Automatic step systems for recreational vehicles, motor homes, and the like are well known in the art. These systems are typically electrically-controlled and electrically-actuated to extend and retract an entryway step in response to a signal provided by an individual wishing to enter or exit the vehicle. One common system extends the step when the vehicle door is opened, and then retracts the step when the vehicle door is closed. Other systems offer a switch located just inside the vehicle door that controls extension and retraction of the step.
Other systems incorporate a motor assembly for automatically extending and retracting the step assembly. The motor rotates a pivot rod through a gear assembly that is coupled to the rod. The pivot rod moves a linkage assembly to extend and retract the steps. However, an applied load tends to move the steps towards the retracted position. Generally, the motor assembly is used to resist the tendency of the steps to move towards the retracted position. This may limit the service life of components in the motor assembly. Other types of systems use solid stops that contact one or more of the links to resist applied loads instead of the motor assembly. However, the links do not positively lock against the solid stops. Therefore, an improved mechanism for extending and retracting steps in recreational vehicles is needed.