Regardless of whether your rig has “manual” steps or fancy automatically extending motorized steps, either way, your steps need regular maintenance to stay happy and healthy. It’s relatively easy, and inexpensive, and just about any RVer can do it.
What you’ll need: Spray lubricant. It’s best to use a lithium based spray grease. Rags for cleanup. A handy tarp or cloth to lie on (particularly if your steps are electrically operated).
How often? Some RV techs recommend doing this every month; but depending on your environment it may only be needed only every few months. The wetter the environment, or a rig taken through snow or dirt country calls for more frequent maintenance.
How to: For manual steps, simply shoot all the pivot points on your steps. Give a shot of grease to each pivot point, then fold the steps in and out a couple of times to work the grease into place.
For automatic steps, the same procedure applies, but you’ll also need to climb down below the rig and hit any pivot points hidden from your view above. While you’re down there, you’ll find a point where the motor shaft actuating the steps attaches to the step assembly. Here’s another moving part that can use a shot of grease. While you’re here, check the wiring to the motor to ensure it’s free of cracks and chaffing points, and that all electrical connections are sound and clean.
Finish up: Wipe up any excess grease. Tracking lithium grease onto the RV floor is a sure fire way to work on a future project: “The RV Doghouse.”
Safety: When working on automatic steps, make sure nobody opens or closes the door, nor actuates the ignition switch. Having your hand in a vulnerable place when RV steps actuate will lead to yet another RV topic: “Choosing a Hospital Emergency Room.”
Photo: Manual steps, badly in need of lubrication–note the rust spot on the pivot point in right mid ground. R & T DeMaris.
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