In-Command

[Salty25]

I have the Cougar 24RDS that I bought new in 2018.

I put it away for the winter like I normally do. Cleaned it out, emptied the tanks, and pulled the batteries. I keep the batteries in the garage and put them on a tender for a couple days once a month or so.

I went out to put in a new TV. I plugged the trailer in for power. Lights came on and made the mods I needed to put the TV in. TV came on and things were looking good.

I went to open the couch slide to check the bathroom and the slide wouldn't move. I tried the closet slide and the awning, they also wouldn't move.

I went into the storage area to look at the In-Command connections. The light is on showing it has power. When I use the phone app I hear clicks coming from the panel but nothing moves.

Do I need to put the batteries in for the slides to work? I didn't have time to put them in today to troubleshoot. Hoping I don't have to take it in for service.

Thanks for helping.

[bobbecky]

The 12 volt load on most slide systems, electric or hydraulic, way exceeds what most converters can support, and most RV's have a label that says battery must be connected to operate those systems. You also risk damage to the converter trying to get it to operate heavy loads. This also applies to leveling systems.

[sourdough]

I think putting the batteries in, fully charged, will cure your problems.

[RollaMo]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

T... and most RV's have a label that says battery must be connected to operate those systems.

Yep, our 24RDS has that label right next to the In-Command display.

[Salty25]

Originally Posted by bobbecky

... most RV's have a label that says battery must be connected to operate those systems. ...

I remember seeing that before so I went to look. Yup, there is a red and white label next to the panel that says that.

I'm sure I didn't screw anything up, I hope anyway. I didn't press and hold the button. I'll put the batteries in to check it in a few days. Nothing started smoking and the panel showed it had a little over 13 volts available before I unplugged everything.

Thanks again for the help and info.

[NH_Bulldog]

I have used a portable jump starter/booster pack instead of reinstalling batteries. Has a nice carry handle, it’s lighter than the regular batteries I use during the season and has big clamps to grab the wires. Quick and easy and can operate everything I need short term while servicing/maintaining the camper