Schwintek slide problem

[Thorfreedom]

have 2017 Thor freedom elite 30 FE. During our road trip to the west the slide came out 8 to 10 inches on driver side, while we were driving. I was able to push the slide back and secure with the wood. We stopped by at RV shop and they put a new motor and slide function as it should be. When we reach the campground slide did not work. Got checked again, but no luck. We finished our 9000 mile trip without slide. Took it to the local shop and they recommend to change the whole slide system on both sides, but we have kitchen cabinets on one side. I was thinking to fix only the bad side since it’s easy to change that side. For shop recommended to change both and had 16 hours of labor involved due to un accessibility on one side. Does anybody have any experience with this issue? If any of you have any idea, please share. Thank you.

[ghnl]

Change what? It is (relatively) easy to change the motor(s). To change the whole slide system - tracks & all - is a lot more work & cost. You (or the shop) can change one motor if they install a new one that matches the other side. The Schwintek type motors come in two versions - 300:1 gearing or 500:1 gearing. It should be obvious that both motors have to be geared the same.

There are other parts that can make the slide system not work. There is a slide controller that keeps the motors in synch. And wiring between the controller and each motor. It is possible for the wiring to get pinched, cut, shorted, etc.

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

Change what? It is (relatively) easy to change the motor(s). To change the whole slide system - tracks & all - is a lot more work & cost. You (or the shop) can change one motor if they install a new one that matches the other side. The Schwintek type motors come in two versions - 300:1 gearing or 500:1 gearing. It should be obvious that both motors have to be geared the same.

There are other parts that can make the slide system not work. There is a slide controller that keeps the motors in synch. And wiring between the controller and each motor. It is possible for the wiring to get pinched, cut, shorted, etc.

Thank you for replying. Motor, wiring and controller are good. Shop says it’s slide assembly, means gear block shaft and h channel. Assembly comes with everything including motor but not harness. The cost is 1200 on parts for both sides of slide. But labor due to cabinets covering that corner is 2500.

[ghnl]

Are they saying something is broken/faulty with the gear & H block? Did they show you or provide pictures of the damage?

Rather than spend money on replacing the Schwintek slide system you may want to look at a Vroom Slide System. It is more expensive but reportedly much sturdier. I've also read that Vroom may not install their system on very large slides.

https://youtu.be/bTH3kIByLYM?si=RTzOCehbpocmVGZ6

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

Are they saying something is broken/faulty with the gear & H block? Did they show you or provide pictures of the damage?

Rather than spend money on replacing the Schwintek slide system you may want to look at a Vroom Slide System. It is more expensive but reportedly much sturdier. I've also read that Vroom may not install their system on very large slides.

https://youtu.be/bTH3kIByLYM?si=RTzOCehbpocmVGZ6

They did not show me pics. But they said it’s damage to shaft and block. Where is vroom installs done. We are in South Carolina. Is there any near by installers.

[ghnl]

I do not know the details of the Vroom System - only what I've read on the interwebs. Their website indicates they are in Tucson, AZ. I thought they had some authorized installers in other states but I don't see that option on their web page. You could try contacting them for more info.

After shop one replaced the motor and it worked, were there any signs of an issue? Strange noises, erratic movement, etc? When it didn't work after that just silence or again - noises, erratic movement or what? I'm just guessing but if a gear stripped or a mechanical part broke/seized wouldn't the motor try to move the slide?

[yukongrant]

See post https://www.thorforums.com/forums/sh...13&postcount=8
You may also want to search for Vroom. Lots of good information.
I had my slide replaced this summer in Appleton. They did a great job. I'm very happy.
The Vroom system is expensive - but not that much more expensive than what you're being quoted.
The bigger problem will be getting an appointment at one of those locations. I booked last year. The Appleton location is fully booked for the rest of the summer.
The company that manufactures the Vroom in in Arizona. It's not their main business. The owner does not want to expand. He prefers quality control.

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

I do not know the details of the Vroom System - only what I've read on the interwebs. Their website indicates they are in Tucson, AZ. I thought they had some authorized installers in other states but I don't see that option on their web page. You could try contacting them for more info.

