The proper adjustment of your travel trailer slide out is critical to ensuring a weather-tight seal, smooth operation, and preventing costly damage to your RV’s walls and mechanisms. This adjustment primarily involves ensuring the slide-out room is level, moving evenly, and retracting fully, and it’s a task that can often be tackled with a basic understanding of the system and the right tools.
Understanding Your Slide Out System
Before diving into the adjustment process, it’s crucial to understand the type of slide out system your travel trailer utilizes. Common types include:
- Rack and Pinion: These systems use a toothed rack and a rotating gear (pinion) to extend and retract the slide. They are generally robust but can require precise alignment.
- Schwintek (SlimRack) Systems: These systems are known for their compact design, often found in smaller RVs. They use synchronized electric motors on both sides of the slide.
- Hydraulic Systems: These systems utilize hydraulic fluid and cylinders to move heavier slide outs. They offer significant power but require more complex maintenance.
- Cable Operated Systems: These systems use cables and pulleys, driven by a motor, to pull the slide in and out.
Identifying your system will guide the adjustment procedures and help you troubleshoot specific issues. Consult your RV’s owner’s manual for detailed information about your slide out system.
Recognizing the Need for Adjustment
Several signs indicate your slide out needs adjustment:
- Binding or Sticking: The slide out struggles to move in or out, requiring excessive force or jerking motion.
- Uneven Movement: One side of the slide out moves faster or further than the other.
- Gaps in the Seal: Visible gaps appear between the slide out and the RV wall, indicating a poor seal and potential water leaks.
- Unusual Noises: Grinding, popping, or clicking sounds during operation can indicate misalignment or mechanical issues.
- Visible Damage: Scratches, gouges, or wear marks on the slide out walls, floor, or seals.
Addressing these issues promptly can prevent further damage and more costly repairs down the line.
The Adjustment Process: A Step-by-Step Guide
Safety First! Before beginning any adjustments, disconnect your RV from shore power and level the trailer properly. Ensure the area around the slide out is clear of obstructions. If you are working with electrical components, disconnect the battery as well.
Rack and Pinion System Adjustment
- Inspect the Rack and Pinion: Carefully examine the rack and pinion mechanism for any visible damage, debris, or corrosion. Clean and lubricate the mechanism with a suitable RV slide out lubricant.
- Locate Adjustment Points: Rack and pinion systems often have adjustment bolts or screws that allow you to fine-tune the alignment. These are typically located near the motor or along the rack.
- Adjusting the Rollers: Often, the rollers underneath the slide room need adjustment. These rollers support the weight of the room. Adjust these so the room travels smoothly.
- Fine-Tune the Alignment: Make small adjustments to the bolts or screws, extending and retracting the slide out after each adjustment to check for improvement. The goal is to achieve smooth, even movement and a tight seal. It might be necessary to loosen one side slightly and tighten the other.
- Check for Seal Compression: Ensure the slide out compresses the seals evenly around the perimeter. Adjust as needed to achieve a consistent seal.
Schwintek (SlimRack) System Adjustment
- Understand the System: Schwintek systems rely on synchronized motors. If one motor is slightly out of sync, it can cause binding.
- Perform a Recalibration: Most Schwintek systems have a recalibration procedure outlined in the owner’s manual. This procedure typically involves extending and retracting the slide out fully multiple times. This allows the motors to synchronize.
- Check Motor Alignment: Sometimes, the motors themselves might be slightly misaligned. You may need to consult a professional for more complex motor realignment procedures.
- Clean the Rails: Keep the slide rails clean and free of debris. Use a dry silicone lubricant specifically designed for Schwintek systems.
- Emergency Override (If Applicable): In some cases, an emergency override feature allows you to manually adjust the slide out if the motors fail. Consult your owner’s manual for instructions.
Hydraulic System Adjustment
- Inspect Hydraulic Lines and Fittings: Check for any leaks or damage to the hydraulic lines and fittings. Address any leaks immediately.
- Check Fluid Level: Ensure the hydraulic fluid reservoir is filled to the proper level.
- Bleed the System: If air is trapped in the hydraulic lines, it can cause jerky movement. Bleed the system according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
- Adjust Limit Switches: Hydraulic systems often have limit switches that control the extension and retraction limits. Adjust these switches to ensure the slide out stops in the correct position. It’s very important that the slide fully extends and retracts, or this can cause seal damage or leaks.
