RV is stuck with step extended. Help!

By Chris Dougherty
Certified RV technician

Dear Chris,
I have a 2011 Newmar Gas Class A. The steps automatically retract when the engine is started. They didn’t retract yesterday. The only thing that happened prior to this is the engine battery went dead and I started it from the house batteries. Any suggestions since I can’t drive it with the steps open? —MaryAnn

Dear Mary Ann,
The step controller has several inputs: the ignition, the magnetic or mechanical switch, and the power switch on the wall by the door. When the ignition is turned on, the default is that it is supposed to retract the steps. With it not doing that, I am concerned that there is either a connection problem, a blown fuse, or a controller issue.

Try using the power switch by the door. Cycle it to ON and open and close the door. When the door is closed the step should retract. If it doesn’t, that’s two inputs that aren’t working, so I would then try testing the incoming power to the step using a test light or multimeter. The owner’s manual for the step should be in the owner’s packet in the coach, which will show which wires to test. If not, the manual may be available on line at the manufacturers website. If there is no power to the step, then testing the circuit back is the next thing, starting with the fuse or circuit breaker for the step.

If there is power to the step, then it is possible that the controller or motor has failed and must be tested. The only way to get rolling with the step retracted is to go underneath and jump the motor to 12 VDC and try to move it, or disconnect the mechanism so the step can be manually retracted and tied up until permanent repairs can be made.

Hope this helps!