Main slide struggles to retract.

[stansoper]

2015 Wildwood 29fkbs 35'TT. LCI (Lippert) main electric slide barely moves (creeps) for the first foot or so, picks up speed as it comes in and just before it closes it "bumps up" on the front slide. Not sure it would close on battery only. Wasn't sure it would close when I hooked up to my tow vehicle, but it did. Closed on shore power, but there were anxious moments before it picked up speed and closed. Any ideas what's going on here and what I should do? It's been doing this for a while but has gotten worse lately. Any troubleshooting thoughts? Thanks.

[ColoradoRick]

Hmmm...just thinking out loud here...I assume the trailer is level, not leaning towards the slide out which would cause it to have to pull extra weight up? Speaking of weight, you don't have a lot of additional and heavy items in the slide out? Have you sprayed (lubed) the cogs and mechanisms underneath well with silicone? When opening, do you notice any shifting of the slide out either up or down? (Could indicate a need to have it adjusted...movement up/down should be minimal.) Finally, ensure your high draw electric (A/C) is not running when operating the slide out.
Good luck...keep us posted on any resolutions.

[5picker]

Have you regularly maintained the slide seals with rubber conditioner?
Have you lubed the slide mechanism with dry lube?
Is the slide out of alignment?
Do you have a slide topper?... Is it binding?
What kind of slide is it?... Lippert Thru frame?... Lippert above floor?... Schwintek?... Other?

[stansoper]

I have not lubed the track. It's a Lippert thru the frame. I do not have a slide topper. To me, it acts like it's binding at first start. You don't hear the gears until it gets moving at a regular pace. It shifts up on the front side just before it closes. I got a can of Roadmaster 747 LubeMaster Silicone Spray but was not sure about lubricating the track as some say do, and others say don't. I also wonder about allignment, but what I have read that's not a big problem with Lippert thru the frame slides. I wonder if the motor is going bad?

[TitanMike]

Before going any farther I'd lube the slide mechanism (rack, Pinion, and support rods that retract into frame), operating once or twice, lubing before retracting.

As for lube, a good lube that leaves a dry film is best. Silicone alone may not be enough. There are actual Slide Lubes sold and my second choice would be a Dry Motorcycle Chain Lube that leaves a "Moly" film.

You don't want anything that will attract blowing dust or road dirt. Even if slide is retracted the small particles work their way into the tubes and it can bind the system, especially when extending and the first moments of retracting.

Last item, make sure all wire connections for slide are "GOOD". If crimped connections make sure they are firmly crimped and there's no sign of heat damage.

[Scrapper]

This service manual will help, page 6 has the troubleshooting chart.

[CedarCreekWoody]

When closing slides you should have a fully charged battery AND be on shore or generator power. Initial amperage draw can be substantial.

[Brother Les]

Has this always ran like this? If it ran better when newer, and now is 'weaker', my first thought would be your battery is not holding a good full charge. Take your battery out and have it 'load tested', is where to start first and eliminate that question.

[formerFR]

vote: low BATTERY power, simple.

(and that's EVEN if you are plugged in - the BATTERY runs the slides, not shore power)

[wanderer44]

how old are the batteries???

[stansoper]

Originally Posted by wanderer44

how old are the batteries???

The battery is 2 years old and is put on trickle charge overwinter in my garage. I also had it checked out from the battery shop when I de-winterized the unit. It was load tested and checked out ok.