Manually operate slides?

[Ebirep]

2015 FR3 30DS. Does anyone have any experience manually operating your slides with a motor problem. What tools are required? Was it an easy process? My main slide stopped working and the dealer replaced the motor. Problem is they were a bit clueless on how to manually operate the slides. I want to be prepared if this happens again. Thanks.

[winojoe]

I have not done this but it was explained to me by my dealer. There should be a metal tool that came in a ziplock bag. Pop off a little round circle on the inside of the slide out put the tool in and crank. Again have not done this but that's how it was explained to me. Hope this helps

[leisurelarry]

The main slide wouldn't retract on my 2015 FR3 30S last month when I was staying in Death Valley. After confirming that the relay and fuse were still operational, I removed all the fascia trim above the slide to access the motor and gear box. I used the tool supplied with my coach to insert into my drill and manually turn the motor and bring the slide in. It is not an easy process but doable if you need drive your coach. The tool is a flexible bit about 8-9" long with one end which inserts into the side of the slide motor and the other end into a ratchet, rechargeable or electric drill. Once you access the motor it takes about 5 minutes with an electric drill.

[Christian_D]

Originally Posted by leisurelarry

The tool is a flexible bit about 8-9" long with one end which inserts into the side of the slide motor and the other end into a ratchet, rechargeable or electric drill.

Thank you!!!! I've been wondering what that was for!!

[Ebirep]

Thank you. I will have to look around and see if I was given one of those tools.

[zippyzrx]

Also not if it is a bad tooth on the gear you can also try pushing in the slide while another presses the button. I had a tooth break on my 13 and was able to push it in/out this way until it could be repaired. Also no fun but easier than accessing the motor. Works if its just a gear tooth problem which has been common until fixed.

[wayne and sherry]

Where do your used this took to manually operate the slides? Can anyone post any pics of where this location is. Just in case.


JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK

[zippyzrx]

Wayne ive got the 25DS but it is behind the overhead cabinets above the bed. You unscrew the back panel and its right there. The dinnette slide require you remove the panel above it and it is there. Dont have a pic as rv is in getting basically a new jack system pr i would post pics.

[wayne and sherry]

Thanks Zippie!! I'll take a look and see if I can find the panel at least. We leave on our 1st trip this week so just in case I'd like to know how to move these slides manually if any bad happens.


JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK

[leisurelarry]

Wayne and Sherry
Here are some pictures for you of the areas where the slide motors and gear boxes are located.
The first two are of the bedroom slide. I'm pointing at the area which conceals the slide motor and gear box which is right in the center. Unfortunately you must remove the entire front fascia trim panel and some unfinished pieces of lumber behind it to expose the mechanicals. Lots of screws, staples and nails.
The remaining pictures are of the main slide with the front fascia trim panel and all hidden unfinished lumber pieces removed exposing the mechanicals of the slide. On the left end of the motor is an area where the supplied flexible bit is inserted. An electric drill in my opinion is best to use for this job as a rechargeable may or may not have the torque or battery stamina to handle this task. You could also use a socket if you had a week to bring your slide in.


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[wayne and sherry]

Pete sakes l hope I never have to start tearing the inside of my motorhome apart to get at that stuff. Wood, screws, staples all stuff I suck at. I'm no Carpenter that's for sure.


JeNNY (2015 FR3 / 30DS)
2000 Jeep TJ Moab Rock Crawler
2013 Jeep JK

[leisurelarry]

Wayne I had no choice. Out in Death Valley for two weeks camping at Stovepipe Wells. I could have used Coachnet, they will send out a service person at no charge for time and mileage which is a pretty good deal considering they were going to have to drive 200 miles round trip from Pahrump, Nevada! But they do charge an hourly rate for any work they do on your coach and then it's dicey whether you can recover that from the dealer or Forest River even under warranty. I had the job done well before they could have reached me where I was staying. The dealer is replacing the motor and gear box. I spoke with Travis at Forest River and asked if he would Ok replacing the motors and gear boxes on both slides even though the bedroom slide is still functioning. He approved the parts and work and sent a pair of motors and gear boxes to my dealer.


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[bigduke1956]

Originally Posted by zippyzrx

Also not if it is a bad tooth on the gear you can also try pushing in the slide while another presses the button. I had a tooth break on my 13 and was able to push it in/out this way until it could be repaired. Also no fun but easier than accessing the motor. Works if its just a gear tooth problem which has been common until fixed.

this is exactly what we did; thaks