How to Manually Retract RV Steps: 7 Steps Beginners’ Guide

If you don’t have an electronic retract system, manually retracting your RV steps can be tricky. But before you get to work on the project, take some time to assess the problem and come up with a plan for the best way to go about how to manually retract RV steps?

Depending on what type of steps you have, this could entail completely removing them from their tracks or just loosening one side of the track in order to lift the step off of it and out of its channel.

When and How to Manually Retract RV Steps?

1. Open Position

If your steps slide have been hanging up in the extend position, you may want to manually retract them so that they don’t accidentally fall while someone is using the RV.

2. Unbalanced

If the steps are on an angle or seem unbalanced when fully extend, it is best to loosen one side of the track enough so that you can easily lift the step out of its channel and lower it as far as needed.

3. Short Steps

If you are worried about the steps accidentally hitting a pin coming down on your head, be sure to stay clear and keep pets inside until you have all four extend steps out of their channels.

4. Unstable

If they seem unstable pin or are at an angle, use a strap or bungee cord to help support them while you are working.

5. Lot of weight

This is not a pin job that should be performed while someone is actually using the RV step method as there is a lot of weight being supported by the steps and the retract method when it is extended.

The Step By Step Guide of Retracting RV Steps 

Before you walk about how to manually retract RV steps for door, unless you have a very small RV, you probably have two sets of steps leading up to your entry door be. At one time door or another door, you will need to remove them for repairing or cleaning.

If you are lucky enough not to have an electric retract method, this can be a tricky pin process due to the weight and size of the steps.

Step 01:

To remove your manually retract RV steps from their tracks or for temporary removal, you can loosen one side of the track by turning the screw on that side counterclockwise.

If you are planning to completely manually retract RV steps motor them from their channels, be sure to first loosen the screw on the opposite side so that you have enough slack to allow you to pull the step out of its channel.

If they are hanging up, this might be as easy as lifting one side of each track and rolling it toward the other end.

Step 02:

When removing electric motor from their channels, keep in mind all of the weight that is being supported by the tracks and switch method.

If the electric steps motorhome seem unstable, use a strap or bungee cord to support them while you are getting them out of place.

Step 03:

If your electric steps motor power tends to hang up in the retracted positions, you may need to get underneath them and push them back into their channels manually. 

Step 04:

Be sure that there is enough slack in the tracks for you to be able to bring each step down on its own pin. If you are having an issue with a specific stair, loosen the track from only one side and press that stair return into place. It should stay there until you can get under it and move it manually.

Step 05:

When your steps motor power are completely retracted or removed from their channels, you can tighten the screws slightly so that they no longer have any slack.

If only one side of a track needs to be tightened, make sure it is the opposite side of the screw or pin you loosened.

Step 06:

If your steps motor power is still in their channels but the switch manually isn’t working, inspect the tracks for a lot of dirt or other debris.

Before you clean the motor, be sure that the issue is not with the retract method itself. If it is working but you keep having to manually press the steps motor rear into place or up and down, there may be an obstruction in one of the tracks.

Step 07:

If removing the steps pin from their channels or pushing them down on your own doesn’t work, there may be an issue with your switch method.

This doesn’t necessarily mean that you have to replace it; in most cases, a few screws may just need tightening or a couple of gears may just need some lubrication.

If you have noticed the problem gradually getting worse and are sure that it isn’t because of anything you are doing, you may need to call a professional for repair.

Manually Retracting the RV Steps Requires Tools

There is no such thing as how to manually retract RV steps as a quick way to manually retract RV steps if you don’t have an electronic method. It requires at least one person and some tools, which means that you can’t just head out for the day or even overnight without taking the time to do this properly.

As stated in each step of the process, be sure that you have your tools and a support strap or cord on hand before starting. If you don’t need any of them right away, it is best to just keep them in the RV so they are there when you need them.

The tools that you will need to manually retract the RV steps are going to depend on the type of step method. For those with a track method, you will need an adjustable wrench and either a cord or strap for support.

If you have an L-shaped channel method, you may just need a screwdriver and/or hammer if there is an object obstructing one of the tracks.

Most people find that they already have these manually switch items in their toolset so it isn’t difficult to get started.

Retracting RV Steps Manually: Safety Tips

It is important to keep in mind that doing this manually means that all of the weight of your RV steps is resting on the tracks and retract method.

This can make them very heavy and if there are a lot of steps it might be too much for you to hold by yourself, especially if one side isn’t loose enough.

That is why it is important that you have your power tools and a support strap or cord on hand before starting. If you don’t need any of them, make sure they are in the RV so they can be grabbed quickly if needed.

It is also vital to keep in mind that doing this manually means that there are pieces with moving parts all around you and you are working with power tools.

If the switch method is having any issues, there could be exposed wires and other sharp objects that pose a risk to you or anyone else who is near you when these RV steps are release.

These risks can easily be avoided by using gloves, taking care not to cut yourself on anything, wearing safety goggles, and staying away from any exposed wires.

The final safety tip is not to downplay the possibility of an obstruction or other issue with your retract method. If you are unsure if it will have enough strength to hold up all of the weight, take the RV steps out of their channels and support them by hand until you can either fix or replace it.

Final Words

Retracting your RV steps manually can be a tricky project, but it is possible. The only real problems with this are the time and effort that you need to put into it in order for the job to get done right and some safety risks involved.

Our methods for retraction can eliminate all of these factors if you follow them when you retract your own RV steps. Wishing you a safe journey!