Lippert Electric Tread Lite Steps Will Not Stay Extended

Updated 05/14/2025 | Published 10/26/2018

Question:

I research the problem that causes the backward of the step, for few, when it is in full open position when we put our foot on the step to get into the rv. In other words... The motor give the full extension of the step but the step do not stay in full extension with a load on it... retract for a few inch

asked by: Claude

Helpful Expert Reply:

It sounds like the brake solenoid on your Lippert Electric Tread Lite Step part # LC353542 is not functioning properly. There is a manual lever on the motor that can sometimes get flipped off which will then not allow the steps to stay extended. In order to check this you will need to look at the lever on the motor and then compare that to the attached photo to make sure it is in the "ON" position.

If it is in the "ON" position then odds are the solenoid has gone bad and will need to be replaced. The steps do come with a one year warranty but if you are out this warranty then you would need to contact HappiJac for the Heavy Duty Dep Brake part 340942 as we do not carry this part.

expert reply by: Conner L

click to enlarge

Tomp

5/8/2025

My two step Lippert Treadle Power Step out of nowhere quit extending fully. It stops about half way out now. It retracts as it should and operates smoothly...just doesn't come all the way out now. I dry-lube it regularly, and it has always operated smoothly without issue...just began to only extend half way out of nowhere. Any thoughts before I have to pull the assembly?

Jesse M.

5/14/2025

@Tomp Could be a few things. The motor could be bad but I'd be more inclined to think there's a linkage or gear issue that's basically bogging down the motor preventing the steps from fully extending. I'd first try visually inspecting the steps from underneath to see if you can see anything obvious that's bad. Also while down there try to get any part number info that you can. Next try moving far enough out of the way of the path of the steps and watch them extend while still underneath to see if you can see anything obvious.