Momentary switch on my Powergear Slide

wa8yxm wrote:

3 tons wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
The problem is more likely the slide out controller.. The problem is where the )Q(#@*$U#@! they hide those things.. I've had 2 controllers fail me.

FWIW, I have spent tons of time on a top to bottom scavenger hunt (even using a remote camera) trying to find my ‘ supposed slide controller’ with the same momentary switch with no luck whatsoever...Former Camper manufacture (now defunct) POC employee had no idea either...On an older thread I can recall one seemingly knowledgable individual say that his camper’s same maker PowerGear Slide-out set-up had no such controller... So far, no troubles for me (fingers crossed) but I’m still in the dark...

3 tons

Did same thing when my controller totally failed.

So cut the wires to the motor and built a "Manual" controller (no over current protection)

Finally got a cable tracker from harbor Freight hooked the transmitter to the leads from the controller and followed the cable bundle with the wand till I found the @#$@#)(($*@# COntroller.

On my rig it was in the basement. on the cealing in the Front end of the FRONT most compartment under the slide.. Logically it should have been ... farther back.

I appreciate your input Sir - so far all is good but I’m truly dreading the day that a gremlin of sorts decides to raise it’s ugly head - I like your smart wire tracer idea, and I’ll give a try on my next go around!

3 tons

3 tons wrote:

wa8yxm wrote:
The problem is more likely the slide out controller.. The problem is where the )Q(#@*$U#@! they hide those things.. I've had 2 controllers fail me.

FWIW, I have spent tons of time on a top to bottom scavenger hunt (even using a remote camera) trying to find my ‘ supposed slide controller’ with the same momentary switch with no luck whatsoever...Former Camper manufacture (now defunct) POC employee had no idea either...On an older thread I can recall one seemingly knowledgable individual say that his camper’s same maker PowerGear Slide-out set-up had no such controller... So far, no troubles for me (fingers crossed) but I’m still in the dark...

3 tons

Did same thing when my controller totally failed.

So cut the wires to the motor and built a "Manual" controller (no over current protection)

Finally got a cable tracker from harbor Freight hooked the transmitter to the leads from the controller and followed the cable bundle with the wand till I found the @#$@#)(($*@# COntroller.

On my rig it was in the basement. on the cealing in the Front end of the FRONT most compartment under the slide.. Logically it should have been ... farther back.

MEXICOWANDERER wrote:
This is a "me learning" question...

None of these slides use limit switches?

NOT mechanical limit switches. They use a amp controlled electrical limit switch. Some use a CLUTCH, that rachets when fully extended or retracted. When the amp draw increases from a stopped movement, the Control sees that raise of amp draw and disconnects the power to the motor. Doug

This is a "me learning" question...

None of these slides use limit switches?

Your switch is rated at 5 amps MAX 12 volt. That means there are either relay's or a control module that runs the motor for the slide room. Usually the wall switch is a GROUND(Negative) powered switch. All it does is complete the Neg power to the control board or relay board. Now to the click you hear. On a Jayco, that is classis 12 volt CB tripping. Go to your 120/12 volt power center breaker box and have someone operate the slide to get that click sound. I will bet it is the CB tripping and it resets within 15 to 20 seconds. It may be as simple as they installed a 15 amp when the circuit needed a 20 amp. Your Model the Breaker box should be in the footboard of the Bed. If you lift the mattress you will see a sheet of wood paneling with a few screws securing it. Remove that wood panel and you will see all sorts of Converter and Inverter(if equipped) and Transfer box and the controls for the slide outs. Doug

You should try to locate the relays and circuit breaker. Look for a loose connection which could cause higher amperage draw

You're right, so the next time it failes I'll pull the panel and test the connected apparently failed out going switch legs with the multimeter. That should give me the answer about this switch.
Thank.

You may not hear anything binding. The motor for the slide could just run out of steam and trip circuit breaker.
Switching the load wires will make the switch be backward operation. I think you know this!

Mine is electric too. I agree that this floor situation is part of, or maybe the reason for this failure. The dealer I bought the RV from has a very good reputation as far as warranty work goes. We'll see I guess. As I said this has happened twice so far. I'm heading out tomorrow for a week across northern New England. If it happens again I'm going to swap the load wire positions and see what happens. I haven't heard anything binding and the RV is level.

enblethen wrote:
It may not have a controller. Some have two relays to operate in/out function.
Is your slide electric or hydraulic?

Thanks soooo much!!... it’s electric, and as near as I can determine (right, wrong or otherwise- lol), the motor shut down (which works faithfully) is governed only by say a higher amp end-of-travel stoppage condition ....However, Can’t say with any certitude whether this is actually a true statement...

3 tons