Georgetown 300FW- Slide out retraction only "inches" its way in

[jsm]

I have a Georgetown 300FWSNBF-3011-- with one long slide out from the bedroom to the cockpit. The s/o works just fine going out, but for retraction, it only “inches” its way in at first-- requiring multiple presses of the switch-- & then, after the s/o raises to its highest retraction point, it retracts smoothly thereafter with one continuous press of the switch. Does anyone have the solution to resolving this issue?

[JimF]

Dealer??

[jsm]

Dealer? The dealer thinks s/o is operating normally.

[kenandterry]

You need another dealer...........one that knows their job!!!!!!!

If the speed and time that the slide goes out isn't equal to the return trip, something is wrong...........especially requiring multiple presses of the switch as you describe.

Your dealer has your money and is stringing you a line of ----.

[jsm]

Sorry, but I'm just looking for a little technical support advice for my Georgetown s/o issue. The dealer said that when the s/o raises to its highest point it retracts normally the rest of the way.

[leomosley]

You may want to check with Forest River on this issue. Some units were modified to include a more gradual rise at the beginning of the slide coming in. If you do a search on this forum, you will find some more info. I have the same unit as you, and mine works OK. I do find that it comes up the rise much easier if I leave my shore power plugged in while retracting the slide (or run the generator, if no shore power). If you look under the carpet while the slide is out, you will see the plastic type material that it rides up on (you can also see the edge of this from the bottom of the slide on the outside). I spray that area with silicone periodically.

[MGOBlue]

Do you level of the coach before sliding out? Do you slide in before retracting the jacks? Do you slide in/out on shore power or battery? Have you confirmed your hydro system is in good working order (fluid levels, hose kinks, etc)?

If everything is in check, I'd recommend getting a second opinion and calling FR directly.

[jsm]

Thank you MGOBlue, for your reply. Yes, my coach was level before retraction of the s/o & the jacks were down when retracting. I would never move the s/o unless my coach was level. Also, this on-going issue continues whether or not I am on shore power or generator power. The s/o operates via an electric motor w/chain & cables & is not a hydro system. The s/o begins its retraction sliding slightly uphill & then straight in over the carpet via the white, smooth surfaced material on the underside of the s/o. The dealer has checked the specs on the motor & it is operating normally.

[BCRider]

My 2010 300FWS was in the shop for over 3 months with similar issues. The 'fix' for us was the wedge that the slide travels up on was installed at the factory upsidedown...or so the spin doctors have told me. It was so bad on our unit that the bolts that hold the brackets to the slide were snapping and pulling right out of the skin. What a noise that made. The motor for the slide would stall 3 or 4 times trying to get it in. We were once stranded at a campsite for 4 hours untill we able to push the slide in by hand. I never have found were the little screw attachment for bringing it in by hand is and I have removed every bolted peice of furniture in the MH. The floor of our slide now is a bit higher when all the way out as a result of the 'fix'. I really enjoy our RV and it is the perfect size for forestry campsites and the hiking that we enjoy. The slide and how it was fixed and how we were treated on this issue has been our only complaint.

[VinceU]

Originally Posted by jsm

I have a Georgetown 300FWSNBF-3011-- with one long slide out from the bedroom to the cockpit. The s/o works just fine going out, but for retraction, it only “inches” its way in at first-- requiring multiple presses of the switch-- & then, after the s/o raises to its highest retraction point, it retracts smoothly thereafter with one continuous press of the switch. Does anyone have the solution to resolving this issue?

Wondering has anyone checked alignment of front to rear during the retraction? If it gets off by an inch or more I could see it getting resistive in its "guides". Sure there is a "alignment" procedure available from the s/o mfg. Once it gets close and hits the bump it will move normally. Just a thought. Use a ruler and check the gap every few seconds of retract, might find the problem.

[leomosley]

Here is the website for the operating system on our slideouts.

BAL - Innovative Products for the RV Industry

Page 14 of the Service Manual shows how to manually move the room. I didn't get the flexible shaft with my unit, but imagine I could adapt something to fit. According to the manual, the end that fits in the motor is a 1/4" hex.

[BCRider]

Well there you go Leo...no wonder I couldn't find the hex...its attached to the motor. The motor is installed behind the moulding above the slide. So to manually bring the slide in I would have to remove the decorative mouldings to get to the motor.

Note to self: Bring woodworking tools on your next trip.

Thanks for sharing the info.