As part of my research for this article on the RV entry steps, during a recent campground stay I decided to perform an independent study of all occupants in the park that were part of the Holiday Rambler family. As anyone who spends time in a campground knows, these unofficial surveys are conducted in two parts – by peering out the windows at the neighbors, and while strolling through the campground under the guise of “working off dinner.”

It quickly became apparent that less than half of the RVers basking in the shade of this Rocky Mountain campground took advantage of a feature in the system that will keep the entry steps extended when the RV is parked. While this isn’t a requirement for campground stay, eliminating automatic step retraction each time the entry door closes will go a long way in saving on wear and tear of the step motor. If your RV is equipped with a power step switch in the cockpit, turn off the ignition, open the entry door, and when the step is fully extended, turn this power switch to ‘off.’ Turn the switch back on when it’s time to depart the campground. The entry steps will automatically retract when the ignition is engaged. If they don’t, wiring in the step system may not be tied into the ignition. In that event, it may be necessary to turn the entry step power switch in the cockpit to ‘on’ in order for the steps to retract.

Preventive maintenance of the entry steps ranks right up there with lubing the tow bar for a perfect cover when you want to keep an eye on campground neighbors. Most automatic entry step systems include a magnetic switch located on the entry doorframe to control the automatic function. This magnetic switch is generally black in color and contains two pieces – a movable piece on the door and a stationary piece on the doorframe. Use a soft cloth to occasionally wipe away dust and debris from both pieces of the magnetic switch to ensure that this feature is kept in working order.

Because the entry steps are outside the RV, road grime, salt and sand can build up to cause corrosion, and you should regularly clean the steps and the frame rail assembly using a soft brush. Manufacturer recommended lubricant will depend upon model year. Consult your OEM manual for specific information.

Entry step malfunction can result from water seeping into the electrical connections of the entry step system. Occasionally inspect the four-way and two-way plugs to ensure that all connections are dry and free of corrosion. Inserting a small amount of di-electric grease into the plugs is a good way to safeguard against problems resulting from water and corrosion.

Not wanting to be too obvious, I refrained from getting down and peering under the steps to gather some firm findings on what condition other entry step frame rails were in. Colliding with a stationary object, such as a tree stump or curb, can cause the system to malfunction. Use caution when parking near a curb, routinely perform a visual inspection of the frame rail components, and promptly repair any physical damage.

In some instances, opening or closing the entry door before the steps have fully retracted or extended may cause the control unit of the motor to shut down leaving the steps in a partly extended position. Avoid standing on the steps until they are fully extended and locked. Placing weight-bearing pressure on steps that aren’t fully extended can cause damage to the step frame and motor assembly.

My campground investigation didn’t turn up anyone lying face down in the dirt due to a malfunctioning step, but I still want to add a missive here that we should never assume the steps will extend each time we open the door. Get in the habit of a visual confirmation before taking that leap of faith. Failure of the automatic entry steps to open or close in any position accompanied by a clicking noise emanating from the control unit may indicate problems with the motor assembly.

I didn’t see anyone standing in front of entry steps scratching their head, but we all know that glitches are part and parcel of any electronic system. Careful examination of key checkpoints within the system will help you to efficiently troubleshoot a suspected electrical problem with the automatic entry steps. Keep in mind that RVs vary in make and model and not all of the following information may pertain to your particular automatic entry step system.

Located under the entry step on many systems, and usually white in color, is a magnetic micro switch that controls the indicator light at the dash. This warning light is provided as a safety feature to guard against driving away with the entry step in the extended position and should only illuminate when the ignition is on. Damage to the switch under the steps can cause the dash warning light to stay on at all times.

Approximately 12.66 Volts DC is required to supply adequate power to the automatic entry steps. RV batteries should be properly charged and maintained to assure proper operation of the automatic entry steps. Low power in the chassis batteries can cause the steps to work sporadically, or to only reach the halfway position before shutting down the motor assembly.

Use a test light when checking fuses and breakers to the automatic entry step system. Start by examining the 20-amp breaker at the rear run box (ensure there is power to both sides of this breaker). Next, inspect the 5-amp blade fuse labeled ‘under step ignition’ in the front run box. If the problem still remains, check the 5-amp fuse holder located under the passenger side cup holder that works to provide chassis battery power to entry step operation. This particular fuse rarely blows, but should be included when troubleshooting suspected electrical problems.

If adequate battery power is available and all breakers and fuses appear in working order, it may then be necessary to examine the wiring inside of the motor assembly for any signs of a loose or corroded connection. Consult the operator’s manual for your individual electric entry step system for troubleshooting and repair procedures involving the motor assembly. Remember to carefully record the location of each connection before disconnecting any parts or wiring for inspection and repair.

Okay, I’ll admit that this mission was more along the lines of Nosy Nellie than Official Fact Finding, but what’s a campground stay without checking out the neighbors? With normal care and maintenance, entry step problems will likely remain a moot point. But if an unexpected glitch does occur, you should now have enough information to help your troubleshooting go smoothly.