Driving with slide extended 15 inches?

Shawn62 · 08-31-2019, 06:25 PM

My living room slide would not retract. Tried all the troubleshooting on here and YouTube. Finally pushed it in partially with 15 inches left. I am thinking of driving it like that 10 miles on secondary roads to a repair shop. I will block it to make it secure. I will put flags on it since I will be over width. I will drive when traffic is light. What are the possible negative aspects.

Bob Denman · 08-31-2019, 06:33 PM

I can't think of any...

As long as it stays put!

Good luck: please let us know how this works out!

Popfla · 08-31-2019, 07:08 PM

I wouldn't even attempt it.

You're risking damaging the slide and its mechanisms and liability if it hits something or someone.

That's what mobile RV repair companies are for.

nosticks · 08-31-2019, 07:59 PM

Agree with popfla. Don't even think about it. Get a mobile service.

longknocker · 09-03-2019, 09:55 PM

Did u try the override?

Bob Denman · 09-03-2019, 10:36 PM

I hope that he checks in, and lets us know what happened...

TurnerFam · 09-03-2019, 11:10 PM

if you look at your side mirrors, you may find that a slide extension of 15" is not really that much more than they are already, and nobody concerns themselves with their mirrors, though it will possibly prohibit you from being able to see down that side of your coach...

It sounds like you have a good safe plan...

paulwadley · 09-04-2019, 12:41 AM

Everything that I have read states Not to Drive with the slide out. Your slide could fall out completely and/or the mechanism could be damaged. Did you disconnect the slide out from the electrical and push it in. Once it is in, re-connect the mechanism and lock/break the interior of the slide to keep it in place while driving. Good luck

Shawn62 · 09-04-2019, 12:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

I hope that he checks in, and lets us know what happened...

UPDATE: So far, So good. I am waiting for parts to arrive before I dive into the repairs. The move went well as far as I can tell. I secured the slide topper to keep it from unrolling as I drove down the road. Flagged the corners of the slide. Used front and rear escort vehicles. Kept it under 40 mph. My co pilot monitored the slide for movement and noises of destruction. I read somewhere that this schwintek system is destined to fail sooner or later, so it pays to be prepared and know how to fix it. Luckily mine failed at home. I will report more later.

Tnabernal · 09-04-2019, 05:34 AM

I have a 34j and have had numerous issues with our slide. Never had to drive with it out 15 inches but have replaced each motor twice and the racks on the front once.

Best of luck on your slide.

Bob Denman · 09-04-2019, 11:43 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Shawn62

UPDATE: So far, So good. I am waiting for parts to arrive before I dive into the repairs. The move went well as far as I can tell. I secured the slide topper to keep it from unrolling as I drove down the road. Flagged the corners of the slide. Used front and rear escort vehicles. Kept it under 40 mph. My co pilot monitored the slide for movement and noises of destruction. I read somewhere that this schwintek system is destined to fail sooner or later, so it pays to be prepared and know how to fix it. Luckily mine failed at home. I will report more later.

Glad to hear that you managed to do this in as safe a manner as possible.

The best of luck with the repairs...

Shawn62 · 09-04-2019, 12:03 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Tnabernal

I have a 34j and have had numerous issues with our slide. Never had to drive with it out 15 inches but have replaced each motor twice and the racks on the front once.

Best of luck on your slide.

Thanks. Sorry to hear about your issues. Both motors twice on a 2018 is astounding. I hope it was under warranty when that happened.

**EA37TS** · 09-04-2019, 01:30 PM

To begin with the coach should not start with the slide extended. If it does there is another safety issue involved.

Call a mobile tech. The slide extended could cause a weight distribution issue and one curve on the wrong incline could result in the motorhome being on its side.

Bob Denman · 09-04-2019, 02:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstankov

To begin with the coach should not start with the slide extended. If it does there is another safety issue involved.

Gee... Our Outlaw and Wayfarer will both start and drive: with a slide extended...
(I had to check this out...

)

Shawn62 · 09-04-2019, 02:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dstankov

To begin with the coach should not start with the slide extended. If it does there is another safety issue involved.

Call a mobile tech. The slide extended could cause a weight distribution issue and one curve on the wrong incline could result in the motorhome being on its side.

dstankov,

You raise some valid points. I thought about weight distribution. I should have mentioned that I emptied everything in the slide storage compartments, my black and gray tanks were empty. I filled the water tank which is located on the side opposite the slide.

My last two motor coach engines would start with slides extended. This comes in handy if you need to charge batteries with alternator or use engine heat or A/C.

I do know that I can’t extend slides with engine running but after they are extended I can start it.

I was surprised that I could put the chassis in gear with the slide partially extended.

I attempted to get a mobile tech but they are few and far between around here. It was Labor Day weekend so they were backed up also. Maybe I should put one on retainer.

Twice I have been at dump stations and seen coaches with slides that extend out the rear pull in. I took time to advise them. They couldn’t believe the coach let them do that.

Maybe they did away with safety devices to cut the cost. All motor coaches are not created equal.

**16ACE27** · 09-04-2019, 02:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

Gee... Our Outlaw and Wayfarer will both start and drive: with a slide extended...
(I had to check this out...

)

My ACE as well. I've never heard of this "Interlock" that prevents starting a coach with slides extended. In fact, some hydraulic slides require the engine to be running to move the slides just like the levelers.

Bob Denman · 09-04-2019, 03:29 PM

This might just be a touch of "Urban Legends"; creeping into our World.

gmc · 09-04-2019, 03:36 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

My ACE as well. I've never heard of this "Interlock" that prevents starting a coach with slides extended. In fact, some hydraulic slides require the engine to be running to move the slides just like the levelers.

And conversation with a Thor factory rep at a recent (Sunshine) rally indicated Thor moving to requiring the engine running to move even the electric slides - providing a consistent power supply from the alternator... attributing at least some issues to low/inconsistent voltage affecting slide performance...
So don't be surprised if a 2021 owner says they can't open their slides with engine off! Things change...

Bob Denman · 09-04-2019, 03:57 PM

That's currently how my Tiffin operates: engine on for the slides; but off for the levelers...

**EA37TS** · 09-04-2019, 05:41 PM

I'll have to try mine again, but I know a couple of times I tried to start the engine while slides were extended and it would not start. When it wouldn't start it was always a forehead slapping moment.

That is one of the reason why I never use the rapid camp. (Some of you might remember that work of wonder) Engine running and brake set for leveling jack operation and then have to run inside to shut engine off to extend or retract slides or awning.

Maybe things have changed in the last 4 years. Did they also kill the interlock for the awning?

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