slide out operation

Bruce Brown wrote:

wildmanbaker wrote:
It does seem strange that the slides will not operate with the engine running. It would seem to be hard on the slide out systems to not have good voltage and current to operate the systems. Just like most leveling systems require the engine to be running, park brake on, and trans in neutral to operate. Dougrainer has had more experience with these systems than I, to I would side with him.

On a diesel you wouldn't want the engine running while trying to level, it would keep building air while it needed to dump it. On ours I manually dump the air while it's running, then level.

As noted, the slides will not extend or retract if the key is on. You do need the key on to run the revelers, just in the accessory position.

Yes and No. If you have a Diesel and you have HYD jacks and the jacks are deployed, Usually, the ride arms will stay open(due to the lift of the jacks) and running the engine will not allow the air bags to inflate. But, sometimes the bags can air up. Also, in the time it takes for a Diesel to air up the tanks and then air up the bags, you should be able to retract or extend the room/s. It takes longer to air up than it does to do the rooms. Doug

wildmanbaker wrote:
It does seem strange that the slides will not operate with the engine running. It would seem to be hard on the slide out systems to not have good voltage and current to operate the systems. Just like most leveling systems require the engine to be running, park brake on, and trans in neutral to operate. Dougrainer has had more experience with these systems than I, to I would side with him.

On a diesel you wouldn't want the engine running while trying to level, it would keep building air while it needed to dump it. On ours I manually dump the air while it's running, then level.

As noted, the slides will not extend or retract if the key is on. You do need the key on to run the revelers, just in the accessory position.

My 98 Beaver Marquis would drive with the slide out. I blew a 250 amp fuse and only noticed when a car passed me waving and screaming and blowing his horn. I got it partway back in but had to drive about 600 miles with the slide 8" out before i could get a replacement fuse.

There are two ways they design 'em. My RV kind of has both.

NORMALLY slide outs only move with engine OFF, there is an interlock that prevents moving them when engine is running.> Many reasons for this.

IT is assumed when you do your rear view mirror check prior to taking it out of park you will notice the slides out and shut down and bring them in.

HOWEVER: on some rigs it may be the slides wired to the chassis battery and since they are major power suckerS (Turned a 25 amp fuse into a flash bulb) the engine on those models needs to be on.

Jacks (leveling type) Normally are wired to the chassis battery and DO need the engine running. Reason same as slides. major power suckers.

wildmanbaker wrote:
It does seem strange that the slides will not operate with the engine running. It would seem to be hard on the slide out systems to not have good voltage and current to operate the systems. Just like most leveling systems require the engine to be running, park brake on, and trans in neutral to operate. Dougrainer has had more experience with these systems than I, to I would side with him.

Newmar Motorhomes will not operate with the engine or key ON. The owners manual states to either run the Genset or be plugged in to get full 12 volt power for the slides. There are other brands also but I cannot remember them. But MOST, will operate with the Engine ON. Doug

If you are concerned with battery capacity to handle the slide motors, either fire up the generator or plug into the pedestal before you open the slides. That way the converter can supply the current to the slide motors.

Thanks for the replys,I guess it,s normal.

rgatijnet1 wrote:
On my Monaco coach the slides won't move(either in or out) with the engine running.
Once extended, you can start the engine and drive. I guess they figure that if you look in the rear view mirrors you will get a clue that something is not right. :B

I have to admit that just the one time and not long ago, we stopped in a rest area and whereas I put the BR slide out about half way for getting to the rear bath. Low and behold, I didn't notice it in my mirror until we were back on the interstate.

It does seem strange that the slides will not operate with the engine running. It would seem to be hard on the slide out systems to not have good voltage and current to operate the systems. Just like most leveling systems require the engine to be running, park brake on, and trans in neutral to operate. Dougrainer has had more experience with these systems than I, to I would side with him.

jy wrote:
My friend has a 2008 Damon MH with 2 slide outs.when parking at a campsite the motor must be shut off before the slide outs will extend.After they are extended the motor will start and the MH can be driven.(tried this in the driveway) Is this normal or is something wired backwards?

Most don't have a lockout of sorts, but since it does, something does seem to be backwards and I'm guessing a relay and whereas the NO and NC contact wiring needs swapped.