Slide

[JSpain]

Sorry in advance , I'm sure this has been asked several times but... I have a new Alpine 3651 and the bedroom slide on the front edge stands out about 1/2 to 3/4 of an inch while the back edge looks good.
Should I run it all the way back out and try it again ? I ran it out a short way and did nothing... Thanks Again for any help ...

[JRTJH]

If your slide is a cable operated slide, chances are that the cables need to be adjusted. There are several threads on this forum that give detailed instructions and links to the service manual for the slide mechanism. If your slide is "ram actuated" the slide box probably needs to be repositioned on the rams (adjusted) and the instructions on how to do that are also discussed in a couple of threads. You can also download the slide service manual at the Lippert site in the support section. https://www.lci1.com/support-center/

[gearhead]

If it's a new Alpine I think they are hydraulic ram operated.

[JRTJH]

Reading gearhead's response, I noticed in your first post that this is a "NEW" Alpine. If that's the case, then you might consider taking it back to the dealership for slide adjustment. Read your owner's manual for warranty information. You'll find the following:

"WHAT IS NOT COVERED - THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY TO:
...
• Adjustments to all doors, drawers, locks, latches, slide outs, awnings and window treatments beyond 90 days after retail sale; ..."

So, essentially, Keystone will only adjust your slides during the first 90 days of ownership. It's on page 9 of the Owner's Manual.

[captcolour]

Bedroom slide on mine is cable driven. The two living area slides are hydraulic.

[JSpain]

Sorry I didn't get back quicker. Thank you very much for giving me some ideas..
The dealer is several hundred miles away and the Keystone dealer is 130 miles away, I'm in the boonies. Now when I started bringing in the slides all three acted funny , they came in like one side in about six inches then the other side in about six inches, they didn't come in smooth but the two in the kitchen front room closed good, all the way, just the bedroom looks like it's still out a little. I'll look at it closer tomorrow and post.

[Tinner12002]

Makes me wonder if you have air in the hyd lines. On hyd slides, since they both work at the same time unless you have separate switches which it doesn't sound like you do, they will operate with the one having the least resistance or the lighter one first and then when resistance evens out between them they will both move. Check for hyd leaks on all your lines and check fluid in reservoir also.

[ChuckS]

My 2014 Alpine all three slides are hydraulic.. Bedroom slide always closes and opens first.. I’d try opening slides all the way and then close all the way.. do this 3 to 5 Times pausing for a few minutes after each open/ close cycle to let pump motor cool down.. if air is in system this is Lipperts method to purge air..

Also what condition are the batteries in... they need to be fully charged for best operation of the pump motor..

Also when is the last time the main slide out gear packs were cleaned and lubed? 8ll bet the dealer did nothing to these during delivery of unit.. the ma8n slides each have two exposed gear packs that need cleaning and lubrication to work smoothly..

Lippert has procedure on how to properly service those gear packs and NO, spraying some sort of lube, dry Or otherwise is not the correct procedure..

I’m also assuming the hydraulic reservoir is properly serviced.. the level can only be accurately checked with all slides 8n and six point LG fully retracted.

This link explains everything on your hydraulic slide outs .. page 12/13 explain about gear pack servicing...

https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/manuals/om-hydraulic-slide-out-web.pdf

[JSpain]

Thanks guys. I'm wondering if the cold temp is causing this , however the other two slides worked OK. The bedroom slide has its own control. ChuckS I will check out what you suggest . The air temp is going to be warm tomorrow. I'll run it all the way out and then back in. The batteries are new and charged and hydro fluid is full.
This unit has the iN Command set up, I'm still learning.
Thanks Again

[JSpain]

Here is what I have come up with , The self leveling system was NOT zeroed at the Dealership ,Don Hurley RV in Tulsa so I must first level the unit and ZERO the control. I'm thinking the trailer is not level and putting the slide in a bind not allowing it to operate . This shouldn't be that hard cause it is in my driveway. We will see !!!

[SummitPond]

If you own an iPhone you have a built-in spirit level you can use to ensure the trailer is level before doing your calibration.

Swipe the screen to the left after executing the compass app. I suggest you check the floor (rather than the counter tops) in several places to check for level.

[JSpain]

If you own an iPhone you have a built-in spirit level you can use to ensure the trailer is level before doing your calibration.

