Electric Step
My 2000 National RV motorhome (bought new) has a Kwikee electric step that needs a new motor assembly. Both National and Kwikee no longer exist. I’ve tried to find a new or used replacement with no luck. Any help will be greatly appreciated.
Burt Olson, F252811
Polk City, Florida
Kwikee brand steps are sold by Lippert Components, based in Indiana. The website is www.lci1.com. The customer support email address is customerservice@lci1.com. The phone is (574) 537-8900. I’m guessing Lippert will be able to help you track down a part. If it’s older and something they no longer stock, try an internet search for Kwikee step parts.
Noisy Engine
In November 2004 we bought a new 2005 Fleetwood Bounder on a Workhorse chassis with an 8.1-liter engine. It’s been a great coach with not one problem worth mentioning — the very definition of bulletproof. So maybe a noise issue shouldn’t even be mentioned, but the fans that come on as the engine gets slightly warm are extremely loud. The fans have always done their job. The temperature gauge has never moved. But when I’m unable to hear the siren of a passing police car because of the fan noise, it seems extreme as well as dangerous. I’ve put up with this for 10 years now, doing what I can in the way of sound-dampening materials, double carpet, and a second insulated engine cover layer. It’s still loud! I’m open to suggestions.
Ed Antus, F380855
San Diego, California
You’ve already done everything I can think of. You could look into aftermarket electric fans that are controlled by a temperature-activated switch. However, they are noisy also. I’m publishing your letter in the hope that another member has solved a similar problem.
Flickering DC Lights
We own a 2008 Fleetwood Southwind 32V motorhome. The DC lighting in the coach occasionally will flicker from a brighter to a dimmer light. This does not happen all the time. I have checked the batteries and they are fine. This seems to happen more when there are several lights on. Do you have any idea what causes this and what the fix is?
Mike & Kristi Christoph, F401412
Dyer, Indiana
It sounds like a poor connection at a major terminal, possibly a bad ground. Start at the house batteries. Clean all the battery terminals and cable connectors with a mixture of baking soda and water, making sure not to allow any of the solution to seep into the cells. Then, use a wire brush on all the terminals and inside all the cable connectors. Reconnect all the connectors and test the lights. If this doesn’t fix the problem, work your way out from the batteries, checking all the connections along the way, and then test the lights after each connection is secured.