2012 Solera 24S Slide Slow coming in

[ChgoDave]

I have own my 2012 Solera 24S since February and have always had issues with the slide. When I purchased it, the Dealer said the batteries were low and just needed to be charged. This was his explanation for the slide moving slowly. We have taken the coach out 6 times now and we are noticing the issue getting worst. Originally we thought it was because we have to much weight in the cabinets, or even that the coach was on a small slant to the drivers side. Even with us taking stuff out of the cabinets, and being on a level surface, it doesn’t come back in. Our last few trips, my wife pushes the button on the inside, while I lift the slide. The slide opens very easy, it’s just when it closes. The slide comes in slowly, then stops when it appears to be trying to go over a hump. I was thinking it was power, but it’s the same whether I’m at shore power or running the generator. Just need some help on what to do. I went camping last night by myself and had to ask a neighboring trailer to push the button while I pushed the slide in. Thanks in advance!

[JLeising]

The slide has always “struggled” coming up “over the hump” while retracting on our 2012. That said, it does come in without help.

First thought, your batteries may be marginal or the battery terminals may be corroded. Corrosion or deterioration of the interconnect wiring may also contribute. Although shore power or generator power may help some, I believe the slideout motor draws significantly more power when working hard than the converter supplies. I think a good supply from the house batteries is required. A volt meter on the batteries and/or on the slideout motor may help diagnose.

Second thought - I periodically get under mine with the slideout extended and lubricate the bottom of the slideout where it contacts while coming in. There are “scrape marks” on the bottom of the slideout. Special dry lubes for this purpose are available. The dry lubes are desirable to avoid having dirt and grime collect. If someone did use a “wet lube” which collected grime, cleaning that off and re-lubing might help.

Similarly, good to lube all the slideout mechanics (gear racks, gears, etc) under the slideout. The motor and gearbox are above the propane regulators.

Finally, on mine, when I bought it new the slideout motor was improperly welded to the frame and broke loose after about five actuations. Once it broke loose, it cocked and did not properly retract the slideout. Had an RV service place re-weld it.

FYI

[ChgoDave]

Thanks! I’ll start with the batteries.