Swipe the screen to the left after executing the compass app. I suggest you check the floor (rather than the counter tops) in several places to check for level.

How cool is that ! WOW !
I would , what the auto screen says level, couldn't open or close the entrance door, I'd throw a level on the floor in 3-5 places be just a hair off. Get where the door open half way good , levels be half a bubble off.
Now the slide would not come in any closer to being shut than a foot . The slide sounded like a horn & would only travel maybe 6" at a time and it sounded like the Hydro pump was not running. I ended up closing it by override system..
I will again work on leveling tomorrow ...now that I have this cool level...

[Tinner12002]

Its hard to believe your slides are that delicate that your RV has to be perfectly level for them to work, maybe something else is going on with them....

[JRTJH]

Thanks guys. I'm wondering if the cold temp is causing this , however the other two slides worked OK. The bedroom slide has its own control. ChuckS I will check out what you suggest . The air temp is going to be warm tomorrow. I'll run it all the way out and then back in. The batteries are new and charged and hydro fluid is full.
This unit has the iN Command set up, I'm still learning.
Thanks Again

I'm still unclear what kind of slides you have. Apparently you have hydraulic slides in the main part of the coach, but this highlighted statement (separate controls) about the bedroom slide would indicate that it may not be tied into the "large slide system". What kind of slide (what activates it) is in the bedroom?

[JSpain]

I agree , they slid out just fine and the slides in the front room and kitchen came in fine.
I do think there is a hydraulic problem with that slide . JRTJH I have the iN Control touch screen which controls all three slides and I have override controls for the slides and jacks for back up.

[JSpain]

Reading gearhead's response, I noticed in your first post that this is a "NEW" Alpine. If that's the case, then you might consider taking it back to the dealership for slide adjustment. Read your owner's manual for warranty information. You'll find the following:

"WHAT IS NOT COVERED - THIS LIMITED WARRANTY SHALL NOT APPLY TO:
...
• Adjustments to all doors, drawers, locks, latches, slide outs, awnings and window treatments beyond 90 days after retail sale; ..."

So, essentially, Keystone will only adjust your slides during the first 90 days of ownership. It's on page 9 of the Owner's Manual.

We bought the trailer in Tulsa and we live completely across the state of Oklahoma and it was almost 3 months before we went back to get it however I got complete extended warranty and it is supposed to cover everything , (heard that song before).. Its so far to drag it back there I'll try to fix it first. I'm pretty sure all slides are ram not cable..
Thank You Sir

[JSpain]

Gearhead it was a new 17 and the model is a 3651
I'm pretty sure it's ram not cable...

[JRTJH]

Gearhead it was a new 17 and the model is a 3651
I'm pretty sure it's ram not cable...

With the bedroom slide out, walk out beside it and look at the sides of the slide. If there are 4 cables present, one at the top and one at the bottom of each side of the slide, it's a cable driven slide. Two Alpine owners have responded, one stated he has hydraulic slides and one stated he has two hydraulic slides on the main coach and his bedroom slide is cable driven. So, that's one of each, no "guarantee" that you have a specific system. Only with your visual inspection can you be sure which type of slide you have.

[Tinner12002]

With the bedroom slide out, walk out beside it and look at the sides of the slide. If there are 4 cables present, one at the top and one at the bottom of each side of the slide, it's a cable driven slide. Two Alpine owners have responded, one stated he has hydraulic slides and one stated he has two hydraulic slides on the main coach and his bedroom slide is cable driven. So, that's one of each, no "guarantee" that you have a specific system. Only with your visual inspection can you be sure which type of slide you have.

I've never in all the RVs I've looked at have never seen a bedroom slide with anything other than either cable or swin-tec system. Don't think the OP is having issues with it. Its the 2 main hyd or elec gear driven slides he's having problems with, hyd driven more than likely.

[Tinner12002]

Just as an added note, from pics I looked at from 2018 models, the bedroom slide appears to be swin-tec system and not cable. I doubt they would change from cable to swin-tec because that would be going backwards in technology in my opinion. Again though, that's not the slide he's having trouble with.

[chuckster57]

Just as an added note, from pics I looked at from 2018 models, the bedroom slide appears to be swin-tec system and not cable. I doubt they would change from cable to swin-tec because that would be going backwards in technology in my opinion. Again though, that's not the slide he's having trouble with.

Having worked on both I’ll take the schwintek all day long over the cable system. It’s not “backwards” from cable, much fewer problems IMO.

[Javi]

Having worked on both I’ll take the schwintek all day long over the cable system. It’s not “backwards” from cable, much fewer problems IMO.

The bedroom slide in my '15 Cougar is schwintek and I've had zero problems with it... it even self-adjusts

[Tinner12002]

Having worked on both I’ll take the schwintek all day long over the cable system. It’s not “backwards” from cable, much fewer problems IMO.

Well your probably correct in that, was thinking more as when they use the schwintek on the larger slides, read of lots of issues there. Sorry!

[chuckster57]

Actually I’ve seen schwintek on full body slides. Thor Hurricane comes to mind-35’ long and DS had 25’ of slide. Had the dining table, bunks and rear entertainment.

[JRTJH]

Sorry I didn't get back quicker. Thank you very much for giving me some ideas..
The dealer is several hundred miles away and the Keystone dealer is 130 miles away, I'm in the boonies. Now when I started bringing in the slides all three acted funny , they came in like one side in about six inches then the other side in about six inches, they didn't come in smooth but the two in the kitchen front room closed good, all the way, just the bedroom looks like it's still out a little. I'll look at it closer tomorrow and post.

I've never in all the RVs I've looked at have never seen a bedroom slide with anything other than either cable or swin-tec system. Don't think the OP is having issues with it. Its the 2 main hyd or elec gear driven slides he's having problems with, hyd driven more than likely.

Bedroom slide on mine is cable driven. The two living area slides are hydraulic.

My 2014 Alpine all three slides are hydraulic.. Bedroom slide always closes and opens first..

Tinner12002,
It started with the OP stating, "all three acted funny and bedroom looks like it's still out a little". Anyway, that's how I read the OP's first post, but we still don't know what type of bedroom slide the OP has, cable drive, hydraulic or now, Schwintec. All we know is that he has a separate switch for the bedroom slide (making it likely it's not hydraulic). His statement "the two came in funny" could indicate a weak/discharged battery or possibly air in the hydraulic system. The "bedroom one was out a little" could be hydraulic, or it could be battery problems or it could be a cable problem or it could be a Schwintec system problem. Until we know what type of slide he has, any advise (other than take it to a serviceman) would be "best guessing".....

[JRTJH]

...I got complete extended warranty and it is supposed to cover everything , (heard that song before).. Its so far to drag it back there I'll try to fix it first. ...


JSpain,

Take a look at your extended warranty. If it's a "comprehensive plan that covers everything" it may have a provision that will pay for "local service by a mobile serviceman". If so, you may be able to have the repairs done by someone who will come to the trailer to service it. Check the small print though, often there's a different reimbursement plan or a deductible. If in doubt, call the administrator of the plan (number is in the paperwork) and discuss what they will approve for this particular situation.

[JSpain]

Having worked on both I’ll take the schwintek all day long over the cable system. It’s not “backwards” from cable, much fewer problems IMO.

Yes Sir this bedroom slide does have the SCHWINTEK System. With the slide only traveling about 6 inches at a time and making that noise and not closing all the way ,,Could it have something caught in the gears or track ? How would I check for that ?

[chuckster57]

Ok: quick background and then a possible course of action.

Schwintek system does NOT like to be stopped mid movement. There is a motor at the top on each side with a rod that turns a gear at both top and bottom on each side. When the slide gets to the “end of movement” the controller senses resistance and “amps out”. The motors “synchronize” with each other at the end of travel, that’s the “hum” you hear.

There is a controller, most likely mounted in the basement. I’ll post a pic as soon as I can, it will have a slot with a red and green LED. If there are lights flashing, there is a fault. Reading the faults is printed on the label. Instructions for override is also printed on the face.

Assuming no codes: get the room FULLY extended or retracted. Then using the button, move the room in the opposite direction for 1-2 seconds. Then press button and hold til hum stops. Repeat 3 times. If the room is extended, press retract for 1-2 seconds and then extend until noise stops.

When you operate the slide, keep the button depressed until all noise stops.

[chuckster57]

Picture of controller:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171221/35813a82bee00b258ed40c6d916638db.jpg

[dcg9381]

My prior 2 RVs with slides - both were hydraulic.. I did replace a pump on one.
I've had nothing but trouble with the cable slides. I don't attribute this to the slide system, and Accu-side has a guy that is responsive to consumer questions. My slides were installed incorrectly, openings cut wrong - required a return to the factory.

