Step recall 15-224 details after service

[jfaberna]

I promised some details after my Step recall was performed. I had Tiara RV in Elkhart do it and it looked like it should have worked, but on the trip home to NC, it failed and I lost a bolt on the second day of use. I called Tiara and they say they used the official Hickory Springs repair, so I'm guessing your fixes will also fail, so watch out.

I know what the problem is and I went to the hardware store to get $5 worth of parts. Their fix was to replaced 2 of the critical rivets with a bolt, washers next to the head and the bolt, and plastic washers/spacers between the step pieces.

Their bolts are normal bolts and all of mine were loose after 2 days and one fell off and I almost fell when I stepped on that step.

My fix was to get longer bolts with about a 1/2" of un-threaded space near the head of the bolt. basically the same as their bolt, but longer. The extra length is need so I could use a bolt with a nylon sleeve at the end of the threads.

This type of bolt should stop the vibration. I'll monitor it daily to see what happens. I'm calling Keystone tomorrow to report their fix doesn't work.

[CORattler]

Good info for those affected by the recall.

[Dmcgrew]

I replaced the entire step assembly today. Went to Camping World and they were so busy I took the steps home and installed them myself. Less than an hour of work and I know it is done right!! They are less bouncy but still have some movement when I step on them. I will watch them and see if the lower frame begins to crack again or if the rivits begin to bend.

I was in a hurry to replace the steps as my wife fell on them this last week and I received a little of the blame for the significant bruise she got on her posterior. FIXED FOR NOW!!

I also put flat nuts on the back of the screws holding on the wheel flairs. Hope no more lost screws!!

[MikenAngie]

Jim, would you post some close up pics of your repair? thanks

[jfaberna]

quote:Originally posted by MikenAngie

Jim, would you post some close up pics of your repair? thanks

I post pictures when I'm home.

[jfaberna]

I called Keystone to report the failure of their recall fix. Not sure what they will do with that information, but they gave me the usual of taking it to a dealer and document what happened. If I take it to a dealer, it will be with a written document of what happened, because I'm not removing my fix to show them their crappy fix.

First photo is of where the bolts were installed. Top rear and just below the 2nd step from the top. Note the bolt vs. original rivets. Both sides of the steps were fixed the same. Now what you are seeing is my bolts, since at the time of the photo I had replaced all bolts with the longer ones from the hardware store. Second photo is of the original bolt and nut sitting on a piece of cardboard just above my bolt installed. Also note in the 2nd photo that the nut is one of those with the nylon inside the top part of the threads to help with the bolt not coming off due to vibration.

ALL PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS FIX IS ONE I'M TESTING. IT IS NOT APPROVED BY KEYSTONE OF HICKORY SPRINGS. USE AT YOUR OWN RISK. I'LL UPDATE THIS POST AS I LIVE WITH IT OVER THE NEXT FEW MONTHS.

[Bigboomer]

Jim,

Sorry to hear that the fix failed. When I was at OK RV Ctr to get mine done I watched them and examined the bolt kit prior to them using it a d noted that they were using grade 5 bolts with flat washers, nylon washers and lock nuts in lieu of lock washers.

So far so good and the steps are much more stable.

Here is a link to the before and after pics.

http://s962.photobucket.com/user/myb...20Recall%20Fix

Hope your fix works better.

Les

[jlb27537]

Jim, sorry you had problems after your step repair. However, since Tiara did it, that is to be expected.

I would contact Mr Larry Long with the DOT. He is tracking the recalls on different RV's. His e mail is "larry.long@dot.gov" His fone number is 202-366-6281. This number will ring on Mr. Long's desk with out going thru the 1-800 BS.

Pls let him know the repair parts are nothing more than bolts from a hardware store and are of the wrong length.

Jim

[jfaberna]

1. I have emailed Larry Long about my experience with the recall.
2. My fix with longer bolts and lock nuts seems to be fine so far. Nothing is loose.

I update this post with any developments.

[mail2us]

Our steps rivets broke last summer on our trek West with Steve and Betty. We fixed ourselves with nut/bolt config and remain strong today. Unfortunate Keystone hasn't come up with a "true" fix.

[Rondo]

Dennis-- How about some heavier steps instead of the "spring board" ones they put on some of the units. I'll have to say one thing, the new unit steps are a whole lot sturdier than the ones on our unit! Saw this when we moved Ron and Terri Ames into their new Monte! Hopefully, the fix will make the steps a little more sturdy!

[jfaberna]

How big a deal is it to replace the Hickory Springs faulty steps with new ones like are on the new Montana? Is it doable by me or is welding involved??

[Dmcgrew]

I replaced the original steps due to weld failure on front bottom rail of mounting bracket about a month ago. They seemed to be solid with less spring and though I was on the right road. Checked them again today and noticed a crack in the weld again. The recall only replaces the step rivet and will not correct this problem. Now What? What steps have others replaced the originals with and had good luck with?