Good afternoon,
I have a 2011 Blue Ridge 3025RL which we bought used about a year ago. We have 2-3 teeth broken on one of the spur gears so that the two sides are not coming in evenly and we periodically hear loud pops. We can push it out while someone starts and stops it with the switch, but it never makes full contact.
We had our mobile RV repairman out and both he and us thought it would be a relatively simple matter of ordering a gear pack and replacing that side. We found out that we would need to buy an extra set of spur gears since they have changed from 2” to 2.5” and we would need to switch them out to fit our system but that was no big deal because they are cheap. Now, however, it has turned into a much bigger deal.
Apparently our system was originally manufactured by M-Tec which Lippert bought out afterwards. They are now telling our repairman that they no longer manufacture or sell the original M-Tec spur gear that is “obsolete.” He has made multiple calls to Lippert who insist the only solution is to replace the entire hardware system under that slide which is extremely expensive and labor intensive. No matter what search parameters any of us use to find M-Tec spur gears we are automatically directed to Lippert and eventually to their directions on converting to 2.5” systems.
I was wondering if anyone else has had to deal with this or has any information on the compatibility of Lippert and M-Tec spur gears. We are frustrated beyond belief as the difference in the two repair scenarios is literally a couple thousand dollars. How can they just buy a company and shut down the production of parts that their own customers need? Any assistance, information or suggestions are appreciated.
I can't find much about the M-Tec system, but RVupgradestore.com has several different gear packs of different sizes.
Is there any way you could post a few pictures of the system and the affected gear?
He just sent me a picture of the gear removed. The inside is not hexagonal like Lippert’s stock gears so we can’t just interchange them, unfortunately.
I'll do some searching for one, but you should call RV Salvage and see if they have one in the mean time. You may get lucky and they have a few in stock.
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Salem 29RKSS Pushing a GMC Sierra 2500HD!
Gotta go campin!
One other possibility would be to find a quality machine shop and see if they could repair the gear. It would require welding - if the gear material allows that - and then re-cutting the teeth. Wouldn't be cheap but a lot cheaper than the replacement Lippert said you'd need.
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I just want to be outside!!!
'17 Salem Cruise Lite 210RBXL
'11 F150 5.0
Only one shedding mutt now RIP Yoshi
I can't believe that the gear is only made for the use on your slide. Most manufacturers use common hardware that is cheap and available on the open market. Search the internet for gear sets. You might get lucky. Ask Lippert where they buy theirs...
Another possibility is having a good machinist cut a brand new gear, of the appropriate dimensions, out of stock material. That would be a stronger option than welding. Unfortunately, it would likely be expensive as well. But I am sure it would be less than $2000.
I have been searching for days. The problem is that Lippert bought out the manufacturer of that spur gear and then shut down production of that and other parts. They told us that it is now an obsolete part and that they chose to not manufacture a viable alternative part and therefore the entire hardware system would have to be replaced.
The worse part is that no matter how I try to search for m-tec I get redirected to Lippert!
It really burns me that they chose to do this as it basically forces customers in need of this $27 part to purchase an entire system from them. The hardware is around $980 and requires the removal of old stuff and the welding and install of their system so the labor is more. As many people as there are on here who jump slide gears I imagine it will become a more common problem, I mean this 5th wheel is only 7 years old smh
Yes I’m sure. Half that cost is labor to completely strip and reinstall the slide hardware which requires more than one person and welding etc... machining a new spur would cut down considerably on labor.
Like others have said I can't imagine a manufacturer having special gears made, they would have choses stock gears to keep the cost down. Good luck with your search and I hope you get it resolved soon
Here's a pinion gear that may work. You (or the repair guy) could take it to a machine shop and have the hub cut off and it should fit the rack and the shaft.
Call Tonys Rv in Lexington. http://tonysrv.com
The only repair RV's not sell. Call and speak to Gerald. He is very knowledgeable.
You could email you problem and pictures for a repair quote at partsmanager@tonysrv.com
I have relied on them for service, wheel well repair and slide repair and other items. I found them honest and though and they will work your insurance claim if applicable.
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2014 Sunseeker 3170 DSF
Dorothy, Garrette and Miss Bella.
Retired and having fun.
Visone RV in East Bernstadt, KY. is one of the largest RV salvage operators in the country, they may be of some assistance. Good luck. 606-843-9889
Travel safe
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2019 Ford F-350 Super Duty CC Dually 6.7 Diesel
2011 Cedar Creek 36CKTS Touring Edition
Ask Lippert where they buy theirs...
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