Replacing Retractable Step Gear Motor Assembly in 2015 Fleetwood Bounder

  • 03/06/2023 7:39 PM
    Message # 13122098
    Anonymous

    I am replacing the Gear - Motor Retractable Step Assembly unit in a 2015 Fleetwood Bounder. Is there a better means of  detaching the assembly unit without removing the retractable step?

    1 file
  • 03/07/2023 9:11 AM
    Reply # 13122528 on 13122098
    Bill & Laura Johnson (Administrator)

    I've replaced several step motors over the years and never removed the steps. If the step is blocking access, there is a cotter pin that can be removed to let the step move. Be sure power is off to avoid unexpected movements, which could be dangerous. 

  • 03/07/2023 9:58 AM
    Reply # 13122596 on 13122098
    Pete Baker (Administrator)

    When the service techs replaced mine at the Rally, I brought the slides in, and extended the front leveling jacks to max.  They had the job done in under 15 min.  Did not remove the steps at all. 

  • 03/07/2023 12:29 PM
    Reply # 13122842 on 13122098
    Anonymous

    Thank you for your responses. After discussing issue with my RV Mechanic, I was given two tricks to try before removing the steps. The issue is no access to the two back assembly bolts that are blocked by the frame. My mechanic is going to let me use his hydraulic, portable, lift which makes removing the step easy, painless, and safe. Again, thank you for your assistance. 

  • 03/08/2023 9:38 AM
    Reply # 13124033 on 13122098
    Anonymous

    To finish with my issue, Fleetwood used the wrong bolts to hold the retractable step gear - motor assembly plate to the step plate. At the advice of my RV Mechanic, I wedged a screwdriver in between the assembly plate and bolt to stop the bolt from spinning and unscrew the screws. I was able to remove the step gear-motor assembly without removing the retractable step.


  • 03/09/2023 8:28 AM
    Reply # 13125285 on 13122098
    Bill & Laura Johnson (Administrator)

    Before you condemn Fleetwood, you need to realize Lippert supplies the assembled step unit. Hard to imagine how Fleetwood would know the motor had a wrong bolt. This is an example of something Fleetwood would like to know so they can address the issue with the supplier. 

    You don't mention the year of your coach or if you are the original owner. Is it possible the motor was changed previously and installed improperly? 

    Thank you for posting the resolution so others are awar of it




    Last modified: 03/09/2023 8:34 AM | Bill & Laura Johnson (Administrator)
  • 03/12/2023 11:35 AM
    Reply # 13128550 on 13125285
    Anonymous
    Bill & Laura Johnson wrote:

    Before you condemn Fleetwood, you need to realize Lippert supplies the assembled step unit. Hard to imagine how Fleetwood would know the motor had a wrong bolt. This is an example of something Fleetwood would like to know so they can address the issue with the supplier. 

    You don't mention the year of your coach or if you are the original owner. Is it possible the motor was changed previously and installed improperly? 

    Thank you for posting the resolution so others are awar of it





  • 03/12/2023 11:53 AM
    Reply # 13128556 on 13122098
    Anonymous

    Sir, you are absolutely correct. I was too eager to blame Fleetwood for not using Fastener Carriage Bolts to attach the retractable step gear - motor housing to the step frame. I bought the 2015 Bounder in 2016 with 4,000 miles on it. I replaced the step motor and controller without issues. Using my RV Mechanic's suggestion of sliding a flat-head screwdriver between the gear - motor housing plate and step frame to create pressure on the bolt head to keep the bolt from turning, I was able to unscrew the nuts off the bolts. However, to install the correct bolts that won't spin while removing the nuts will require removal of the retractable step. Due to the age and mileage of the Bounder, I doubt the retractable Step housing has ever been removed. 

    Thank you for your response.


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