Popular New Guides Product Guides Tools Checklists My Rig

Results for "step retraction"

783+ Q&A Updated Weekly Free
Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide
Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 208 👍 2

Power Gear Leveler Won't Retract: Complete Repair Guide

Called Power Gear support and they said press retract after leveling, but my system deployed perfectly and now just sits there doing absolutely nothing. The system appears to receive the retract command since I can hear some activity, but the legs remain extended. The only way to get them up is by engaging the transmission which triggers the emergency retract function.

I need a systematic approach to diagnose this retraction failure. What are the most likely causes when Power Gear levelers deploy normally but won't respond to the retract command, and what's the proper troubleshooting sequence to identify whether it's a solenoid valve issue, wiring problem, or control module failure? …more
Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)
Exterior Medium 30-60 min 155 👍 1

Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

Apparently we're leaving for a three-week cross-country trip next Monday and my Kwikee electric RV steps are still having intermittent retraction issues even after replacing both the gear box and motor. My steps are exhibiting intermittent retraction issues - they extend normally but require manual assistance to retract fully, stopping approximately a quarter inch through the cycle without intervention. I've already installed a new gear box and motor, yet the problem persists.

What systematic diagnostic approach should I follow to identify the root cause? I need to understand the complete troubleshooting sequence for motor functionality, electrical switch operation, and mechanical linkage components. Are there specific voltage measurements, resistance checks, or mechanical adjustments that should be performed to isolate whether this is an electrical or mechanical failure?

Thanks,
Pete …more
RV Slide Out Won't Retract: Motor Runs But Won't Move - Fix
Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours 124 👍

RV Slide Out Won't Retract: Motor Runs But Won't Move - Fix

Planning to use the same motor running trick that saved my old Winnebago's slide out, but this new rig's slide won't budge at all. It extended just fine this morning, but now when I try to bring it back in, the motor sounds like it's working but the slide isn't budging at all. I can hear it running but zero movement.

I'm trying to figure out if this is a hydraulic problem or if I've got a cable system that's gone haywire. Could it be something simple like low fluid, or am I looking at broken cables? Don't want to mess around with it too much without knowing what I'm dealing with first. …more
How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide
Exterior Easy 15 minutes 94 👍

How to Replace Your RV Door Awning Motor Cap: Step-by-Step Guide

I tried getting answers about my RV sideswipe damage but my insurance adjuster says it's totaled, three body shops say fixable, and forums are completely split. The coward took off at the highway exit before I could get his plates. Damage is to the bay doors and right front corner cap area - looks pretty ugly but the RV is still drivable. Police never showed up despite multiple calls over 4 hours of waiting. Already filed with insurance and sent photos, but I'm wondering what I should be looking for beyond the obvious visible damage. This is my first accident in 8 years of RVing and I'm stressed about hidden issues I might miss. Any advice on what to inspect or document before the adjuster comes out? …more
RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric
Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 92 👍

RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric

Apparently my RV manual says to replace the entire awning when the fabric tears, but everyone online seems to just patch or swap the fabric instead. My 2020 motorhome's awning fabric has developed a few tears - some small ones that are maybe 4-5 inches, but also a couple larger rips. The fabric also feels kind of stiff and brittle in places, especially where it's been exposed to the most sun.

I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt repairs or just bite the bullet and replace the fabric entirely. The frame itself seems to be in decent shape, so I think I'd only need new fabric rather than a whole new awning system. I've seen repair tapes advertised but I'm not sure if they actually work or how long they last.

What's the general rule of thumb for when awning fabric can be repaired versus when replacement makes more sense? And if I do need to replace just the fabric, what should I expect to pay for something decent? Thanks for any advice - I really don't want to make the wrong choice here! …more
How to Disable Girard GG1000 Awning Motion Sensor
Exterior Easy 5 minutes 81 👍

How to Disable Girard GG1000 Awning Motion Sensor

Spent the weekend camping only to have that piercing beep from my Girard GG1000 awning motion sensor going off constantly in the wind. I have a 2025 Tiffin Wayfarer with a Girard GG1000 awning and I'm trying to install support poles and a sunshade, but this darn motion sensor keeps retracting the awning every time I get near it or try to attach anything.

I've looked through the manual twice and can't find any clear instructions on how to temporarily disable the motion sensor. I know there has to be a way to turn it off so I can actually use my awning accessories without it constantly thinking something's wrong and pulling itself back in.

Does anyone know the exact steps to disable the motion sensor on the GG1000? I just need it off long enough to get my support poles and sunshade attached, then I'd like to turn it back on for normal operation. …more

Still stuck on this repair?

Get a personalized answer from a verified RV mechanic. Describe your issue and get step-by-step help.

Chat with an RV Mechanic
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
RV Electric Awning Won't Retract Fully: Fix Bunching and Alignment Issues with Easy Steps
Exterior Medium 45 minutes 81 👍

RV Electric Awning Won't Retract Fully: Fix Bunching and Alignment Issues with Easy Steps

Woke up to my electric awning stuck 2 feet short of fully retracting, now I'm standing in the RV parts store staring at motors and alignment tools with zero clue which one I need. During the retraction process, I've observed the fabric bunching up significantly on one side while the opposite side appears to retract normally.

The motor continues to run when this occurs, suggesting it's not a power issue. I suspect this may be related to fabric tension irregularities or potential misalignment in the awning arm mechanism, but I need to confirm the root cause and understand the proper correction procedure.

