Step Above stair strut bolt broke!!!

[Daryles]

Guys, if you have Step Above stairs, check the strut bolt!!!!

This evening after arriving at our destination I was lowering the "Step Above" stairs. The bolt that attaches the struts to the stairs and provides lift support for the stairs broke!!!
The stairs struck me on my arm. Thank God my wife was standing back or it would have hit her on the head.
Sent Keystone customer service an email. Will follow up with a phone call tomorrow.
Recommend redesigning this to have redundant struts and bolt on both sides to preclude this kind of failure, possibly causing severe injuries.

[Daryles]

Update:
Asked Keystone for a replacement bolt. Told to take it to a service center. Contacted LCI customer services. They mailed me new struts and bolts.
Note: to install new struts/bolts, stairs must be all the way up.
FYI NAPA auto parts stocks the ball studs (that's what broke).
10mm ball stud. 5/16" - 18 course thread.
NAPA auto parts.
Part#: BK 735-1896
Lift support mounting hardware.
https://www.napaonline.com/en/p/BK_7...Input=735+1896

[CRUZIN 2]

Thanks for the info. and the update, this is a item to beware of and to check.

[Mikendebbie]

Thanks for the info, pics and links to the solution!

[Dave W]

We have aftermarket LCI steps without helpers so am not sure how these helper struts are attached. With that said, that 10mm x 5/16" ball stud looks pretty small for an application like that. While a 5/16" Grade 8 bolt itself would be plenty strong, that stud necks down to at least 1/4" and the strength may be no better then a Gr 2 bolt.


Many of these struts have the option of an interchangeable end fitting that will allow a bolt rather then a ball stud. Take a look here: https://www.mcmaster.com/standard-gas-spring-fittings.