After shop one replaced the motor and it worked, were there any signs of an issue? Strange noises, erratic movement, etc? When it didn't work after that just silence or again - noises, erratic movement or what? I'm just guessing but if a gear stripped or a mechanical part broke/seized wouldn't the motor try to move the slide?

when I returned from the shop they never installed my motor back in the spot. we installed the 2 x 4 piece so it doesn’t come out. I came home and pushed the slide out manually by hand. I move the slide about 6 inches out. Then I looked for the driveshaft from outside. The driveshaft is dropped completely. I took the motor and put it back in spot. I can hear the motor turning, but slide doesn’t. Looks like due to shaft being dropped. it’s not locking in place. On our trip when they were installing, the motor shaft was dropping again and again. He did told me that if it keeps dropping, then you have to change slide assembly.. I was also told that you can replace bits and pieces but best thing is to replace whole thing. They gave me an estimate of 4000 which includes part and labor. Parts are about 1250 bucks for both sides. It’s a right way to do it, but it’s expensive. I’m going to try to lift the shaft up and see if it works tomorrow. But I feel like it is damaged because when I took the motor out and stick my finger in there, I can move the shaft. Which tells me something is broken.

[ghnl]

As far as you know (and based on what the repair shops have told you) is the 'cabinet end' slide working OK? If so then I'd proceed with repairing/replacing the broken slide - at the easier to access end.

I'd also want to know why it failed. Was there some misalignment from the factory? Damage in use? Operator error? (moving the slide with the RV way out of level?) It seems to me the weak link in the Schwintek slides are motor failures (the wires are very small gauge and the connection has no strain reinforcement) and a slide box built or installed out of square. Also, the weight of the slide should be borne by rollers or sliders - not by the Schwintek system itself.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Thorfreedom

when I returned from the shop they never installed my motor back in the spot. we installed the 2 x 4 piece so it doesn’t come out. I came home and pushed the slide out manually by hand. I move the slide about 6 inches out. Then I looked for the driveshaft from outside. The driveshaft is dropped completely. I took the motor and put it back in spot. I can hear the motor turning, but slide doesn’t. Looks like due to shaft being dropped. it’s not locking in place. On our trip when they were installing, the motor shaft was dropping again and again. He did told me that if it keeps dropping, then you have to change slide assembly.. I was also told that you can replace bits and pieces but best thing is to replace whole thing. They gave me an estimate of 4000 which includes part and labor. Parts are about 1250 bucks for both sides. It’s a right way to do it, but it’s expensive. I’m going to try to lift the shaft up and see if it works tomorrow. But I feel like it is damaged because when I took the motor out and stick my finger in there, I can move the shaft. Which tells me something is broken.

At $4K to do that much "fixing" on a Schwintek Slide I'd bite the bullet and be calling a Vroom installation shop to do the whole slide upgrade.

https://vroomslidesystems.com/

[wrapped]

There is a round puck in the top gear block that has a D shape hole in the top for the motor shaft and hex shaped hole in bottom for the shaft without it the motor isn't connected to the shaft. You might want to check, if the motor is out it's easy to see it .

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by wrapped

There is a round puck in the top gear block that has a D shape hole in the top for the motor shaft and hex shaped hole in bottom for the shaft without it the motor isn't connected to the shaft. You might want to check, if the motor is out it's easy to see it .

I checked the coupler. I took it out and placed it back. And installed the motor back. Motor sits good inside the coupled and four pins on motor are in the block.i then secured the set screw. But no luck. It’s like something is stuck. Or bearing block is damaged. I can hear motor spins but slide does not function.

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by 16ACE27

At $4K to do that much "fixing" on a Schwintek Slide I'd bite the bullet and be calling a Vroom installation shop to do the whole slide upgrade.

https://vroomslidesystems.com/

I am trying to contact vroom. But no one called back yet.

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

As far as you know (and based on what the repair shops have told you) is the 'cabinet end' slide working OK? If so then I'd proceed with repairing/replacing the broken slide - at the easier to access end.

I'd also want to know why it failed. Was there some misalignment from the factory? Damage in use? Operator error? (moving the slide with the RV way out of level?) It seems to me the weak link in the Schwintek slides are motor failures (the wires are very small gauge and the connection has no strain reinforcement) and a slide box built or installed out of square. Also, the weight of the slide should be borne by rollers or sliders - not by the Schwintek system itself.

