Your electric step jams halfway out on a damp campsite — do you swap just the motor for a quick fix, or rebuild the whole linkage for long-term stability? Choose wrong and you face rewiring headaches, mismatched plugs, or steps that won't lock solid. For UK motorhomes and 5th wheels exposed to rain, road salt and mud, corrosion resistance and exact fitment matter as much as torque. Here is how the top OEM replacement stacks up against two complete conversion kits.
Top Recommendations at a Glance
Key Takeaways and Quick Advice
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Lippert Components Kwikee Replacement Electric RV Step Pre-IMGL Motor
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Kwikee 379145 Step Motor Conversion Kit
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CNRAQR RV Step Motor Conversion Kit
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| Build & Material | Stainless Steel motor assembly with sealed connections and corrosion-resistant hardware | Heavy-duty conversion motor with gearbox and A-Linkage hardware for triple / quad steps | Metal motor, gearbox linkage, controller and sensors, 3.44 kg complete system |
| Power & Operation | 12 Volts, automatic extend / retract on door, auto shut-down on obstacle strike | 12 Volts, automatic door-activated operation, obstacle auto-retract, night light support, higher torque feel | 12 Volts, automatic door-activated extend / retract with safety stop on contact |
| Capacity / Dimensions | Direct fit for Kwikee Pre-IMGL control steps on 5th wheels, travel trailers and motorhomes, single unit | Designed for A-Linkage Triple and Quad steps, complete renewal vs motor-only swap | Broad coverage for Kwikee 22, 23, 28A, 30, 32, 33, 34, 35, 36, 38, 40 series A-Curved steps |
| Standout Feature | Genuine exact-match Pre-IMGL fit for true plug-and-play restoration | Complete A-linkage renewal with positive lock-out for wobble-free entry | All-in-one A-curved system: motor, gearbox, controller and sensors included |
| Best For | Owners with good linkage seeking fastest, quietest OEM repair | Owners restoring older triple / quad steps needing stability and torque | Owners repairing many compatible series in one go with full parts coverage |
| Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon | Check Price on Amazon |
01
Bring Tired RV Steps Back to Life With Factory-Exact Power
The Kwikee Pre-IMGL motor assembly from Lippert Components stands out as an exact-match solution for aging 5th wheel, travel trailer and motorhome steps, and verified owner sentiment consistently points to straightforward restoration rather than modification. Built around a robust 12-volt DC motor with sealed wiring connections and stainless-steel hardware, it is engineered to handle outdoor exposure while delivering smooth automatic extend and retract operation tied to door movement. Owners frequently highlight the plug-and-play nature of the swap, noting quiet operation and restored full travel once linkage points are cleaned and lubricated. Daily utility is strong for campers who rely on dependable entry access, plus integrated safety logic that shuts down on obstacle contact adds peace of mind. Limitations center on model specificity and the need for basic mechanical upkeep, but for correct Pre-IMGL applications, market feedback positions this as the most reliable path back to factory-like step performance.
- Exact-match OEM design simplifies replacement with no rewiring hassle
- Smooth and quiet automatic operation reported by verified owners
- Durable build with sealed connections and corrosion-resistant hardware
- Built-in safety shutdown if step contacts an obstacle
- Compatible only with specific Pre-IMGL control steps, so fitment check is essential
- Step linkage needs regular cleaning and lubrication to achieve full travel
02
Bring Worn Triple and Quad Steps Back to Life Without Replacing the Assembly
The Kwikee 379145 conversion kit is engineered to breathe new life into aging A linkage triple and quad step assemblies without requiring a step replacement. Built around a high torque IMGL motor assembly with control unit, linkage hardware, wiring pigtail and door switch, it reflects Lippert heavy gauge steel construction and sealed electrical thinking that owners value. In daily use, verified owners report smooth automatic extend and retract operation tied to door movement, plus added confidence from obstacle sensing retraction and integrated step lighting for night entry. Installation is described as straightforward plug and play on compatible Winnebago, Newmar and older Series 32 applications, though older coaches may need ground cleaning and minor wiring splicing for the magnetic sensor. The result is a firmer lock out and solid underfoot feel. For owners facing worn motors or broken linkages, market sentiment positions this as a practical, complete restoration path.
