Cougar 32RLI Bed slide questions

[RacerX-KEY]

Trying to preload a few manuals for components on our TT and ran into a conundrum trying to identify the bed slide rack and pinion on the Lippert site. As part of the discovery process I climbed under the slide to look for some hints and found a loose piece of “thin baling wire” hanging near the roller in the picture. Now I am questioning whether that wire was supposed to be there to stop the spindle from backing out as it has holes on both sides of the spindle/axle? Was that a retaining wire that was jiggled free or was it just a random wire that got picked up from our road travels as I first assumed? (Yes I am questioning my assumptions .).

Edited to add a picture of the “random wire” I found with a pencil for size reference.

Of course the follow up question is to confirm that this is a rack and pinion slide as I assumed even though I can’t seem to find it on the Lippert web site? And help or comments are appreciated.
Thanks!

 

[chuckster57]

Through Frame Selections | Lippert Customer Care Center

support.lci1.com

I suspect the wire is random junk.

 

[RacerX-KEY]

Thanks. I know that AME s use thin wire like that to ensure nuts won’t back out in flight….it didn’t look like that given the fact it wasn’t twisted in place but thought it would be best to ask. I still need to uncover how to manually retract that slide if I ever need to but it wasn’t obvious from my inspections unlike the cable slides we have.

 

[chuckster57]

You may have a hole in the frame on the opposite side as the slide to insert a crank. Or you may have to cut an access flap in the underbelly to use a ratchet on the gearbox.

 

[wiredgeorge]

We don't have a hole to access the nut on the other end although the camper came with a tool. Tool can't be used due the lack of a hole for manual retraction/extension of the slide. There isn't enough room between frame and the nut to use a drill so if the slide is to get move manually, you have to use a wrench or ratchet. When the slide is extended, it must be lifted a tad to get it started; only about 3 or 4 inches then retraction is possible. This process is a pain and a super slide like ours makes it even more of a paid.

 

[RacerX-KEY]

Thank you guys. Found the access hole on opposite side. I see the 3/4 inch nut with retainer clip thru there and can see how it would be a pain to work around the skirt but I understand how it would be done after disconnecting the power. I assume normal practice is not to pull the pin, but to rest the socket on top of it. I also now know to call our bed slide a “rack and pinion through frame slide”.

Appreciate the help! Hope I never have to use it but better to be forewarned. I probably need to carry a long enough socket extension to reach in there if I need it. None came with the trailer initially..