Blue Ridge Slide Issue

[Markp]

We purchased a new 2011 Blue Ridge 3025 fifth wheel in February. Last month we pulled the unit to Myrtle Beach and somewhere in the mountains of North Carolina I looked out the rear view mirror and noticed a slide issue. Apparently when I make right turns the top of the slide pushes out anywhere from a couple of inches to over a foot on sharp curves. I took the unit to a local dealer and their fix was unbelievable. According to them, Forest River approved them to order tension rods to be placed between the slide and the wall when the slides are in and we are traveling.

Did I miss something here? I must have passed 100 RV's on the road and not one of their slides came out at the top when going around curves. The dealer said all the older units used to have these rods. My first one was a 1998 and it didn't have rods. This is warranty work as well. Has anyone heard of this before? Shouldn't a brand new unit's slides be able to take a curve without going out a foot or so at the top? Not sure which direction to go, sounds like I need a personal audience with FR.

[Bill_C]

Our new 5th, with a slide, came with a warning to make sure the slide lock was installed before travelling. Our previous 3, 5th wheels all were the same. We always installed the locks. When we took delivery of our present 5th I asked the dealer service head about the lock bar. He said to toss it. Well, just in case I have it stowed in my baggage compartment. I don't use it, but the first sign the slide is moving, in it goes. The bigger slides come with 2 lock bars.

[LadyWindrider]

Don't know about your unit, but are the slides electric/mechanical, or strictly hydraulic? If they are hydraulic, sounds like you have air in the system, or a leaking valve. If hydraulic, may need 4 or 5 cycles to get all the air out, with 10 minutes or do between extend and retract. If they are mechanical, could be something loose, and letting the slide mechanism shift. Either way, it isn't supposed to move.

[wayne anthony]

Was wondering whether to toss the bar or not. Sounds like I'll keep it, and keep on using it. Wayne

[45 ACP]

I have the same 5'er and my dealer didn't even provide me with slide lock bars. "You don't need 'em with a hydraulic over gear system" is what I was told at my PDI.

I agree with the air/leak in the system. A hydraulic/gear system should be "locked" in whatever position you put it in.

I suggest asking your dealer to bleed and leak test your system before they seemingly put a Band-Aid on it by way of a slide lock bar.

If you need technical/warranty help from Forest River, contact Terry Milarczyk by phone or tmilarczyk@forestriverinc.com

[Markp]

Wow, thanks for all of your advice. My 5er does have the hydraulic slides and it sounds like air in the lines may be worth checking out. I will also contact Mr. Milarczyk for help. We really like the unit and for the price we shouldn't have to put band aid fixes on the slide. I will keep you posted. Once again, thanks to all for your help and advice.