A Couple of Schwintek Questions

[FredCoMTB]

We have a non FR unit now that has a Schwintek slide with a dinette in it. It's fairly small so far as slides go...31"deep x 66" long (front to back) give or take.

Have been looking through some threads here but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

When traveling, can we use the dinette with the slide retracted? Have found mixed answers. Two adults and two toddlers (maybe a 35 lb dog depending on where she wants to hang out). This would mostly be just for quick stops in the road.

On the same line of thinking... if we stop somewhere away from things and can safely do so... can we put the slide out still hooked up without stabilizers down? Manual says to get "mostly" level or something like that... what is mostly?

Thanks for the help.

[bikendan]

Without knowing make and model number, it's hard to say.
Our TracerAir's Schwintek slide only has our theater seating in it but we won't sit on it very long, when retracted.

[BehindBars]

Originally Posted by FredCoMTB

We have a non FR unit now that has a Schwintek slide with a dinette in it. It's fairly small so far as slides go...31"deep x 66" long (front to back) give or take.

Have been looking through some threads here but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

When traveling, can we use the dinette with the slide retracted? Have found mixed answers. Two adults and two toddlers (maybe a 35 lb dog depending on where she wants to hang out). This would mostly be just for quick stops in the road.

On the same line of thinking... if we stop somewhere away from things and can safely do so... can we put the slide out still hooked up without stabilizers down? Manual says to get "mostly" level or something like that... what is mostly?

Thanks for the help.

By “unit”, is it a motorhome? Travel trailer? Other? Motorhome dinette use with the slide in is acceptable because usually passengers are intended to ride there.

[NavyLCDR]

Well, on my previous travel trailer, I could not use the dinette without extending the slide because the cushions and the table had to be removed to bring the slide out in,,,,

as far as bearing weight, there is nothing special about the schwintek slide being out or in.

[FredCoMTB]

Originally Posted by BehindBars

By “unit”, is it a motorhome? Travel trailer? Other? Motorhome dinette use with the slide in is acceptable because usually passengers are intended to ride there.

Sorry about that meant to put it in there.

It's a smallish travel trailer...KZ Escape 191BHK.

Some of the info I've find says it's a problem and snaps a screw somewhere. Other places say no huge deal.

The manual says nothing about it at all. I'll probably call Lippert at some point but this forum has always been helpful too.

[bzac1954]

Originally Posted by FredCoMTB

We have a non FR unit now that has a Schwintek slide with a dinette in it. It's fairly small so far as slides go...31"deep x 66" long (front to back) give or take.

Have been looking through some threads here but haven't found exactly what I'm looking for.

When traveling, can we use the dinette with the slide retracted? Have found mixed answers. Two adults and two toddlers (maybe a 35 lb dog depending on where she wants to hang out). This would mostly be just for quick stops in the road.

On the same line of thinking... if we stop somewhere away from things and can safely do so... can we put the slide out still hooked up without stabilizers down? Manual says to get "mostly" level or something like that... what is mostly?

Thanks for the help.

I was told by dealer and mobile tech to stay off the dinette with it retracted (traveling mode). If you bow the floor it can cause stress on the slide system no matter what that system is.

Putting the slid out to use for lunches and such without stabilizers is OK but don't go bouncing the trailer too much. It will put more stress on the ball hitch and the side wheels but not enough to worry about.

[Pathfinder75]

We used our much longer Schwintek slide with couch and u shape dinette often with slide in. Yes Class C Leprechaun Motorhome and had seat belts for travel. While I'm not an engineer for KZ I must agree with NavyLCDR ",there is nothing special about the schwintek slide being out or in." The slide floor is sliding on the floor beneath it. Far more stress on floor when extended. The Schwintec mechanism is the two motors driving a shaft on each side with gears pulling/pushing slide in or out using the two notched plates you see on each end of slide.
To make you more sure of your self call customer support at KZ and speak with them. I KNOW THE PEOPLE WERE GREAT at Coachman for me.

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by FredCoMTB

When traveling, can we use the dinette with the slide retracted? Have found mixed answers. Two adults and two toddlers (maybe a 35 lb dog depending on where she wants to hang out). This would mostly be just for quick stops in the road.

I'll echo what the others have said- using a Schwintek slide in or out is no difference to the slide mechanism. It's fine to use it with it fully retracted.

Originally Posted by FredCoMTB

On the same line of thinking... if we stop somewhere away from things and can safely do so... can we put the slide out still hooked up without stabilizers down? Manual says to get "mostly" level or something like that... what is mostly?

You should only ever fully extend or fully retract Schwintek slides to keep the motors in sync (and hold the button for 3 seconds after they stop moving to let them resynchronize).

"Mostly level" is if you'd be comfortable sleeping and living in the unit, then it's fine for the slide out system. Same goes for your 2-way RV fridge.