Shock absorbing material on steps bracket coming out

[Randy]

There is a layer of shock absorbing material between the frame steps bracket and the fiberglass of the camper.  This dampens the pressure when entering anded exiting the camper.    The material has started to come out.  The steps  are removable but the bracket is welded to the frame.  I don't see a way to create a little separation between the bracket and the Ollie without putting a lot of pressure on the camper.  

Any suggestions?

Randy Howell

Woolwich, ME

Elite 1 #521

 

[QuestionMark]

Following this as we have the same issue on 2017 LE2.   

[topgun2]

I assume that you have filed a Service "ticket" regarding this issue?

There have been a number of occasions in the past where these "rubber strips" have shifted from their original location.  Unfortunately, I'm not aware of exactly what was done to correct each situation.  And, to my knowledge, there has only been ONE Oliver that was ever actually removed from its original frame to be have that frame replaced.  Therefore, Service should be asked how to proceed in getting this "rubber strip" back to where it belongs and what can be done to keep it there.

Bill

 

[carnivore]

I had this problem. I solved it by spraying the wife’s hair spray on both sides of the rubber piece then worked it back into position using a large C clamp.   The hair spray dries and changes from a lubricant to a slight adhesive. 

[Geronimo John]

On 6/30/2025 at 10:21 AM, carnivore said:

I had this problem. I solved it by spraying the wife’s hair spray on both sides of the rubber piece then worked it back into position using a large C clamp.   The hair spray dries and changes from a lubricant to a slight adhesive. 

Be sure to first soap and water clean the rubber.  

[Ronbrink]

I’ve had rubber migration at the steps, A-frame and undercarriage cross beams; inspection of these areas is part of my routine maintenance. I have used slight pressure on the underbelly to provide necessary clearances by way of a jack and a 2x6 to distribute force on the fiberglass, then clamps used to further restoration. The strips of rubber at the cross beams have a screw at each end and thus, will not fall out completely. I was able to use zip ties at the A-frames where the rubber protrudes beyond the chassis to keep it in place. Unlike the aforementioned cross beam rubber strips, the step strips have no screw securement and can come out. The ones shown in the beginning photos at each side of the steps are the most difficult to reposition and secure.

Edited January 3 by Ronbrink

[Geronimo John]

On 6/9/2025 at 9:43 AM, Randy said:

The steps  are removable but the bracket is welded to the frame.  I don't see a way to create a little separation between the bracket and the Ollie without putting a lot of pressure on the camper.  

Randy:  Getting back to your question.

Some time along the way, the stairs were severly overloaded and bent the aluminum step angle down.  Hence the slippage of the rubber shock absorbing rubber.

You could load the stairs to flex the end of the angle down to provide more gap for replacement of the rubber. 

Then IF you are risk tolerant, you could place a jack under each of the angles and use the trailer weight to bend the angle back to where it was when your Ollie was made.  The risk part is that if not done carefully, you could damage the angle's weld at the frame or worse.  Or you could live with a bent step frame and discourage high impact loads on the steps.....which is what I would do!

GJ.    

Edited January 4 by Geronimo John