Gap between bedroom slide and floor

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 07:23 AM

Hello,

I noticed this weekend that our new trailer has a significant gap between the floor and slide wall on the bedroom slide. You can see daylight coming through from the inside and there is enough of a gap that you can insert a screwdriver between the floor and the wall in the middle of the slide. I have started a warranty claim but I am sure it will take a while to process. In the meantime should I seal this up somehow? I dont want water or bugs using this opening. It is the same on both sides of the slide. Would storing items under the bed cause it flex like that? or is this a manufacturing issue.

**sourdough** · 06-06-2022, 08:23 AM

That is NOT right. Unless you're throwing anvils under the bed that shouldn't cause this issue...even then the floor should just buckle vs pull down from the wall.

Since it's a residence model I assume you aren't traveling the highways and byways which is a good thing. The bad thing is that even if you're not traveling the water can wick into that gap just sitting there and cause flooring/wall problems.

I doubt Keystone is going to do anything wild like take the trailer in and replace the floor etc. unless there is something structural that cannot be seen in the pics - which is a good reason to let a dealership look at it for in depth analysis. A couple of questions; does the floor flex there and what is the timeline that the dealership has given you?

If the floor isn't coming loose at the very least I believe I would put a thick bead of proflex along that seam to seal it up or you could just buy a pair of slide skis and install one until you see what they are going to do warranty wise. However you approach it I would seal that gap.

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 08:34 AM

no flex at all. I tried pushing on the floor as the space between the bedframe and is not very wide. The only thing stored under the bed is the original Moyride steps that I will not use and some folding camping chairs and tables. there is also no flex when trying to push on the floor from the outside. I tried putting the slide in and out and it worked fine not hanging up from the floor or anything.

wiredgeorge · 06-06-2022, 08:39 AM

You have a rack and pinion slide (like my only slide on my Cougar). They are adjustable side to side and up and down. I think your slide may just need adjustment. Have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH9ntIqhVyY

**sourdough** · 06-06-2022, 08:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

You have a rack and pinion slide (like my only slide on my Cougar). They are adjustable side to side and up and down. I think your slide may just need adjustment. Have a look:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YH9ntIqhVyY

From looking at that pic I believe that gap is between the floor and the slide side wall. Orientation of the slide or the adjustment wouldn't do anything for that gap as far as I can tell unless I'm not seeing something.

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 09:00 AM

Correct the gap is between the floor and slide wall. It does meet at the beginning and the end of the slide just not in the middle on both sides. The other two slide do not have this issue.

**flybouy** · 06-06-2022, 09:06 AM

I would defiantly seal it to prevent water intrusion. Tape, profles, something. Contact the dealer and Ketstone and send them pictures. Document all correspondences, i.e. if you place or take a phone call send a follow-up email stating what exactly was said on the phone call. For instance an email " pursuant to our phone conversation today...", Or "to confirm our phone conversation today...".

I would also measure down from the top of the slide at about 1/4, 1/2, and 3/4 of the way down each side of the slideout. Take a photo of the tape measure at the bottom to document the gap and to monitor the condition.

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 09:18 AM

Great idea on the measurement. I did not think about that. I will do that this weekend when we go back out. I think I will just duct tape the gap for the short term until they determine the proper fix for this.

wiredgeorge · 06-06-2022, 10:13 AM

I believe what I suggested will solve the issue. The gap isn't large and occurs when the slide seal is not fully compressed against the body of the camper. Because it isn't compressed evenly doesn't mean the adjustment I suggested won't work. I believe it is only marginally in contact in the area that no gap appears. It is worth a shot and doesn't look difficult and if it doesn't work, then send your camper to the deal for the summer.

