Putting Roller Plates on a Schwintek Slide System

[wolfie53]

Harvey,
Theoretically they need an adjustment because they are 1/8” thick. But, FR didn’t suggest doing anything about it. I believe that Oscar has written that it doesn’t cause a problem.

Having said that, I replaced the Schwintek rack on the heavy (refrigerator end) and the new H-column didn’t have any holes drilled into the vertical H column flange, but it used the same holes for the horizontal racks as were on the original rack. That’s OK, because the only con concern would be with the vertical location of the holes on the H-column flange. I got to install new holes and everything went together nicely. The horizontal racks can be at the same height, because the compensating adjustment is made on the H-column.

They did ship me an H-column set for the light end of the slide, but I didn’t install them. Theoretically, there could be a problem with the extra 1/8” on the bottom, but I haven’t seen any problem occurring. If I was concerned, I could either install the new assembly on that end, or remove the screws on the vertical H-column on that end, and see if the holes had moved between the H-column and the coach. If they moved, I could drill a whole new set of holes for the H-column and everything would be back up to spec.

—cheers, Gordon

I'm about to put slide roller plates on my rig. They are the 1/8" thick plates from FR. Theoretically, I should have to reposition the "H" columns 1/8" higher to accommodate the roller plates.

Per Gordon's quote and from others I have seen install these plates, they did not adjust the "H" columns. I was concerned with binding the shoe on the upper edge of the groove in the rack from pushing up or misaligning the gear on the rack if I did not reposition the columns.

If there is enough tolerance stack up in the system I could be ok and not have to move anything. I suspect the system is indeed "sloppy".

Now that it has been a couple of years, how did it work out for those who didn't reposition the "H" columns when they installed roller plates?

 

[NXR]

Now that it has been a couple of years, how did it work out for those who didn't reposition the "H" columns when they installed roller plates?

OK, I'll ask. What is an "H" column?

When the factory and dealer installed my slide ski plates they just raised the slide slightly to slip the plates in place, two years and three years ago respectively.

But I have the SlimRack slide system and not the Schwintek system.

Ray

 

[wolfie53]

OK, I'll ask. What is an "H" column?

When the factory and dealer installed my slide ski plates they just raised the slide slightly to slip the plates in place, two years and three years ago respectively.

But I have the SlimRack slide system and not the Schwintek system.

Ray

Looks like the SlimRack has a "C" channel that performs the same function. The "H" column contains the motor, shaft and gear sets. Same concern, if you move the slide up by 1/8" can the mechanism accommodate the lift.

 

[troybuz]

Did you ever adjust you slide rails??? I added plates and did not see the need to adjust anything?

 

[NavyLCDR]

If it ain't broke, why fix it?

 

[wolfie53]

Forest River sent me 1/8 inch thick steel plates but they’re 40 inches long and need cut in half. That’s delayed me among other things. I was also waiting to hear about other experiences.

I reduced the weight in the slide and camper overall by eliminating duplicates and extras. It was illuminating to weigh my rig full of gas and propane with all the junk in it. I was at 14,000 lbs and the limit is 14,500 lbs. I got it down to 13660 with this exercise and the slide rolls better. A lot of the extra weight was coming from the storage in the slide.

So if I add steel plates I’ll have to account for the weight. Aluminum is 1/3 the weight of steel that’s also a consideration.

Plus it might be less expensive to get 20 inch aluminum plates made than have the steel plates reworked.

It’s good to know there’s enough play in the system so you can just put the plates on and not have to relocate anything else. Thanks for sharing your experience.