Looking at 5ers and one of the models we are considering uses a cable and pulley system rather than rack and pinion or hydraulic to extend or retract the slides. My current TT has the R&P and it seems most have the R&P system. I have also seen the hydraulic systems but mainly in the higher end models. Does anyone have experience or thoughts, good or bad, with the cable and pulley system?ThanksJake

I've been using it for a little over a year. It was recommended that I wipe down the cables in the spring to clean and check for fraying. This system had some problems a few years back but the mfg's seem to have worked that out. I can send you to an owners forum for my brand, but you can probally locate it or the brand you are looking at with a quick google search. Good luck with your choice which ever way you go, but I'm happy with mine.

I also the cable system with no problems over the past 2.5 years. One of the things I like about it is that all of the motors and pulleys are 'inside' the trailer not exposed to weather and dirt. Had hydraulic before that with lots of problems.

Cable driven slide systems allow for lighter trailers because the main beams do not have a large hole to accommodate the drive shafts. The net result is a lighter frame without compromising integrity.The cables themselves are fairly reliable. They do require periodic adjustment, however it is nothing to get excited about.Occasionally a cable may fray and break (this most often occurs if cables are never adjusted)Cable Repair/replacement kits are sold on Amazon. Cable slide systems are less of an issue now because the bugs have been worked out, but more importantly the techs in the field have become more familiar with the systems and are able to adjust and repair them properly.Keep in mind traditional systems are not foolproof either. As long as there are moving parts there will be wear issues and failures on both systems. At this point cables systems are just as reliable as shaft driven systems.I have just completed my 3rd season with no real cable slide issues other than 1 adjustment that I did myself with the help of an online manual.

I prefer the cable system. Have had Hydraulic as well as the cable system. Much easier to service the cable system if needed. My cables have been very reliable. And the system works as dependable as a garage door opening system. I did buy a spare cable, in case needed. About $30 but haven't needed to use it.

I have cables on a bedroom slide (and R&P on the two, heavy, main slides) and haven't had any trouble. I did have to replace one cable about a year ago (the button had broken off the outer end and I don't know how long it was off. The slide worked perfectly without one cable.) but I just followed the video on the B.A.L. website and had no trouble.A

Forum Discussion

flyinjake

Explorer

Nov 09, 2013

Cables and Pulleys on Slides

Looking at 5ers and one of the models we are considering uses a cable and pulley system rather than rack and pinion or hydraulic to extend or retract the slides. My current TT has the R&P and it seems most have the R&P system. I have also seen the hydraulic systems but mainly in the higher end models. Does anyone have experience or thoughts, good or bad, with the cable and pulley system?

Thanks

Jake

11 Replies

3_dog_nights
Explorer
Nov 09, 2013
I've been using it for a little over a year. It was recommended that I wipe down the cables in the spring to clean and check for fraying. This system had some problems a few years back but the mfg's seem to have worked that out. I can send you to an owners forum for my brand, but you can probally locate it or the brand you are looking at with a quick google search. Good luck with your choice which ever way you go, but I'm happy with mine.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,025 PostsLatest Activity: Sep 17, 2025

Forum Discussion

Cables and Pulleys on Slides

11 Replies

About Fifth Wheel Group

Related Content

Slides with cables

cable slide outs

Anyone replaced their Schwintek slide with a pulley system?

Cable slides

Slide cable popping (Heartland wilderness)