Upgrading Thule electric step to auto-retract

[WoldsSunlight]

My PVC has a Thule electric step that works via a switch on the bottom rear of the B pillar. If I turn the ignition on with the step extended, there is a loud buzzer that reminds you that the step is still extended, that ceases once the step is retracted.
I am aware that different specifications of the step allow the step to be retracted automatically once the ignition is turned on. I am also aware that this is achieved via a relay, somehow wired in to the ignition circuit. The relay plus wire terminals are available to purchase from Thule.

My question is: Has anyone done a DIY upgrade of fitting this relay to achieve auto retract of the step as outlined above? If so, how easy is it to achieve? (before I consider doing it myself.)
I'm assuming (big assumption on my part...) that as there is already a feed to the ignition on my current setup, it could be a 'simple' upgrade, perhaps even 'plug 'n play?'

 

[68c]

Yes, it can be done. Google Thule Step Wiring Diagram. You will see there is an additional relay that sends the retract signal. Providing you can read a wiring diagram and can fit common 12v wire terminals you should have no problem. As you do have the warning buzzer it us possible that your van is already wired for auto retract but a relay has failed ir a poor connection.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Yes, it can be done. Google Thule Step Wiring Diagram. You will see there is an additional relay that sends the retract signal. Providing you can read a wiring diagram and can fit common 12v wire terminals you should have no problem. As you do have the warning buzzer it us possible that your van is already wired for auto retract but a relay has failed ir a poor connection.

Thanks for the reply, but I'm 99.9% sure my step isn't wired for auto retract currently, hence the warning buzzer.

 

[68c]

I have just looked in the Resources section of this forum. Scotjimlad uploaded a full description and duagram for the step in 2016.

 

[68c]

The buzzer is still there with auto retract to warn you not to start the engine while someone is entering the van. Mind you, I am sure they would let you know if the step suddenly disappears.

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[WoldsSunlight]

I have just looked in the Resources section of this forum. Scotjimlad uploaded a full description and duagram for the step in 2016.

Ok, thanks. I did a search prior to posting but obviously missed that post

I have just looked in the Resources section of this forum. Scotjimlad uploaded a full description and duagram for the step in 2016.

Could you please provide a link to this? I still am unable to find it. Thanks

 

[Mikeco]

I fitted the Thule electric one and it has a buzzer but also retracts. This is done by a relay connected to the starter battery which kicks in as soon as the battery gets the nod from the alternator.
So not difficult to fix and normally done with the installation.

 

[Reallyretired]

Do you not have a dashboard button to retract it? Having the step retract perhaps unexpectedly on starting the engine has always struck me as potentially dangerous unless you always travel alone.

 

[68c]

The idea is the buzzer sounds as soon as you turn on the ignition, it will not auto retract unless you turn the key to start. I tend to agree it is a worrying part of the design. Perhaps a modufication to stop auto retract if the door is open?

 

[Martin How]

Mine just has a buzzer. I had thought about adding a dashboard switch for SWMBO as I can turn and reach the switch even buckled in, but i like this idea.

The relay needs to make for 5 seconds or so when powered from the engine crank signal, then open to de energise the step motor. I am not sure how you spec it, but its a similar function to the glow plug relay on my old Talbot Express Autosleeper. The make contacts only need to be wired across the close side of the manual switch.

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[Martin How]

The idea is the buzzer sounds as soon as you turn on the ignition, it will not auto retract unless you turn the key to start. I tend to agree it is a worrying part of the design. Perhaps a modufication to stop auto retract if the door is open?

Good idea. You would (on mine) need to add an extra reed swich to detect the door state.

 

[tonyidle]

Mine has exactly that but uses the existing door switch to inhibit the step.

Good idea. You would (on mine) need to add an extra reed swich to detect the door state.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Do you not have a dashboard button to retract it? Having the step retract perhaps unexpectedly on starting the engine has always struck me as potentially dangerous unless you always travel alone.

No, my system is as described in my post above. Not a problem as I travel solo, and don't consider it dangerous even if I didn't travel solo.

Ok, thanks. I did a search prior to posting but obviously missed that post

Could you please provide a link to this? I still am unable to find it. Thanks

 

[RogerIvy]

It’s not that difficult. I broke my old step, replaced it and at the same time installed the relay to retract. IMO retro-fitting would be quite feasible.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

We appear to be drifting off the subject of my post here...to be clear: My system as fitted has a manual switch to open and retract the step. If the step is still extended when the ignition is turned on, a buzzer sounds to remind me to retract the step. Once retracted, the buzzer stops.
I am aware that Thule also do the step with an 'auto retract' function once the engine is started, and which also utilises a buzzer if the step is still extended once the ignition is turned on, but without the engine (yet) started.
I am simply asking if anyone has 'upgraded' a system like mine to incorporate the 'auto retract' relay which Thule offer as a separate item, and if so, how easy (or otherwise) is it to achieve?

