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Old 03-06-2014, 01:08 PM   #1
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Difficult Steps

Or should I say impossible steps.

ZT291RL is 16 mos old. Steps have always been very hard to open/close. If they are used regularly (every few days), I can manage to open/retract them. They are the three step model.

Now that the trailer has been winterized and just sitting in the driveway all winter without using the steps, I can not move the steps at all.

Anyone else with this issue, or does anyone know the manufacturer of the steps? Obviously it is out of warranty now.

Appreciate any help.

Steve
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Old 03-06-2014, 01:19 PM   #2
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Same thing happens to mine. I spray Liquid Wrench into the joints first to loosen them up and then I flood the joints with synthetic engine oil.( with paper underneath to catch the drips). I then move them up and down to work in the oil. Works for me.

I know of others that had to take the rv to dealer to have the steps worked on.
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Old 03-06-2014, 01:23 PM   #3
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Spray the pivot points with WD40 or some other rust solvent and I think the steps will free up.
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Old 03-06-2014, 01:34 PM   #4
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Mine have never been that bad but I keep them lubricated regularly.
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Old 03-06-2014, 01:37 PM   #5
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Spray with PB Blaster at the pivot points
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Old 03-06-2014, 05:25 PM   #6
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Quote:
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Spray the pivot points with WD40 or some other rust solvent and I think the steps will free up.
x2.
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Old 03-06-2014, 06:10 PM   #7
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I spray liquid wrench with lithium grease on the joints. It's thicker and stays on longer.
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Old 03-06-2014, 06:58 PM   #8
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I think using a dry lube on the step mite work petty good because it is less likely to attract dirt from the road.
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Old 03-06-2014, 07:21 PM   #9
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Our steps have been tough to open from Day 1. We concur with all of the lubricating methods described. From what we read about the steps, they have to be constantly lubricated. Also, we would suggest using a rubber mallet to shake up the joints and hopefully they will pull down.

One thing - we also have a Zinger and ours is still under warranty as it was still the 2-year version. Just an FYI that might be worth checking.

Good luck.
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Old 03-07-2014, 03:14 PM   #10
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Same here, I do what others have done and hit them with some type of penetrating oil. The dealer replaced the steps before delivery, but it didn't take long for the new steps to get tough to move. Just keep them lubed
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Old 03-07-2014, 04:35 PM   #11
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Quote:
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I think using a dry lube on the step mite work petty good because it is less likely to attract dirt from the road.
Have also had good luck with dry lube I usually wash pivot points first.
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Old 03-08-2014, 11:58 AM   #12
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After the Texas Rally a couple years ago we went to Galveston and camped near the beach at a great location, however, the wind blew strong with a fine salt mist. Every scratch on the trailer frame and hitch started to rust (all since painted) and the steps and scissor jacks started to seize up. Thought I was going to have to replace the steps. Bought a can of WD-40 Specialist Rust Release Penetrating Spray which loosened everything up to better than before. Now part of my annual maintenance ritual and everything works easily. Only need to wipe off excess as it will attract dirt as does regular WD-40.
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Old 03-08-2014, 03:26 PM   #13
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Thanks for the great tip!
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