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 10:22 AM

Thanks for this. I don't think that is the same issue that I am having. The slide is completely out with no gap around the entire slide. the issue is the floor is not attached to the wall on the side of the slide. I cannot see how adjusting the slide itself would help this scenario. This is a park model so they will have to come to the site to repair. It could not be brought back to the dealer without considerable expense just to move it back.

wiredgeorge · 06-06-2022, 10:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrottop

Thanks for this. I don't think that is the same issue that I am having. The slide is completely out with no gap around the entire slide. the issue is the floor is not attached to the wall on the side of the slide. I cannot see how adjusting the slide itself would help this scenario. This is a park model so they will have to come to the site to repair. It could not be brought back to the dealer without considerable expense just to move it back.

Looking back at your initial post, I guess the plywood floor isn't attached correctly. I guess the adjustment I suggested won't help. Would it make sense to take some strong glue or epoxy and use a jack with cribbing to push up on the floor until the glue or epoxy set to fix the problem? How do you think the pros will do it?

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 11:44 AM

I was thinking the same thing. I think they will have to jack up the floor somehow and reattach it to the side walls. First things first though, as we need to get Keystone to approve the warranty work. Thanks for the input though.

**chuckster57** · 06-06-2022, 11:54 AM

I’d like to see that repair. I’m thinking it will entail jacking up the floor and using lags.

Carrottop · 06-06-2022, 12:31 PM

I will certainly update with how it eventually gets repaired.

wiredgeorge · 06-06-2022, 12:48 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

I’d like to see that repair. I’m thinking it will entail jacking up the floor and using lags.

Chuck, do you mean lag bolts or lag screws? Would the bottom of the sidewalls have a surface to attach to? Just curious. Never saw the bottom of a slide wall.

**chuckster57** · 06-06-2022, 02:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by wiredgeorge

Chuck, do you mean lag bolts or lag screws? Would the bottom of the sidewalls have a surface to attach to? Just curious. Never saw the bottom of a slide wall.

Most likely screws. I would imagine the frame is aluminum, and there is a variety of self tapping lags they could use. The glue would be supplemental and our shop would probably use a construction adhesive.

wiredgeorge · 06-06-2022, 03:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by chuckster57

Most likely screws. I would imagine the frame is aluminum, and there is a variety of self tapping lags they could use. The glue would be supplemental and our shop would probably use a construction adhesive.

Thanks for your explanation Chuck. Appreciate your expertise!

**chuckster57** · 06-06-2022, 07:31 PM

I’m only making an educated guess, based on my years of experience in the field. Currently in an RV/Auto collision center. It’s amazing how many people crash their RV’s.

Carrottop · 06-07-2022, 06:55 AM

The dealership called this morning and said they have a technician doing work in that area tomorrow and will try to stop by and see what is going on with the slide. She did state that if he can fix it tomorrow he will otherwise they will need to make another trip. I asked if the Keystone approved the work and she stated that it is a type of repair that they would not decline so they will proceed and do the work. That is a first for me. especially one day after making the warranty claim. I will post what the repair was.

**JRTJH** · 06-07-2022, 07:15 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Carrottop

The dealership called this morning and said they have a technician doing work in that area tomorrow and will try to stop by and see what is going on with the slide. She did state that if he can fix it tomorrow he will otherwise they will need to make another trip. I asked if the Keystone approved the work and she stated that it is a type of repair that they would not decline so they will proceed and do the work. That is a first for me. especially one day after making the warranty claim. I will post what the repair was.

Purely my speculation, but you said it's a "new trailer" with a problem. The "speed and efficiency of the dealership service department" may be related more to their "paperwork inefficiency" than to their goodwill...

I'd guess that they were/are waiting for all the final registration/documentation to return before submitting the final sale/warranty registration to Keystone, and what they plan to do is include the slide adjustment on the "make ready for sale" claim that the dealership has not yet submitted for payment...

If you think about it, to file that claim and then, a month later have to file a request for approval of a slide adjustment with those photos doesn't speak very well about how "thorough an inspection" was done initially.... So, I'd guess the dealership is "including that slide adjustment in the original claim that hasn't yet bee submitted but is already approved"....

They're doing themselves as much a favor as they are helping you.....

You may also like: