Results for "slide-problems"

Exterior Medium 2-3 hours 214 👍 1

How to Replace RV Slide Topper Fabric: Complete DIY Guide 2024

I pulled into three different campsites this month and my torn slide topper is eating through my gear faster than I can replace it. I've never done anything like this before and I'm worried I might damage the whole mechanism or make things worse.

Can I actually replace just the fabric portion safely, or should I bite the bullet and have the entire assembly replaced by a professional? I'm also concerned about costs - I'm hoping this won't break the bank. If it is something I can do myself, how difficult is it really? I don't want to get in over my head and end up with a bigger problem than I started with.

Can you help me understand the best approach for my specific situation? …more

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Exterior Medium 30-60 min 196 👍 1

Kwikee RV Steps Not Working? Complete Troubleshooting Guide (2024)

Apparently we're leaving for a three-week cross-country trip next Monday and my Kwikee electric RV steps are still having intermittent retraction issues even after replacing both the gear box and motor. My steps are exhibiting intermittent retraction issues - they extend normally but require manual assistance to retract fully, stopping approximately a quarter inch through the cycle without intervention. I've already installed a new gear box and motor, yet the problem persists.

What systematic diagnostic approach should I follow to identify the root cause? I need to understand the complete troubleshooting sequence for motor functionality, electrical switch operation, and mechanical linkage components. Are there specific voltage measurements, resistance checks, or mechanical adjustments that should be performed to isolate whether this is an electrical or mechanical failure?

Thanks,
Pete …more

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General Easy 30 min maintenance 175 👍 0

RV Slide-Out Maintenance: Complete Guide to Prevent Wear and Extend Lifespan

Before I even finish extending my 2018 Newmar 2702 slide-out, there's this grinding vibration that kicks in during the final positioning phase every single time. The motor works hardest during that last foot of travel when the slide settles into place.

This observation has me questioning optimal maintenance protocols for slide-out longevity. What are the most effective strategies for reducing mechanical wear on these systems? I'm particularly interested in understanding proper usage frequency, seal maintenance requirements, and whether partial extension during routine tasks like cleaning provides any protective benefits.

Looking for comprehensive guidance on preventive maintenance practices, lubrication schedules, and storage considerations that will maximize slide-out system lifespan while minimizing premature component failure. …more

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4.4 (6,800 reviews)

Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours 159 👍 0

RV Slide Out Won't Retract: Motor Runs But Won't Move - Fix

Planning to use the same motor running trick that saved my old Winnebago's slide out, but this new rig's slide won't budge at all. It extended just fine this morning, but now when I try to bring it back in, the motor sounds like it's working but the slide isn't budging at all. I can hear it running but zero movement.

I'm trying to figure out if this is a hydraulic problem or if I've got a cable system that's gone haywire. Could it be something simple like low fluid, or am I looking at broken cables? Don't want to mess around with it too much without knowing what I'm dealing with first. …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 153 👍 0

RV Slide Out Moving Slowly? Complete Lubrication & Repair Guide [2024]

I tried everything I could think of, but after all that heavy rain last week, my slide out went from smooth operation to moving like molasses. It sounds like it's really struggling and straining, making these awful grinding noises that have me worried I'm going to break something expensive.

I've been reading that lubrication might be the answer, but I honestly don't know where to start. Should I be looking at the motor mechanism? The tracks? I've heard about hydraulic fluid but I'm not sure if my system is hydraulic or electric. I really need someone to walk me through what needs lubrication and what else I should check before this thing stops working completely!

Could you help me troubleshoot? Details that might help: Can you tell me the specific model of my RV and the type of slide out system it uses? …more

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Engine Medium 4-8 hours 131 👍 0

Fix Wasteful RV Kitchen Cabinets - Thick Bottom Boards

After hearing my RV dealer call these thick kitchen cabinet bottom boards "industry standard" while my mechanic buddy insists they're just wasteful space-stealers, I'm completely confused. I've been doing a complete remodel to maximize storage space, but I'm shocked at the poorly designed layout.

The cabinet bottom board is a ridiculous 2 inches thick - that's eating up 10% of my entire cabinet height! Even worse, the drawer cabinet only has about 4 inches of usable space on each side because of how the PEX water lines are routed. It's like they just threw those lines in there without any thought to space efficiency.

I keep hearing about how amazing modern RVs are, but this is just terrible design. Is there any way to actually fix these issues? Can I modify the cabinet bottoms to be thinner and reroute those PEX lines properly? I really need to reclaim this wasted space but I'm not sure where to start or if it's even possible to address both problems. …more

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Exterior Hard Varies 129 👍 0

Carefree RV Awning Spring and Arm Replacement Guide - Model Compatibility Tips

According to my mechanic, fixing my 18-foot Carefree of Colorado awning's busted spring mechanism will cost $800, but I'm wondering if I can tackle this myself since there's zero tension left. Along with that, one of the support arms that helps transition the awning from travel position to deployed position is also damaged and needs replacement.

Before I start ordering parts or calling repair shops, I'm trying to understand how Carefree's replacement parts work. Are their springs and support arms universal components that work across different awning sizes and models, or does Carefree use proprietary parts that are specific to each awning series? I've been browsing their website but the parts compatibility information isn't very clear about what fits what.

I'd really appreciate any guidance on part compatibility and whether this is something I should tackle myself or leave to a professional. The spring replacement in particular seems like it might be tricky given the tension involved. …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 125 👍 0

HWH 625S Slide Out Not Working: Step-by-Step Control Box Bypass & Repair Guide

Wondering why my 2008 Winnebago Adventurer 38J's HWH 625S slide out won't budge after replacing the solenoid, cleaning connections, and checking fluid levels? The passenger slide won't extend or retract from the wall switch, but when I manually operate the solenoid valves, the slide moves perfectly in both directions.

I've already replaced the solenoid valves, so I know they're good. The problem seems to be that power isn't reaching the solenoids from the switch - everything routes through the control box first.

Can I safely bypass the HWH control box by connecting the switch wires directly to the solenoid wires? What should I check before attempting this bypass? …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-3 hours 121 👍 0

HWH RV Slide Hydraulic Hose Repair: Complete DIY Guide

Replaced my HWH slide's hydraulic hose last month and now it's spraying fluid everywhere again with our three-week cross-country trip starting Friday! My 2007 Monaco Dynasty with HWH hydraulic system decided to throw me a curveball when the bedroom slide hydraulic line (1/4" I.D.) decided to spring a leak. After some detective work (and a lovely puddle of ATF to mark the spot), I traced it back to where a 1" air line to the front caliper had been playing the world's slowest game of 'saw through the hydraulic hose' for who knows how many miles.

I temporarily patched with Gorilla Tape and 1/2" hose clamps, which got the slide almost closed but still creeping. I'm planning to fix this with a compression coupling since that seems like the most straightforward approach for a DIY repair. Two quick questions: Can anyone confirm the 1/4" I.D. hose size for HWH systems? And once I get this coupling installed, will I need to bleed the system, or does it sort itself out? I'm hoping this repair goes smoother than my attempts to explain to my spouse why we're currently camping with a slide that's permanently 'almost' closed! …more

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Slideouts Medium 1-2 hours to diagnose 121 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slide Out Water Leak from Bottom - Wiper Seal Repair Guide for 2023 Models

About two weeks into living in my 2023 Forest River Forester MBS2401B and this slide out I've never dealt with before is leaking water from the bottom. The leak occurs specifically when the slide is in the retracted position during wind-driven rain events. Water is penetrating at floor level beneath the dinette area of the full wall slide assembly.

I have verified that all visible seals appear to be properly seated and the topper awning shows no obvious damage. Given that this is occurring on a current model year unit, I need to understand if this represents a manufacturing defect covered under warranty, and what specific component is likely causing the failure at the bottom of the slide mechanism. …more

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Electrical Medium 2 hours 119 👍 0

Thor ACE F53 Chassis Wheel Bearing Service & Propane Detector Replacement Guide

During my pre-trip inspection on my Thor ACE F53 chassis, discovered grinding wheel bearings and a dead propane detector that needs immediate replacement.

First, I desperately need to get my wheel bearings serviced/greased, but I'm having trouble finding someone who will work on them. Camping World told me they only service trailers, not motorhome chassis. I'm worried about driving much further without proper maintenance - where should I be looking for this type of service?

Second issue has me even more concerned: my propane detector started beeping constantly and wouldn't stop, so I had to pull the fuse. Now I discovered that with the fuse pulled, my slides won't operate at all! This seems like a safety feature, but I'm not sure if the detector just needs replacement or if there's a bigger problem. Are these systems really connected, and is it safe to replace the detector myself? …more

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4.6 (31,500 reviews)

Electrical Medium 1-2 hours 118 👍 0

RV PEX Plumbing Fittings Guide: Crimp vs SharkBite vs FIP Connections Explained

Got what's probably a dumb question, but why do I have like three different types of PEX fittings in my RV and which ones should I actually be using for repairs? The current setup has what I believe are crimp rings on the PEX lines, but I'm seeing different types of fittings available and I'm confused about which approach is best for a DIY repair.

I've been looking at compression fittings, push-to-connect options like SharkBite, and traditional crimp rings, but I'm not sure which system actually works with RV PEX plumbing. Some of my connections are also threaded at the water pump and manifold areas, and I keep seeing references to FIP connections but I'm not entirely clear on what that means in the context of RV plumbing.

What's the difference between these connection types for RV PEX systems, and which option would be easiest for someone doing their own plumbing repairs? I want to make sure I'm using the right fittings and tools before I start tearing into my water system. …more

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Electrical Hard Professional installation 117 👍 0

48V RV Electrical Systems: Complete Guide to Modern RV Power Upgrades and Efficiency

Tried upgrading my RV's electrical system but I'm standing in the supply store staring at 12V versus 48V components with zero clue what I actually need. The Bluetti RV5 caught my eye as an all-in-one solution that might make the jump easier.

But honestly, I'm still on the fence. What are the real benefits of going 48V? Is it actually that much better than sticking with 12V lithium? And are there any gotchas I should know about, especially with solar integration and getting everything certified for RV use? …more

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Plumbing Medium 3-4 hours 115 👍 0

Atwood GC6AA-10E Replacement Guide: Compatible Water Heaters & Installation Tips

Atwood GC6AA-10E water heater finally died after 18 years and I need a direct replacement that'll bolt right into the same cutout without modifications. Every RV parts site shows different "compatible" models and I'm not confident any of them actually fit. What drops right in? …more

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Engine Hard 4-6 hours 114 👍 0

ISL 8.9 Valve & Jake Brake Adjustment: Specs & Tools

The 2004 Cummins ISL 8.9 in my rig is 20 years old and starting to run rough — time for valve adjustments or a full rebuild? What are the intake and exhaust valve specs? I want to confirm the clearance measurements and also need the tool number to adjust the jake brake. Can anyone help me verify the correct specifications before I start this job? …more

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