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03-24-2008, 03:08 PM
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#1
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
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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.
__________________
F-250 King Ranch Crew Cab 2012, Single Wheel, 6.7 L Diesel, Transfer Flow Internal 50 Gallon Fuel Tank, Upgraded Ford Software for 50 Gallon tank, 2006 3475Rl with Mor-ryde King Pin, 2nd AC, 2nd Battery, Pressure Pro TPMS, Wet Bolt Shackle Kit
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03-24-2008, 03:34 PM
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#2
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2007
Location: Texas City
Posts: 5,736
M.O.C. #7673
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Guess we need a step lock like an awning lock.
Any takers?
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03-24-2008, 03:43 PM
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#3
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Montana Master
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: Livermore
Posts: 5,142
M.O.C. #1920
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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.
__________________
Ron and Terrie Ames - MOC #1920/KF0NTA
2021Montana 3230CK Super Solar Legacy Package
2021 Ram 3500 Laramie Longhorn, BIM Charging
4x4, SRW, LB, Crew Cab, Pullrite 3900 Hitch
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03-24-2008, 03:47 PM
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#4
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2003
Location: Haldimand County
Posts: 2,413
M.O.C. #122
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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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03-24-2008, 03:55 PM
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#5
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Casa Grande
Posts: 5,369
M.O.C. #6333
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Happened to me twice so far. I will tie up before I leave Tucson....
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03-24-2008, 03:57 PM
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#6
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Montana Master
Join Date: Nov 2007
Location: Canon City
Posts: 1,340
M.O.C. #7919
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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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03-24-2008, 05:38 PM
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#7
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: Leona
Posts: 6,382
M.O.C. #2059
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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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03-24-2008, 06:02 PM
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#8
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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03-25-2008, 02:04 AM
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#9
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2006
Location: Oakland
Posts: 887
M.O.C. #5811
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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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03-25-2008, 03:05 AM
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#10
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
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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
__________________
F-250 King Ranch Crew Cab 2012, Single Wheel, 6.7 L Diesel, Transfer Flow Internal 50 Gallon Fuel Tank, Upgraded Ford Software for 50 Gallon tank, 2006 3475Rl with Mor-ryde King Pin, 2nd AC, 2nd Battery, Pressure Pro TPMS, Wet Bolt Shackle Kit
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03-25-2008, 05:13 AM
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#11
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Montana Master
Join Date: Mar 2005
Location: Port Orchard
Posts: 1,153
M.O.C. #3403
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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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03-25-2008, 05:31 AM
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#12
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: North Ridgeville
Posts: 20,229
M.O.C. #2839
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And we have to force our steps down..I don't get it???
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03-25-2008, 10:03 AM
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#13
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Montana Master
Join Date: Sep 2006
Location: Kelowna
Posts: 1,475
M.O.C. #6237
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Our step are hard to fold up and down
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03-25-2008, 12:14 PM
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#14
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Montana Master
Join Date: May 2007
Location: Weeki Wachee
Posts: 814
M.O.C. #7219
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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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03-25-2008, 03:37 PM
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#15
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Mar 2006
Location: Sioux Falls
Posts: 291
M.O.C. #5590
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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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03-25-2008, 03:38 PM
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#16
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: San Antonio
Posts: 1,298
M.O.C. #5165
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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!
__________________
F-250 King Ranch Crew Cab 2012, Single Wheel, 6.7 L Diesel, Transfer Flow Internal 50 Gallon Fuel Tank, Upgraded Ford Software for 50 Gallon tank, 2006 3475Rl with Mor-ryde King Pin, 2nd AC, 2nd Battery, Pressure Pro TPMS, Wet Bolt Shackle Kit
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03-25-2008, 04:49 PM
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#17
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Montana Master
Join Date: Jul 2005
Location: Fort Myers
Posts: 5,933
M.O.C. #4282
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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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03-25-2008, 05:13 PM
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#18
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Montana Master
Join Date: Dec 2004
Location: YUMA
Posts: 861
M.O.C. #2625
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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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03-26-2008, 11:47 AM
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#19
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Jan 2007
Location: Cresco
Posts: 447
M.O.C. #6693
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03-26-2008, 04:00 PM
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#20
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Montana Fan
Join Date: Dec 2006
Location: Kingsville
Posts: 473
M.O.C. #6588
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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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