What are the most likely causes of this partial retraction with uneven fabric bunching, and what systematic troubleshooting steps should I follow to resolve this issue? …more
How to Replace Kwikee Super Slide II Drive Wheels - Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide
General Easy 1-2 hours 80 👍

How to Replace Kwikee Super Slide II Drive Wheels - Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide

Planning to tackle my Kwikee Super Slide II drive wheel replacement myself versus paying a shop $300+ after they started making that awful metal-on-metal chattering noise. I've found pieces of old rubber near the slides where it's completely broken off the wheel cores.

I've looked into replacement OEM parts which cost around $75 per wheel, and I would need 8 wheels replaced. I've discovered a DIY repair method using a PMC-790 urethane rubber kit that could potentially fix this for much less. The total repair materials cost me about $134, compared to $600 for new wheels.

My repair process involved creating custom molds using 2-inch PVC test caps, 2.5-inch and 5/8-inch hole saws, and mixing urethane rubber in a specific 2:1 ratio. I even added blue colorant for fun. Has anyone else tried a similar approach to restoring these drive wheels? …more
Kwikee Steps Won't Extend: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide
Exterior Medium 1-2 hours 77 👍

Kwikee Steps Won't Extend: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Every time I open my RV door these Kwikee steps stay stuck at 90% retracted — should I drop $300+ on replacements or try fixing first?

I'm pretty sure this is either a motor that's given up the ghost or something's binding up in the linkage, but I'd love some confirmation before I start throwing parts at it. Should I be checking for 12V at the motor first, or am I overthinking this? And while we're at it, any preventive maintenance I should do to keep this from happening again? Because apparently my RV has commitment issues with working components. …more
RV Electric Steps Won't Retract - Sensor Location & Fix
Electrical Medium 45 minutes 72 👍

RV Electric Steps Won't Retract - Sensor Location & Fix

Before I could even get out of the campground, my RV's electric steps won't auto-retract when starting the engine, they're stuck extended, AND only the manual button works. The steps still work fine otherwise - they extend and retract when I use the switch.

I'm thinking it's probably a sensor issue since the motor and mechanism work fine. Where is the ignition sensor located and how do I check if it's working? Is there a specific wire I should be looking at? …more
Lippert 10540 Controller Replacement: Complete Guide & Alternatives for RV Owners
Appliances Medium 2-4 hours 68 👍

Lippert 10540 Controller Replacement: Complete Guide & Alternatives for RV Owners

Nobody warned me that my Lippert 10540 controller would go rogue and start randomly cycling through all the slide positions without me touching anything. My 2006 Damon Tuscany's Lippert 10540 controller has officially given up the ghost, and of course it's been discontinued because why would anything in RV life be simple, right?

I'm staring at this dead piece of technology wondering if I'm supposed to perform some sort of RV séance to bring it back to life, or if there are actually some real-world solutions out there. Are there compatible aftermarket controllers that won't cost me my firstborn? Can I upgrade to something newer that'll actually work with my ancient leveling system? I'm even desperate enough to consider salvage yard hunting at this point - because nothing says "living the dream" like dumpster diving for RV parts!

Anyone else survived this particular brand of RV karma and lived to tell the tale? …more
Fix Power Gear Leveling Jack Alarm That Won't Stop
Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 59 👍

Fix Power Gear Leveling Jack Alarm That Won't Stop

Power Gear leveling jack alarm started screaming at 3 AM in the campground and won't stop no matter what I press. Jacks are fully retracted, nothing is obstructed, and the control panel just keeps beeping. Disconnected the battery to shut it up but need an actual fix. …more
Replace RV Step Motor & Gearbox Together or Separately?
Electrical Medium 2-3 hours 55 👍

Replace RV Step Motor & Gearbox Together or Separately?

Halfway through our last camping trip, my husband pointed out that grinding noise from our RV step, and now I'm completely torn between replacing the motor and gearbox together or separately. I'm pretty new to RV ownership and need some guidance. My single entry step on my 2019 Jayco Redhawk 25R Class C has stopped working properly. The motor still runs and sounds normal, but the step won't extend or retract - I'm guessing the gearbox inside has stripped gears or something? I can hear the motor running but nothing happens. My question is whether I should just replace the gearbox part that seems broken, or if I should do both the motor and gearbox together while I'm at it? I keep hearing about Murphy's Law in RV forums and I'm worried the motor might fail right after I fix the gearbox! What would experienced RV owners recommend? Thanks for your patience with a newbie! …more

Need a second opinion?

Not sure if this applies to your rig? An RV technician can confirm the fix for your specific make and model.

Ask an RV Expert
27708 RV owners helped · Avg response under 5 min
RV Entry Steps Motor Won't Stop Running - Quick Fix Guide
Electrical Easy 45 minutes 40 👍

RV Entry Steps Motor Won't Stop Running - Quick Fix Guide

Every fix I've tried — replaced the relay, cleaned the limit switches, checked the wiring harness — but my 2016 Coachman Mirada 35BH entry steps motor still won't stop running. Everything works perfectly when the engine is running - steps extend smoothly when I open the door and retract properly when closed. But now when the engine is off and I'm leaving the RV, the step motor won't stop running. The steps extend to full position but the motor keeps grinding away. Same thing happens in reverse - they retract fully but the motor continues operating. This just started after our recent camping trip. While we were plugged into shore power at the campground, no problems at all. But as soon as I got home, parked in the driveway and shut off the engine, this continuous motor issue began. I'm still learning about RV systems as a new owner, so any guidance would be much appreciated. …more
Robert, RV Mechanic
Ask an RV Mechanic Avg reply < 5 min

My Rig Settings

Hi, I'm Hank!
Need help setting up? I can walk you through it
Rig Info
Give it a name you'll recognize
Power & Electrical
Climate Control
Water System
Refrigerator Type
Leveling System
Convenience & Features
Sync across devices