- Complete kit coverage simplifies restoration versus sourcing motor and controls separately
- Smooth automatic operation widely praised by verified owners after install
- Firmer lock-out delivers more stable, confidence-inspiring entry feel
- Strong fit for legacy Series 32 and popular Class A and Class C applications
- Very old coaches may need ground cleaning and minor sensor wiring adaptation
- Step override switch logic can operate reversed after conversion on some installs
03
Full A-Linkage Revival Kit That Brings Tired Kwikee Steps Back to Life
Designed as a full conversion solution for Kwikee steps using the A-stamped curved linkage, this CNRAQR kit bundles motor, gearbox linkage, control unit, wiring plug and magnetic switch to address wear in one go. The metal gearbox and 12-volt high-torque motor rated around 13Nm focus on smooth, confident extend and retract cycles, while weather-resistant wiring aims to resist corrosion and shorts in wet conditions. Automatic door-linked operation with obstruction stop adds everyday convenience and safety. Verified owner sentiment leans strongly positive, with many reporting straightforward installation after removing the step assembly and reliable function on older Model 32 and similar units. Minor fitment caveats appear, including occasional need to enlarge controller mounting holes or splice wiring due to plug differences. Professional installation is recommended, which suits less experienced DIYers. Overall, market feedback positions it as a practical, compatibility-wide refresh for tired power steps rather than a piecemeal motor swap.
- Covers a very broad range of Kwikee step models in one kit
- Includes motor, gearbox linkage, controller and switches for a complete repair
- Automatic door-activated operation with safety stop for everyday ease
- Metal construction and weatherproof wiring support durable outdoor use
- Wiring plugs may not match some model years and can require splicing
- Controller mounting holes occasionally need slight enlargement for fit
Buyer Questions and Expert Answers
How do I know if I need just a replacement motor or a full conversion kit?
If your steps move smoothly but weakly, hum without moving, or work intermittently and your linkage is tight and rust-free, a motor-only exact replacement is usually enough. If steps wobble, fail to lock out, sag, grind, or have a worn gearbox and outdated controller, choose a complete conversion kit with motor, gearbox, linkage and controller for a full restoration.
How do I check Pre-IMGL vs A-Linkage compatibility before buying in the United Kingdom?
Look under the step for the Kwikee series label and photograph the linkage shape — straight A-Linkage versus curved A-Linkage — plus the controller box. Pre-IMGL motors only suit specific Pre-IMGL control steps and are not universal. Match your series number (e.g., 22, 23, 32, 35, 40) to the kit coverage list and confirm door switch and controller type.
Why does my step stop halfway, reverse, or not fully extend?
Common causes are a dirty or dry linkage, poor chassis ground, low leisure battery voltage, or an obstacle-triggered safety stop. Clean mud from pivots, lubricate the linkage with a dry silicone-based lubricant, clean the ground connection to bare metal, and check 12V supply. If travel is still short after servicing, the motor or gearbox is likely worn.
Will I need to rewire or drill to fit these kits on older motorhomes?
The exact-match Pre-IMGL motor is designed as plug-and-play with no rewiring when fitment is correct. Full conversion kits are more involved: very old coaches may need ground cleaning, minor sensor wiring adaptation or splicing if plugs differ by model year, and occasionally slight enlargement of controller mounting holes. Allow extra time and basic 12V wiring tools for conversions.
How do I maintain an electric RV step for maximum life in UK weather?
Rinse road salt and grit from underneath monthly, keep pivots clean and lightly lubricated, check sealed connectors for moisture, and ensure steps fully retract before driving. Operate the steps weekly in storage to prevent seizure, keep battery voltage healthy, and never force a jammed step — clear the obstruction and let the safety shut-off reset.
The Bottom Line
- 🏆 Top Overall Choice: Lippert Components Kwikee Replacement Electric RV Step Pre-IMGL Motor Assembly — best for fast, exact-fit OEM restoration
- 💰 Best Value: Kwikee 379145 Step Motor Conversion Kit for A Linkage | Triple and Quad Steps — best for renewing wobbly steps with firmer lock-out
- ⭐ Premium Pick: CNRAQR RV Step Motor Conversion Kit for A Curved Linkage — best for broad multi-series coverage with complete parts
For most UK owners with an otherwise sound step, the exact-match Lippert Pre-IMGL motor is the smartest path — it restores quiet, automatic operation with minimal fuss and stands up well to damp conditions when linkages are kept clean. Choose a full A-Linkage conversion only if your triple, quad or older curved-linkage steps are loose, noisy or incomplete, where the added gearbox, controller and lock-out stability justify the extra install work. Whichever route you take, confirm your series and linkage shape first, then protect the investment with regular cleaning, lubrication and ground checks.
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