Forum Discussion

gerpeters's avatar
gerpeters
Explorer
Jul 30, 2019

Problems with Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out

I bought a 2017 Wildwood RV (Forest River) earlier this year. Slide-out was working fine for a few camping trips.

This is the first time I have own a travel trailer with the Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out

When I start the slide-out I hear the motors starting and both sides start evenly. At about 5-10 inches out on one side motors stop and then the slide goes out uneven. I do of course stop at that point and slide back in. If I go back and forth for a few times it works to slide out the slide-out. The same issue when I slide the slide-out back in. Both sides start and then one side stops

Any idea how to troubleshoot the issue?
  • fdwt994's avatar
    fdwt994
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2019
    Andy F wrote:
    I've noticed some manufacturers have gone back to the old reliable cable and pulley system on their brand new TT's that we have on our 2012 unit.


    My same unit (new model year) has now changed from Schwintek to rack & pinion.
  • Andy_F's avatar
    Andy_F
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2019
    I've noticed some manufacturers have gone back to the old reliable cable and pulley system on their brand new TT's that we have on our 2012 unit.
  • fdwt994's avatar
    fdwt994
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2019
    gerpeters wrote:
    So is the Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out good quality? Based on a few responses it sounds like a poor choice for an RV that comes with the Schwintek.


    My opinion, it's not a quality issue. It's a system that's not appropriate for an RV, particularly for large slides. The tolerances are so precise, and when you have a moving vehicle, especially one that flexes and bends because it's "lightweight", the system can easily become out of tolerance. No slide out system is without its issues, but at least with the others, there's a realistic way to retract the slide if needed.
  • gerpeters's avatar
    gerpeters
    Explorer
    Jul 31, 2019
    So is the Schwintek In-Wall Slide-Out good quality? Based on a few responses it sounds like a poor choice for an RV that comes with the Schwintek.
  • nickthehunter's avatar
    nickthehunter
    Nomad II
    Jul 30, 2019
    PaulJ2 wrote:
    To keep this from happening again----be sure and hold the switch on for a few seconds after it is fully retracted or extended.
    This !!~!!! Make sure you hold the button after the wall stops moving for at least 3 seconds. This keeps the motors in time.

    One other thing, make sure there isn't something restricting the slide from moving properly. Something as little as a piece of splintered wood could make the motor one one side over torque and stop.
  • fdwt994's avatar
    fdwt994
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    ependydad wrote:
    Sad to say, my past experience is that this problem got worse and worse until the slide stopped operating. The only method of manual retraction is to pull the motors and push like hell.

    At that point, a repair shop needs to get a new slide out rack from Lippert and install it. Lippert builds them on demand and it takes about 3 weeks to get. Cost + installation ran $1,400-1,800.

    And I did the motor synchronization every time.


    Same here. Both our slides were Schwintek. One was rebuilt under warranty when the unit was less than two years old (had the one year extended warranty) and the other, larger living room slide failed a couple of weeks ago at the campground. Unfortunately for us, we were unable to push hard enough even after disengaging the motors. Have now traded the unit in for one without Schwintek based on our experience and all the research I did about them. My advice- get it to the shop before the same thing happens to you. Good luck!
  • ependydad's avatar
    ependydad
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    Sad to say, my past experience is that this problem got worse and worse until the slide stopped operating. The only method of manual retraction is to pull the motors and push like hell.

    At that point, a repair shop needs to get a new slide out rack from Lippert and install it. Lippert builds them on demand and it takes about 3 weeks to get. Cost + installation ran $1,400-1,800.

    And I did the motor synchronization every time.
  • gerpeters's avatar
    gerpeters
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    azdryheat wrote:
    Are you hooked up to shore power? My slides don't work as well when only under battery power.

    I have tried it both ways. Does not seem to make a difference
  • PaulJ2's avatar
    PaulJ2
    Explorer
    Jul 30, 2019
    To keep this from happening again----be sure and hold the switch on for a few seconds after it is fully retracted or extended.

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