Slideout Mechanism

I also have the cable system that is 25 years old and when I compare it to all the other systems in the RV it has been trouble free. It never failed stuck open or closed. If it ever stopped working it came with a manual crank that takes about a min or less to crank open or closed.

first TT we owned was rack and pinion. no problems. current TT is cable. other than 2 of the 3 gear boxes leaking after a year no problems. i installed drip pans underneath the gear boxes myself. we chose the second TT based on floor plan not slide mechanisms.

I've had the cable slide for 7 years now without any issues or need for adjustment as of yet. The one cable is just starting to look like it has a little slack in it and I am going to have my dealer adjust it at inspection time this year. Also never a problem with my gearbox leaking on the roof of the slide.

There are pros and cons to all I wouldn't worry about any of them and just pick the floor plan you like most of all in the price range you want.

The Schwintek on slides need to be lubed regularly. When it starts to slow down time to lube. Lube from the outside pulling back the rubber . Motor is at the top

afidel wrote:
Schwintek was designed for smaller, less deep slides. Some manufacturers, especially early on, did not read and understand the design notes and used it in inappropriate applications. Today most problems and mis-applications have been resolved. Cable driven systems have some packaging advantages but at least some recent designs have had problems with oil leaking from the drive system, and unfortunately dripping onto the roof of the slide leading to damaged rubber slide roofs. Rack and pinion is generally the most robust system but can not always be accommodated in the desired packaging. Overall most systems in place today are fairly robust as it's not in anyone's interest to have major mechanical systems breaking.

Absolutely. I can't imagine a Schwintek on a large slide. The slide on my TT is fairly small and light. Works great, but I wouldn't trust it on a large slide. Also, people need to remember to hold the retract button in for a few seconds after the slide stops to ensure it stays in sync.

I have 2 Schwintek slides. The large one always strains to open or close. I noticed Grand Design went to a rack system on the larger slides on new trailers.

Schwintek was designed for smaller, less deep slides. Some manufacturers, especially early on, did not read and understand the design notes and used it in inappropriate applications. Today most problems and mis-applications have been resolved. Cable driven systems have some packaging advantages but at least some recent designs have had problems with oil leaking from the drive system, and unfortunately dripping onto the roof of the slide leading to damaged rubber slide roofs. Rack and pinion is generally the most robust system but can not always be accommodated in the desired packaging. Overall most systems in place today are fairly robust as it's not in anyone's interest to have major mechanical systems breaking.

Never choose this type of slide for a full 3’ slide. Just fine for smaller slides but for the main full slide, always rack and pinion.

This is a picture of my brother's trailer with a Schwintek slide. The slide was a mechanical disaster from day one and was replaced entirely twice before he gave up and traded the trailer. I would run from any trailer with a Schwintek slide.

I've had the Schwintek system in my camper for the last 6 years. So far , it's been fine.