Forum Discussion

Jerry_B's avatar
Jerry_B
Explorer
May 09, 2013

Info on slide mechanism please

I just bought a Mobile Suites fifth wheel. The slides are hydraulically operated by a single pump. I noticed that each slide has a long hydraulic ram yet the slide arms have gear teeth on them as does the electrically operated rack and pinion. I can't figure why the support arms are geared.
  • Vulcaneer's avatar
    Vulcaneer
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    It is to equalize the extend/retract rates of both ends of the slide. So the slide out does not get crooked (binds) when it opens/closes.
  • Old-Biscuit's avatar
    Old-Biscuit
    Explorer III
    May 09, 2013
    AS described.......

    Hydraulic ram is attached to one of the rails.
    Mounted on that rail is a drive gear.
    Attached to that drive gear is a cross tube to other side with a driven gear attached.

    As ram extends/retracts the rail moves causing drive gear to rotate which turns cross tube causing driven gear to rotate and move the other rail

    That way both sides of slide out go out in sync at same speed and under force vs just being dragged along.
  • dbbls's avatar
    dbbls
    Explorer
    May 09, 2013
    The gears and shaft move the other end of the slide. The ram only pushes one side.

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