Slide Out Mechanisms

Hard to avoid getting anything without the Lippert/Schwintek style these days. It is actually a reliable system IF the install was done properly although the weaker sidewall construction of TTs (compared to motorized RVs) makes getting one built right a little chancy. With this type of construction, routine maintenance is crucial BUT much easier than on others. YouTube has several good videos, some by the mfg. that show how simple it is. Those who do not lubricate with the recommended CRC Power Lube constitute the majority of those who have issues. These systems had problems with everything in the beginning but are quite reliable now. The nice thing about them is with both a top and bottom gear rack on each side of the slide, the slide is held in place much better going down the road and the need for a piece of broomstick wedged at the top when closed is no longer an issue. Recently the aluminum racks have begun to be replaced with steel ones which should make the mechanism even more durable.

We have the BAL cable system on ours. No problems so far. It seems simple enough that I should be able to fix it if something does happen.

We have a schwintek slide on our 2012 FunFinder purchased spring of 2011. It's the first year Cruiser rv used this type. Ours has been trouble free and reliable. I especially like that it is flush to the camper's floor. There is no step up into the slide.

We did have one issue, but it had nothing to do with the slide's design. It was an assembly issue. There are rollers attached to the trailer's frame that support the slide as it moves in and out. One roller had been siezed with caulk and would not turn so it skidded along the bottom of the slide as it moved. Eventually this began to tear up the floor of the slide. I was able to free up the roller and reinforce the floor and have had no problems since. If you do have this slide, you should extend it and inspect the underside of the floor and the rollers to ensure you don't have a similar problem.

we have the cable system and its about 12 years old. I have replaced some of the cables and done some adjustments, its very easy to work on. I carry a couple spare cables kits and other parts just incase. I could easily change them on the road, the only thing that couldn't be fixed on the road is the motor if you didn't have a spare. you can also move the slide in with battery operated drill and a flex drive to fit your motor.
Jay D.

We’ve had three rack and pinion slide trailers. I won’t even consider anything else.

Hannibal wrote:
We’ve had three rack and pinion slide trailers. I won’t even consider anything else.

Same.

mosseater wrote:

Hannibal wrote:
We’ve had three rack and pinion slide trailers. I won’t even consider anything else.

Same.

Another vote for the rack and pinion.

Rack and pinion. When all else fails, get out the crank.

Hannibal wrote:
We’ve had three rack and pinion slide trailers. I won’t even consider anything else.

Power gear rack and pinion here also, I think its the best slide system on the market..

Timtation wrote:
Rack and pinion. When all else fails, get out the crank.

Its easier to pull the pins on both sides, slide the small gear over and push the slide in and than reinstall the pins.