Slide out problem

[sailingsuppo46]

Hi All,

I had the TT home this weekend to do some winterizing. I was going out to install a cabinet door and lube the slides with dry lube when I experienced a problem with the slide. As I was bringing it in, it made a load popping sound like something broke. Now the slide will not go in or out. It makes jerking sounds, moves an inch then stops. I was able to get it in, so I can take it to the dealer. Anyone experience anything like this with their slide. I know there is nothing obstructing the slide because I was able to move it in and out several times over the weekend and made sure nothing is in the way. Thanks,

[TWO4THEROAD]

Actually, I just had the same problem with MY slideout. It made the same noise and stopped working on 1 side, I crawled under the slide and found that the bolt that hold the shaft from the gear to the motor had sheared off, so the motor was only turning one side of the slide. I replaced the bolt with a "hardened" bolt. for some reason FR put a regular steel bolt not hardened so it sheared off. Just be sure that the slide in even on both sides before replacing the bolt. This seemed to solve the problem for now. Good luck

[bill and theresa]

I also had the problem. Same as TWO4THEROAD. Bolt was not a grade 8 bolt. Changed mine and no more problems. I now have several grade 8 bolts and nuts and washers in my tool box.

[sailingsuppo46]

Thanks All,

The TT is at the dealer. I took it in this afternoon. BUt, before I dropped it off, I pulled a couple access panels under the belly and took a look. I found a couple of bolts without nuts and one bolt with the nut just about to fall off. It sure looks and sounds like a bolt broke. I did not want to take it in, but since we just bought it in July, I wanted to get it documented and press them to fix it since it is under warranty. My concern is I will not get it back in time for our trip to Pine Hurst for T-Day. I had to call the owner just to get it in or I would have had to wait until December. Hopefully, it works out and we can still make our trip. Thanks for the info.

[TWO4THEROAD]

Sailingsuppo46: It's interesting how fast the dealer wants to sell you their product but when it comes time to give some actual service, they drag their feet. I finally stopped going back to the dealer and found a great RV repair place 80 miles closer to my house. As I mention in my post the bolts that were on the slideout assembly were NOT hardened. Something with that much torque should be hardened. I now, like Bill and Theresa's post above have a bag full of replacement nuts and bolts of good quality. Good luck, hope you make your TG trip.

[sailingsuppo46]

Thanks. Hoping for the best. I dd get a chance to talk to the Tech that has helped me out in the past and we will see if that helps. But you are right about the dealers. Quick to sell and long on service work. What's even worse is they hire people with no customer service experience or who could care less. When warranty is up, so is the dealer. Later,

[sailingsuppo46]

All,

An update on my TT..... our NC trip is off. I got the dealer to troubleshoot the problem. It was the motor. They are telling me 10 days to get the parts because Forest River will make them go to the Slide MFG for the motor. At this point, I just want it fixed. I have had such good luck with this trailer to this point. I cannot believe the slide motor broke so soon. I purposely limit what I store in the slide to prevent overweight issues and reduce problems. I guess our season is over. Not how I wanted to end it. later,

[threegr8katz]

How can you tell if the bolts are grade 8?

should I replace all my bolts to prevent this or just wait? What have you guys done since the ones broke?

[f150k]

Are the bolt made to shear? Maybe this is a safety issue so other damage will not be done to the slide. I would make sure you check with either the dealer or Forrest River about replacing the bolts with a higher grade. Just my 2c

[sailingsuppo46]

Good point. I would check especially if the unit is still under warranty. You don't want to be the cause of them not fixing it. On mine, the motor went and it is only did months old. I have not been to the dealer to talk to them facet face yet. I am doing that today. Needed a cooling off period.