Europa 32KD Slide: Loud Popping Noise & Controller Location Help

[Glenn Gardon]

On April 26, 2025, I took delivery of my new 2025 Europa 32KD after owning a 2021 Host Cascade 10.5 slide-in camper. After taking 5 trips (23 nights) now with this Super C for business purposes, I have certainly enjoyed the convenience and extra space.

I am posting here today because I need some extra help with my driver’s side slide. While the slide extended and retracted this week, I found it unsettling yesterday to hear on the right side of the slide a loud popping sound. In conjunction with that, the slide did not move as smoothly as in previous extensions and retractions. However, I did not see where the left or right leads/lags the other.

Upon some research and reading the post/thread in this forum titled “DX3 32KD Main Slide Grinding Noise” (04/18/25), I feel my slide issue is very similar. My slide a BAL Exact Slide, I have done further research online in hopes of reaching a proper diagnosis and self-performing the solution/fix without involving the dealership, given I have many more business trips in the upcoming weeks.

In reviewing the videos and documentation provided on BAL RV Products, Division of Norco Industries, Inc. website, I believe my issue relates to their support documentation titled EXCESSIVE SLACK IN THE CHAIN. What doesn’t match is my cables are “banjo” tight when fully retracted or extended. Even with that, I am willing to go through the steps in the document to see if I can get resolution of the symptoms described above.

Before I begin though, I need help finding where the BAL Exact Slide controller is located in my 2025 Europa 32KD (VIN ***VW9851) as mentioned in step #12. Would someone let me know where to look for it?

 

[Scottc32kd]

On my 2025 32kd it is in the electrical compartment right above the transfer switch across from the inverter.

 

[Glenn Gardon]

Scottc32kd, Thanks you for your response. I certainly overlooked it multiple times as that seemed to be the obvious spot. Once I gently moved aside some wire harnesses, I clearly saw the controller.

 

[RogueStanley]

I am the OP of the slide issue you referenced...in our case the noise occurred while retracting the slide and from that point the front of the slide did not operate, motor still ran but no movement in the front. In our case it was a catastrophic failure of the gear portion of the front motor. Everything was found to be correct, slide alignment, cable tension , etc..no real cause determined. Can't help with the technical portion as we had it repaired at a local RV shop which BTW they were impressed by the fact they got instant approval from Dynamax to do the repair and part shipped quickly. They stated most manufactures that a week or more just to get an approval.

 

[Glenn Gardon]

I am the OP of the slide issue you referenced...in our case the noise occurred while retracting the slide and from that point the front of the slide did not operate, motor still ran but no movement in the front. In our case it was a catastrophic failure of the gear portion of the front motor. Everything was found to be correct, slide alignment, cable tension , etc..no real cause determined. Can't help with the technical portion as we had it repaired at a local RV shop which BTW they were impressed by the fact they got instant approval from Dynamax to do the repair and part shipped quickly. They stated most manufactures that a week or more just to get an approval.

I appreciate your clarification.