Wednesday, March 20, 2013

Slide-out Update

 

Wesley Chapel, Florida  (high 77, low 46) rain

 

Yesterday morning, another neighbor came over to look into our issue with the slide-out that wouldn’t retract.  They decided to manually bring the slide in a little bit. Bill’s theory was that possibility there was a flat spot in the motor and once you got past that, it would operate.  We really didn’t know how to manually move the slide, but Bill did, so they gave it a try.

Guess what?   It worked.  I pushed the button inside and in came the slide.  We tried it several times and it worked every time.   I know there are a lot of systems built into these Rv’s that will prevent things from working if something else is on, or off.  For instance, the Tv won’t run with the engine running.  The slide won’t operate without the emergency brake on.  So, we’re wondering if somewhere the system was out of sync, or if it was as Bill thought and just a flat spot in the motor of the slide.  Was the problem a fluke, or a warning something else was wrong?

We canceled the appointment with the mobile Rv mechanic.  No sense in having him try to diagnose a problem that isn’t a problem at the moment.  Will we live to regret it?   I hope not!

So…..we’re cleared for take-off.    Or are we?   It seems there is a big storm system out in the gulf that’s heading inland and right towards us.   You know me.    I’m nervous when the word “storm” is mentioned and we don’t want to be traveling in the rain.  We could likely outrun the storm provided we got out of here before it got here.  We haven't decided yet.  Right now, I’m a little sleepy and the thought of going back to bed for a short nap doesn’t sound half bad.   :)

16 comments:

  1. Thats great that you got the slide to retract. and now know how to do it manually. It may never happen again, you can always hope.

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  2. Wow - good to know. Thanks for passing that along. Have no idea what a 'flat spot' on the motor is but glad it worked. Good luck on your travels after the weather clears.

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  3. Might have even been a dirty switch. They do start to corrode over time.
    You can get your TV to work when the ignition is on (if that's what you'd like) by unplugging it from the little "box" it's plugged into, removing the box from the receptacle and plugging it in directly. That little "box" basically interrupts the power to the TV. Can't remember what it's called.
    That's my contribution to 'internet flotsam'. You're welcome.

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  4. Glad to hear about the slide. Our refrig came back on too after buying $30 worth of coolers & ice. But like you, I think it's a sign of failure looming. How did we get to be such worriers? Is that nature or nurture?? LOL

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    1. Glad the refrigerator started working again, but at least now you have some coolers!

      You're right...I am such a worrier.

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    2. Notice that my comment was WE. Where did we get it?

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  5. Glad to hear the slide is back in working order. I hold my breath every time we pull them in ... from what I've read it's more of matter of when not if that a slideout will refuse to retract.

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  6. Thanks for the update. So glad everything is back in working order. Safe trip.

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  7. Hopefully that slide issue won't happen again for years but if it does at least you know how to fix it manually. I'm going to have to check out how to do mine manually as well.

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  8. So glad you were able to get it fixed without spending big bucks. I'd be worried about that storm also. But as you and I know - we are worriers together. Maybe we ought to start a club.

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  9. Ahhh the wonders of slide operation. I had to put my sandle above the motor so it wouldn't damage the compartment.

    I don't think you had a flat spot, if you didit would repeat. I think it got slightly out of sync and when you manually moved it the alignment was right and it worked from there.

    The user manual should have alignment instructions and also instructions for manual operation. It might also need to be lubed with dry lube.

    Have a fun trip!

    Erik

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  10. Gremlins, I say. They're installed right at the factory.

    Glad it worked out. :c)

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  11. We jack up the side with the slides and lower the other side and that helps bring the "glitchy" slide in easier.
    Hope your problem slide is fixed for a long time

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  12. Guess the RV new the tech was on the way. You know how it is your go to the dentist and the tooth stops hurting. I hope this is the one and ONLY time this happens to you. Safe travels in the storm.

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