Maintenance of your RV Kwikee Step
Kwikee is the leading manufacturer of steps for the motor-coach, 5th wheel, travel trailer and RV camper market. If you own an RV, it is logical to assume that you are already using Kwikee steps at your entry point. It is essential to perform the periodic minimal care that is required to maintain the Kwikee automatic electric steps properly, to ensure years of trouble free operation.
The manufacturer recommends lubricating all of the moving parts (bearing, pivot points, slides, clevis pin and drive linkage ball) every 30 days with a good quality moisture and heat resistant penetrating grease, such as KwikLubeŽ. Furthermore, the manufacturer states that Silicone and WD40 are not recommended. They tend to evaporate and dry the mating surfaces, leaving them more vulnerable to the elements.
Wet, muddy, and salty conditions combined with road debris flung up by tires, all contribute to step wear and tear. You should regularly clean the mud, salt and road grime from the step, both on top and underneath. By doing so, you can elimate much of the material that can contribute to problems.
Although there have been many improvements and upgrades to the Kwikee step, including new electrical connectors that are waterproof thus minimizing the chances of moisture getting into the plug causing intermittent operation or shorts, it is a good idea to periodically check and clean all electrical connections. A small dab of di-electric grease in the plugs is a good preventative measure.
It is critical to maintain a good clean ground, since this area is one that is always exposed to the elements. Periodically the ground wire should be removed and cleaned then reattached. To get the best connection for the reattaching of the ground, it is advisable to scrape the chassis surface down to bear metal and reattach the ground wire with a machine screw, internal-tooth lock washer, and a nut (coarse threaded sheet metal screws are not recommended for attaching the ground connection).
Purchase Kwik Lube at Camping World:
Kwik Lube - 11 oz.
Replacment KwikeeŽ Electric Step at Camping World:
Kwikee Electric Step
Caution: The maintenance recommendations on this page are meant as general guidelines only. Always consult with a professional RV mechanic, your owner's manual, and/or your authorized RV dealer BEFORE performing any maintenance procedures. See 'Legal Disclaimer' below.
Legal Disclaimer & Caution: Before using any advice, and/or performing any maintenance procedures recommended on this website you should consult with your RV dealer, and/or a professional Motorhome or RV mechanic. The recommendations and advice given on this website are intended as general guidelines ONLY, and may not pertain to your particular make and/or model of RV or Motorhome. Use these suggestions, repair tips, and/or maintenance advice AT YOUR OWN RISK. Under no circumstances will this website, or any of its officers or employees be liable for any consequential, incidental, special or exemplary damages even if appraised of the likelihood of such damages occurring. The owners of this website do not warrant the information against errors, omissions or deficiencies of any kind.
