped?
JB
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Old 03-24-2008, 05:38 PM   #7
stiles watson
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So far the only step problems we have had is failing to close them in the first place. But it sure sounds like something to watch. Thanks for the fix.
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Old 03-24-2008, 06:02 PM   #8
The Oldguard
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Phil, I will show you a great fix when we get to Tucson and will post pictures later.
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Old 03-25-2008, 02:04 AM   #9
nailbender
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Ours come down twice last fall driving through Wyoming. The first time I thought I forgot to put them up and a few minutes later they were down again. A bungee cord solved the problem.
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Old 03-25-2008, 03:05 AM   #10
timandsusan
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We had the same thoughts--we did not put it all the way in after we spotted it in the side mirror. The next time, we were sure that it came out on its own. Thanks for the tips--I will check with the Rally group on ideas when we get to Tucson.

Tim
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Old 03-25-2008, 05:13 AM   #11
Fire5er
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We have been using a bungy since day one due to the experts here and on TrailerLife.com. Too many have had accidents with the stairs unfolding while driving.
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Old 03-25-2008, 05:31 AM   #12
richfaa
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And we have to force our steps down..I don't get it???
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Old 03-25-2008, 10:03 AM   #13
hookman
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Our step are hard to fold up and down
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Old 03-25-2008, 12:14 PM   #14
HughM
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Rich & Hookman, I had the same problem with another SOB. I had come off a drive in a service station and evidently jammed, bumped, shoved the steps straight up. Looking at them they were OK. Put a tape measure on them diagonal and see if they are straight. Measure both angles and see if you get the same measurement.
Hugh
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Old 03-25-2008, 03:37 PM   #15
JimnJulie
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When we picked up the Monty the steps were very loose and opened every time we went out. Took it back to the dealer for the initial grumble list to be fixed. They drilled a 1/4" hole through the sides and put a clevis pin in to hold the steps closed. When we set up the clevis pin sits in a leg stand hole for the awning and is always there when we head out again. The steps were actually so loose that I asked the dealer if I should pour salt water on them to make them operate like the steps on our old trailer. He just cringed!
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Old 03-25-2008, 03:38 PM   #16
timandsusan
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Our steps were stiff when the Monty was new in March 2006, then I lubricated the pivots and it has only gotten easier to pull out and fold up. That includes the "automatic" mode that I am currently in. The bungee cord is being added to my list to keep the steps in while we travel!
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Old 03-25-2008, 04:49 PM   #17
dsprik
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Sounds like there is a wide variation in how loose these steps are. I went around a corner shortly after picking up our 3400 and the stairs flipped out immediately - without even hesitating. I can flip my steps out with one finger. I even had my steps flip out going around a corner once when I had the bungie cord hooked up - but the wrong way. Using a bungie cord on my steps during travel is not an option...
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Old 03-25-2008, 05:13 PM   #18
The Oldguard
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Ok here is what I did to stop the stairs from opening during travel.

To stop the stairs from falling open during travel you will need to pop rivet a piece of chain to the staircase frame, and then get a 2 inch long X 5/16 dia. Universal clevis pin with (6) holes and then (2) hitch clip pins to hold the pin in for travel. (See Pictures)

http://picasaweb.google.com/oldguard1/StairsFix
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Old 03-26-2008, 11:47 AM   #19
deadeye
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Oldguard;
Those steps were kind of dirty.... You are not suppose to show dirty pictures on here..... It is a good idea though. I used something similar only it is a clevis pin with a plastic covered cable. My son had one on the boat trailer to keep the latch on the hitch secure. It has a wire hook that goes around the end of the pin. Works great...
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Old 03-26-2008, 04:00 PM   #20
ggranch
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Simple and elegant. A very nice fix. I have not experienced self-extending steps, but will check to see if my SOBs will accept your fix. Thanks again. Bob
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