I asked the same question to local shop and lippert. The kit for slide is sold in pair. And they recommend to replace both sides. There are parts like bearing blocks that I can order. But shaft comes in kit only. If problem is in shaft then I have to buy whole assembly. I was thinking to take 2nd opinion at camping world.

[ghnl]

Originally Posted by Thorfreedom

I was thinking to take 2nd opinion at camping world.

I'd suggest finding an independent RV repair shop. More likely to get better work done quicker and probably for a better price. Camping World does not have a great reputation for repair work.

Replacing things is not the hard part. Getting a proper diagnosis first is key. Otherwise you may not have solved the problem - just pushed down the road a bit.

[yukongrant]

Originally Posted by Thorfreedom

I am trying to contact vroom. But no one called back yet.

I posted a list of the seven shops that install the Vroom system with telephone numbers and websites. See https://www.thorforums.com/forums/sh...13&postcount=8

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

I'd suggest finding an independent RV repair shop. More likely to get better work done quicker and probably for a better price. Camping World does not have a great reputation for repair work.

Replacing things is not the hard part. Getting a proper diagnosis first is key. Otherwise you may not have solved the problem - just pushed down the road a bit.

I
I got checked at rv shop and they told me that I need to change both side’s system. They told me slide column is twisted. I am looking at different options. They did not install my motor back after diagnostic. After all this I tried myself but no luck. Yesterday one of tech I know, he looked at it. He took same motor and coupler and put it back, he told me there is no marks on railing, he cannot see any physical damage. He installed everything back and after third try slide started working. He synced the motor. And we tried 10 times, it worked. Now I am confused. Did rv shop really checked ? Why my slide came out when I was driving? And how is working now is shop said everything is broken. I will take rig on road and see after riding if slide still operates. Don’t feel like spending all that money if it’s working. Any suggestions?

[ghnl]

I'm not a Schwintek expert, just a DIY'er who has worked on a couple of motorhome's with Schwintek slides.

My understanding is that the motor with its 300:1 or 500:1 gearing is what keeps the slide from moving out while driving. The only way I know of that the slide could move out is if the motor was not in place, if the motor to vertical rod coupling was faulty or if the gear &/or tracks were broken/stripped. Or if there were some magical way the motor could become energized while driving.

The motor is held in place by one rather small screw. When fully seated, the motor is prevented from rotating by four pins. If that small retaining screw does not do its job it is possible for the motor to move up, the four pins become disengaged and the motor is decoupled from the vertical rod that drives the gears. The slide would then be free to move.

I would ask your trusted RV tech to check the small retaining screw and install a slightly longer screw to ensure it is fully engaed and remains so.

[Thorfreedom]

Originally Posted by ghnl

I'm not a Schwintek expert, just a DIY'er who has worked on a couple of motorhome's with Schwintek slides.

My understanding is that the motor with its 300:1 or 500:1 gearing is what keeps the slide from moving out while driving. The only way I know of that the slide could move out is if the motor was not in place, if the motor to vertical rod coupling was faulty or if the gear &/or tracks were broken/stripped. Or if there were some magical way the motor could become energized while driving.

The motor is held in place by one rather small screw. When fully seated, the motor is prevented from rotating by four pins. If that small retaining screw does not do its job it is possible for the motor to move up, the four pins become disengaged and the motor is decoupled from the vertical rod that drives the gears. The slide would then be free to move.

I would ask your trusted RV tech to check the small retaining screw and install a slightly longer screw to ensure it is fully engaed and remains so.

That is good idea. You have been very helpful. I thank you.

[Jimbo56]

Originally Posted by ghnl

Change what? It is (relatively) easy to change the motor(s). To change the whole slide system - tracks & all - is a lot more work & cost. You (or the shop) can change one motor if they install a new one that matches the other side. The Schwintek type motors come in two versions - 300:1 gearing or 500:1 gearing. It should be obvious that both motors have to be geared the same.

There are other parts that can make the slide system not work. There is a slide controller that keeps the motors in synch. And wiring between the controller and each motor. It is possible for the wiring to get pinched, cut, shorted, etc.

It may be relatively “easy” to reach your motors, but not mine.