I do, however, immediately start looking at the cable slide adjustment as one of the first thing I look at on RVs with them and I see that many of them - perhaps more than 50% are poorly adjusted from the factory.

I keep a spare cable because it's not a matter of "if" - it's a matter of when. The good news is that the slide systems can handle a cable failure without any apparent risk of auto-extending when driving down the road.

I was told by an RV tech that they have the most problems with schwintek slides, but I'd rather have that setup... Seems mechanically more accurate to me...

[chuckster57]

I was told by an RV tech that they have the most problems with schwintek slides, but I'd rather have that setup... Seems mechanically more accurate to me...

Then he must see all the issues I don’t. I deal with several brands every day that use the schwintek system and see VERY FEW failures.

[JSpain]

Picture of controller:https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/20171221/35813a82bee00b258ed40c6d916638db.jpg

Thanks chuckster
My by pass in the basement is a iN Command and it does not look like that. I'm leaving for a week , when I get back I'll take a pic of what I have . I do thank you and all the guys that have made posts to try and help me...

THANKS GUYS

[chuckster57]

If your slide is schwintek, that controller is there somewhere. Your “in command” will have a relay that applies 12VDC to the controller. Polarity determines which direction the motors turn.

Schwintek is used in Grand Designs Momentum, and it can be controlled from an app on a smart phone via “one touch” by LCI. Tiffen uses schwintek and can be controlled by a “spyder” system.

Take another look, that controller that I showed in the picture is what “controls” the movement of the slide. Only thing not showing in that picture is the 12VDC connections on the right side of the box.

You will have a cable that runs down the vertical surfaces on both sides of the slide. Common for the cables to go through the main floor near the slide wall and the controller will be mounted on the ceiling of the basement, or even in the front compartment depending on the actual layout of storage. We don’t sell Alpines so I can’t say exactly where it’s located, but I can assure you it is there somewhere. The schwintek system won’t operate without it.

[JSpain]

Chuckster my Alpine has th LCI with the relays and circuit boards controls in the basement , that is what I used to override and bring the slide in to within a half inch of being full closed. I for some reason I can't get the picture to post.
This is ALL I FOUND there is not a control like your picture that I could find... When I get back I'll look everywhere for it and contact the dealer...

[chuckster57]

Then fully extend the slide. Using the buttons inside the coach:

Press “IN” for 1 second.
Press “OUT” until ALL noise stops
Press “IN” for 1 second
Press “OUT” until ALL noise stops
Press “IN” for 1 second
Press “OUT” until ALL noise stops

Try to retract slide.
https://www.lci1.com/assets/content/support/technical-information-sheets/Slideouts/TI___177_In_Wall____Slide_Out_Troubleshooting_And_ Component_Replacement_.pdf

[JSpain]

Chuckster57 I'm sorry I thought you were referring to the leveling system . My bedroom slide has the gear set up like the
Schwinteck system BUT the only controller is the. iN-Command System I have pics of it but I can't get it to post with this message.
Google the iN.Command. I have pictures of the system in my profile.
Again I'm sorry Sir I know you are trying to help me and I keep leading you wrong...

[chuckster57]

Your not leading me wrong. I think if anything your not understanding what I am trying to tell you.

If the slide is indeed schwintek, it HAS TO HAVE the controller I showed in a previous post. The controller is what makes the slide work. The InCommand system is merely a different way to get the controller energized. In the end the CONTROLLER has to have 12VDC and a signal to tell the motors what direction to turn.

Your RV has the InCommand. Tiffen uses the Sdyder system. Grand design uses LCI one touch. In ALL cases the controller is present “somewhere” in the coach.
When you use either the remote or the buttons, it sends a signal (12V) to the “EXT” or “RET” contact telling the controller to turn the motors in a particular direction. At the end of travel, the CONTROLLER senses amp draw from each motor and shuts them off.

I think they may be “out of synch”, and if you read the PDF I linked, the instructions are there how to reset them. I’ve done it a number of times on several units. If they won’t “synch” then you really need to find the controller and look for a trouble code.

[newoldtimer]

On my 2018 Alpine with the In Command system, we have the Schwintek slide in the bedroom. The controller chuckster57 is referring to is in the front storage compartment on the ceiling on ours.