- Professional Assistance: Hydraulic systems can be complex. If you are not comfortable working with hydraulics, consult a qualified RV technician.
Cable Operated System Adjustment
- Inspect Cables: Carefully examine the cables for wear, fraying, or damage. Replace any damaged cables immediately.
- Check Cable Tension: Ensure the cables are properly tensioned. Loose cables can cause uneven movement and binding.
- Adjust Pulleys: Cable systems use pulleys to guide the cables. Ensure the pulleys are properly aligned and lubricated.
- Inspect Attachment Points: Check the points where the cables attach to the slide out frame and the motor. Ensure these connections are secure.
Lubrication: The Key to Smooth Operation
Regular lubrication is essential for all types of slide out systems. Use a lubricant specifically designed for RV slide outs, as these lubricants are typically dry and won’t attract dirt and debris. Apply lubricant to the gears, rollers, tracks, and seals. Consult your owner’s manual for specific lubrication recommendations.
When to Seek Professional Help
While many slide out adjustments can be performed by RV owners, some situations require professional assistance:
- Significant Damage: If the slide out mechanism is severely damaged, such as bent gears or broken cables.
- Electrical Issues: If you suspect electrical problems with the slide out motor or control system.
- Hydraulic System Problems: If you are uncomfortable working with hydraulic systems.
- Persistent Issues: If you have tried adjusting the slide out yourself but are still experiencing problems.
A qualified RV technician has the expertise and tools to diagnose and repair complex slide out issues.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
FAQ 1: How often should I adjust my travel trailer slide out?
It depends on usage and conditions. As a general rule, inspect and adjust (if needed) at least twice a year, typically at the beginning and end of the camping season. More frequent checks are recommended if you travel frequently or experience rough road conditions.
FAQ 2: What tools do I need to adjust my slide out?
Common tools include a socket set, wrench set, screwdriver set (Phillips and flathead), adjustable wrench, lubricant (specifically for RV slide outs), and a level. Your owner’s manual may specify particular tools or sizes.
FAQ 3: Can I adjust my slide out while it’s extended?
It’s generally recommended to retract the slide out partially before making adjustments. This allows you to access the adjustment points more easily and safely. Never make adjustments while the slide out is fully extended unless specifically instructed by the manufacturer.
FAQ 4: What type of lubricant should I use on my slide out?
Use a dry silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for RV slide outs. Avoid using petroleum-based lubricants, as they can attract dirt and debris.
FAQ 5: What causes a slide out to leak?
Leaks are often caused by damaged or worn seals, misaligned slide outs, or debris trapped between the slide out and the RV wall. Inspect the seals regularly and clean them with a mild soap and water solution.
FAQ 6: How do I prevent my slide out from sticking?
Regular lubrication is the best way to prevent sticking. Also, ensure the slide out is properly aligned and free of debris.
FAQ 7: What is a slide out topper and is it necessary?
A slide out topper is a fabric awning that covers the top of the slide out when it’s extended. It protects the slide out roof from rain, leaves, and debris. While not strictly necessary, it significantly reduces the amount of maintenance required and helps prevent leaks.
FAQ 8: How do I retract a slide out manually if the motor fails?
Most slide out systems have a manual override mechanism. Consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions on how to operate the manual override.
FAQ 9: Can I extend my slide out if the RV is not level?
It’s generally not recommended to extend the slide out if the RV is not level. This can put undue stress on the slide out mechanism and cause misalignment. Level your RV before extending the slide out.
FAQ 10: What are slide out stabilizer bars, and do I need them?
Slide out stabilizer bars are supports that extend from the RV frame to the underside of the slide out. They are designed to provide additional support and stability to the slide out when it’s extended. While not essential, they can be helpful, especially for heavier slide outs.
FAQ 11: How do I know if my slide out rollers are worn?
Worn rollers can cause uneven movement, binding, and unusual noises. Inspect the rollers for wear, cracks, or flat spots. Replace them if necessary.
FAQ 12: Where can I find a diagram of my slide out system?
Your RV owner’s manual should contain a diagram of your slide out system. You may also be able to find diagrams online by searching for your RV’s make and model, along with the specific type of slide out system.
By understanding your slide out system, recognizing the signs of misalignment, and following the appropriate adjustment procedures, you can ensure smooth operation and prevent costly repairs. Remember, when in doubt, consult a qualified RV technician.