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Old 07-30-2019, 03:19 PM   #1
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Question Any schwintek positive experience??

As a relatively new owner (Apex 22QBS) with a ("shallow") Schwintek slide that's operating flawlessly, I'm increasingly concerned at the horror stories I'm reading here and hearing elsewhere about Schwintek slide malfunctions. Even though I read/follow extending/retracting directions and lubricate as recommended, it almost seems inevitable that there's to be a problem...and, the likelihood of it occurring at the most inopportune time is clear. That said, and in the interest of either instilling a bit of confidence that it shouldn't be a constant worry (or, realizing that I may need to sell an RV that I otherwise love as quickly as possible!)...are there any Schwintek slide users out there, who have had their units for a while, and who have not experienced the "stuck" (in or out) or other malfunctions? Thanks!!
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:24 PM   #2
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I don't have any Schwintek slides myself, but have helped my friends numerous times when theirs had problems. BUT, only their big slides have problems, the small Schwintek slides (like bedroom), have never had a problem.
So chances are you will be fine, but if your not, there are lots of videos showing how to handle it.
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:29 PM   #3
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Any schwintek positive experience??

That is why if possible I would never buy an RV with a FWS, no matter what the brand. After 4 years, thank God , mine are still working fine. It is important to lube the motors. I do it at least 2-3 times a year. All of my slides are relatively small (only one item in each slide - nothing heavy).
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:37 PM   #4
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I have had mine for over 4 years and 20,000 + miles. No issues but I always hold the button in for 5 to 7 seconds after it stops, both extending and retracting. Also never stop it part way in or out.
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:38 PM   #5
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I have a shallow Schwintek slide that contains the refrigerator, stove and cabinets on our 2015 camper and we have had zero issues. The slide has been extended and retracted many times in this, our 5th year of use.
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:44 PM   #6
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2+ years owning my '16 Prism 24G with side and rear slides, ~15k miles on it and at least 75 nights in it so the slides have been in and out numerous times as we generally use it for traveling and spend 1-2 nights in one place. The side slide needed re-timed once as it got maybe 1 tooth off. We always hold the slide button in for 3-5 seconds after it stops moving. Knock on favorite hard surface, but no real issues yet.
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Old 07-30-2019, 03:48 PM   #7
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2.5 years on mine. Schwintek for the bedroom wardrobe slide. Has been in and out quite a bit in all kinds of weather.
So far no issues. (We need a "crossed fingers" emoji)
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:05 PM   #8
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Quote:
Originally Posted by SailorSam20500 View Post
<snip>
So far no issues. (We need a "crossed fingers" emoji)

🤞🤞🤞 Here ya go
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:25 PM   #9
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Have two schwintek slides (wish I did not have them) . one large (couch and table) and one small (bunkhouse beds). small slide always works better than the big. some issues with the small slide is that it would not go in all the way. The slide must then be slid all the way out to recalibrate it to be 'in sink'. The large slide is to heavy for the motors and strain going in and out. The motors will NOT pull the slide in if the unit is tilted to much. Keep unit level and the main slide will go in and out at a slow steady (strained/sometimes bucking) rate. This type of slide system should not be on large slides.
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:32 PM   #10
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One motor sensor failed in the 1st year. Replaced under warranty. No other issues in 4 years.
Make sure you know where the control board is located!!!
It can flash trouble codes if you ever do have a problem.
Also know how to override if necessary.
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:33 PM   #11
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Also 2+ years with our smaller but deeper Schwintek system.
Knock on wood, it's worked flawlessly the entire time.
I keep the tracks and motor gears lubed.
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Old 07-30-2019, 04:37 PM   #12
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I had problems with a big "full wall" slide out on a Sunseeker 2400W. But smaller slides have not been an issue. Just don't load up that shallow slide with a ton of lead and should be fine....
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Old 07-30-2019, 05:29 PM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Brother Les View Post
Have two schwintek slides (wish I did not have them) . one large (couch and table) and one small (bunkhouse beds). small slide always works better than the big. some issues with the small slide is that it would not go in all the way. The slide must then be slid all the way out to recalibrate it to be 'in sink'. The large slide is to heavy for the motors and strain going in and out. The motors will NOT pull the slide in if the unit is tilted to much. Keep unit level and the main slide will go in and out at a slow steady (strained/sometimes bucking) rate. This type of slide system should not be on large slides.
All posts have been very good and much appreciated. A "theme" I seem to be hearing is that the more "shallow" and lighter slides seem to work OK. Also, as indicated above, I understand that it's important to hold the button "all the way to stop" both ways...and never partially extend. Thanks folks!
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Old 07-30-2019, 06:30 PM   #14
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Schwintek...

Dan & Rita wrote: "Make sure you know where the control board is located!!!"

Great advice! I actually wrote to Coachmen/FR for a clue on where it's located in our Apex after I searched and no joy. They replied and told me where to look -- it was right there (near the slide, of course). I modified the panel where it's located for easy access if (when? ) needed.
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Old 07-30-2019, 06:56 PM   #15
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GL1800Rider View Post
I have had mine for over 4 years and 20,000 + miles. No issues but I always hold the button in for 5 to 7 seconds after it stops, both extending and retracting. Also never stop it part way in or out.
First for the OP - we have a small bedroom slide and have never had a problem in a 2012 unit that we have owned for 3 years.

Now for GL1800RIDER - What is the point of holding the buttons so long after fully extending/retracting? Won't this actually lead to premature motor burnout? And what is the problem with partially extending? Not to use the slide portion but to make something accessible? For instance, storage underneath or, as I did this weekend, to install a USB charging station in a side wall where the slide, when in, made it difficult to access the mounting screws.
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Old 07-30-2019, 07:05 PM   #16
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Had my Roo 19 for 3 years, no issues.

On my 5th year with my Mini Lite, no issues.

(Knock on wood.)
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Old 07-30-2019, 07:32 PM   #17
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We have one on our short wardrobe slide. On our 4th year and no problems.

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Old 07-30-2019, 08:24 PM   #18
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Holding the button allows the motors to sync. Beware, my fascia really bends if the the button is held going out. The guys at FR said hold it coming in but just allow them to seal going out. They still bend on the ends.
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Old 07-31-2019, 06:30 AM   #19
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Quote:
Originally Posted by AbdRahim View Post
Holding the button allows the motors to sync. Beware, my fascia really bends if the the button is held going out. The guys at FR said hold it coming in but just allow them to seal going out. They still bend on the ends.

Mine also seemed to stress the wall motor mounts if I hold the button too long.
I watch it going either way and as soon as -BOTH- corners stop moving I let go of the button.
Been doing that for 3 years.
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Old 07-31-2019, 07:32 AM   #20
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I had a full wall slide on a TT for four years and a lot of use without a single problem. We used to often open it partway to use the bathroom in rest areas.
My MH has a small (5 foot-ish) bed slide that hasn't bothered me in the past 2+ years.
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