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[WoldsSunlight]

Thank you, you posted whilst I was composing my previous post! Is it a simple job to achieve? Could you please provide some details? Thanks

 

[WoldsSunlight]

It’s not that difficult. I broke my old step, replaced it and at the same time installed the relay to retract. IMO retro-fitting would be quite feasible.

Thank you, you posted whilst I was composing my previous post! Is it a simple job to achieve? Could you please provide some details? Thanks

 

[WoldsSunlight]

I have just looked in the Resources section of this forum. Scotjimlad uploaded a full description and duagram for the step in 2016.

Have found some posts from Scotjimland (not Scotjimlad) which is possibly why I couldn't fined them, but have now. Thanks

 

[RogerIvy]

Thank you, you posted whilst I was composing my previous post! Is it a simple job to achieve? Could you please provide some details? Thanks

Attached are the official instructions. Pretty easy to follow.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Attached are the official instructions. Pretty easy to follow.

Thanks, also managed to find some instructions on a NZ campervan website, of all places! As you say, seems simple enough, and worth doing as the relay is less than £20.

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[WoldsSunlight]

My PVC has a Thule electric step that works via a switch on the bottom rear of the B pillar. If I turn the ignition on with the step extended, there is a loud buzzer that reminds you that the step is still extended, that ceases once the step is retracted.
I am aware that different specifications of the step allow the step to be retracted automatically once the ignition is turned on. I am also aware that this is achieved via a relay, somehow wired in to the ignition circuit. The relay plus wire terminals are available to purchase from Thule.

My question is: Has anyone done a DIY upgrade of fitting this relay to achieve auto retract of the step as outlined above? If so, how easy is it to achieve? (before I consider doing it myself.)
I'm assuming (big assumption on my part...) that as there is already a feed to the ignition on my current setup, it could be a 'simple' upgrade, perhaps even 'plug 'n play?'

OK, so finally got around to doing this, and it was quite straightforward once I had identified the switched 12v supply from the ignition.
Everything was readily accessible (wiring-wise) once I had removed the cover at the base of the B pillar on the driver's side which houses the step operating switch in my Sunlight Adventure PVC.
The relay is quite easy to wire in, I just followed the Thule wiring diagram which is readily available online. The step still functions as before (in/out via permanently live feed to rocker switch) but now, in addition (and with the step extended,) once the ignition is turned on, the buzzer sounds (as before) but the step automatically retracts, and the buzzer silences once the step is fully retracted. PLEASE NOTE: This is exactly as it is intended to work, don't shoot the messenger, any comments regarding hazardous/dangerous etc. should be sent to Thule!!
The second time I did it, the motion stopped about halfway in, which I traced to the 2A buzzer fuse blowing. I replaced this fuse with a 15A one (to account for the higher motor plus buzzer current) and everything is fine. Photos enclosed, looks like a dog's dinner with various Wago connectors etc. but it's easier than it looks!!

 

[Gaston aires]

I’ve had 3 Thule electric steps on 3 of my different vans, all have failed and are in my opinion very unreliable indeed. The micro switches get full of crud and activates/ deactivates of its own free will. Rubbish I say.
Phil

 

[68c]

I’ve had 3 Thule electric steps on 3 of my different vans, all have failed and are in my opinion very unreliable indeed. The micro switches get full of crud and activates/ deactivates of its own free will. Rubbish I say.
Phil

Clean it then fit a mudflap.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Clean it then fit a mudflap.

My thoughts exactly!

 

[WoldsSunlight]

OK, so finally got around to doing this, and it was quite straightforward once I had identified the switched 12v supply from the ignition.
Everything was readily accessible (wiring-wise) once I had removed the cover at the base of the B pillar on the driver's side which houses the step operating switch in my Sunlight Adventure PVC.
The relay is quite easy to wire in, I just followed the Thule wiring diagram which is readily available online. The step still functions as before (in/out via permanently live feed to rocker switch) but now, in addition (and with the step extended,) once the ignition is turned on, the buzzer sounds (as before) but the step automatically retracts, and the buzzer silences once the step is fully retracted. PLEASE NOTE: This is exactly as it is intended to work, don't shoot the messenger, any comments regarding hazardous/dangerous etc. should be sent to Thule!!
The second time I did it, the motion stopped about halfway in, which I traced to the 2A buzzer fuse blowing. I replaced this fuse with a 15A one (to account for the higher motor plus buzzer current) and everything is fine. Photos enclosed, looks like a dog's dinner with various Wago connectors etc. but it's easier than it looks!!

View attachment 790069 View attachment 790070 View attachment 790072

Hot on the heels of this job, I decided to finally get around to fitting the Thule LED lightstrip that goes immediately above the step in the threshold between the step and the underneath of the van. Quite a straightforward job, apart from getting the cable inside the van, which I chose to put through the same entry point as the existing wires for the step itself.
Power-wise, I chose to tap in to the permanent 12v supply for the step, but added an inline 12v LED RF controller, that comes with a remote and several selectable lighting modes, including dimming, and pulsing of the light etc. You can also just select straightforward light ON and OFF too! I also put an inline 15A fuse from the live feed, as the paperwork supplied with the RF controller said the peak current was 12A (seems a bit high to me, but I went with 15A anyway) Photos to follow

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[Orion]

OK, so finally got around to doing this, and it was quite straightforward once I had identified the switched 12v supply from the ignition.
Everything was readily accessible (wiring-wise) once I had removed the cover at the base of the B pillar on the driver's side which houses the step operating switch in my Sunlight Adventure PVC.
The relay is quite easy to wire in, I just followed the Thule wiring diagram which is readily available online. The step still functions as before (in/out via permanently live feed to rocker switch) but now, in addition (and with the step extended,) once the ignition is turned on, the buzzer sounds (as before) but the step automatically retracts, and the buzzer silences once the step is fully retracted. PLEASE NOTE: This is exactly as it is intended to work, don't shoot the messenger, any comments regarding hazardous/dangerous etc. should be sent to Thule!!
The second time I did it, the motion stopped about halfway in, which I traced to the 2A buzzer fuse blowing. I replaced this fuse with a 15A one (to account for the higher motor plus buzzer current) and everything is fine. Photos enclosed, looks like a dog's dinner with various Wago connectors etc. but it's easier than it looks!!

View attachment 790069 View attachment 790070 View attachment 790072

Did your relay come with the 2200uF capacitor to be fitted between pins 85 & 86? I’ve seen a few advertised without it.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Did your relay come with the 2200uF capacitor to be fitted between pins 85 & 86? I’ve seen a few advertised without it.

I bought everything individually, as it worked out cheaper. The capacitor (in a pack of 5) was £5 for the pack on Amazon.

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Hot on the heels of this job, I decided to finally get around to fitting the Thule LED lightstrip that goes immediately above the step in the threshold between the step and the underneath of the van. Quite a straightforward job, apart from getting the cable inside the van, which I chose to put through the same entry point as the existing wires for the step itself.
Power-wise, I chose to tap in to the permanent 12v supply for the step, but added an inline 12v LED RF controller, that comes with a remote and several selectable lighting modes, including dimming, and pulsing of the light etc. You can also just select straightforward light ON and OFF too! I also put an inline 15A fuse from the live feed, as the paperwork supplied with the RF controller said the peak current was 12A (seems a bit high to me, but I went with 15A anyway) Photos to follow

Couldn't upload a video showing the modes, but the white strip above the step is the light, behind a diffuser cover (supplied in Thule kit.)
Difficult to see in daylight, but the light is actually on in the photo!

 

[WoldsSunlight]

Hot on the heels of this job, I decided to finally get around to fitting the Thule LED lightstrip that goes immediately above the step in the threshold between the step and the underneath of the van. Quite a straightforward job, apart from getting the cable inside the van, which I chose to put through the same entry point as the existing wires for the step itself.
Power-wise, I chose to tap in to the permanent 12v supply for the step, but added an inline 12v LED RF controller, that comes with a remote and several selectable lighting modes, including dimming, and pulsing of the light etc. You can also just select straightforward light ON and OFF too! I also put an inline 15A fuse from the live feed, as the paperwork supplied with the RF controller said the peak current was 12A (seems a bit high to me, but I went with 15A anyway) Photos to follow

Have re-visited the fuse size - the Thule LED light has a max current of 380mA, so have fitted a 5A fuse which is sufficient. The RF controller is generic, and can handle up to 12A, but I doubt that it will get anywhere near that with the LED.