Slide design by Grand Design

[Cptnvideo]

We recently purchased a 2022 Grand Design Solitude 378MBS.
There are 4 slides and there are 4 named slots for slide switches. But there are only 2 slide switches. Grand Design controls 3 slides with one switch and the bedroom slide with the remaining switch. To make matters worse, the sequence for the slides to open/close is terrible. The curb side slide (which blocks entry to the entire living/kitchen area) is the last to go out.

Edit: Apparently this is a normal design for hydraulic slides. It would be nice if Grand Design would make some modification to make the curb side slide go out first, then in last.

[valhalla360]

TXiceman wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
I can tell you that even if the OP found this operation NOT to his liking at the PDI, the Factory would not pay to change it. If it is designed that way, then attempting to change a functional working as designed system would not be a warranty issue. Then the OP can make a decision, buy or walk away. This post shows WHY it is important to do the walk thru BEFORE you sign paperwork and take delivery. NEVER BUY AND SIGN PAPERWORK BEFORE THE PDI AND WALK THRU. NEVER NEVER NEVER. This is not a Auto or truck but a mobile house. I have been in the RV business for 50 years and 43 as a RV Technician. I would NEVER deviate from what I just posted and I tell my friends to do the same when they buy a new or used unit from a Dealer. Doug

We and our daughter have bought several RS and we let the dealer know that we are not taking possession of the RV until it has a full PDI and demonstration of all systems and the RV was 100% correct. Never accept an RV with a "We owe you" slip or the promise to fix an item when it comes back for warranty work.

The OP should have had the dealer demonstrate the operation of the slide both going in and out. While this is being demonstrated, watch for any jerky movement or strange noise.

I prefer the slides to operate on independent switches. With solenoids, a proper hydraulic manifold, and switches, this is not rocket science. The RV manufacturers will take a cheaper way out every time unless the buyers start to complain and not but the junk.

Ken

It sounds like there is a work around for the OP but...

If it didn't have the adjustable valves, rejecting the unit based on the slides operating off 1 switch is not a valid justification to reject the unit as it is 100% correct based on the design and nothing is faulty.

It would be like buying a trailer with 14" tires and saying it's faulty because you prefer 15" tires.

If it's something that bothers you, sort it out before putting money down and put it in the sales contract.

[laknox]

BurbMan wrote:
laknox, the post directly above yours has a link to a video that shows how to adjust the valves in this model RV to re-order the slides

As I said, I was posting without reading. Personally, I think it's just another cheap-out on the mfrs' parts instead of having separate valves and switches.

Lyle

[BurbMan]

laknox, the post directly above yours has a link to a video that shows how to adjust the valves in this model RV to re-order the slides

[laknox]

OK, posting without reading to the end.

My experience with sequential hydraulics is that there is often a control valve that may, or may not, be adjustable. Basically, it provides resistance to the oil flow so the the first cylinder you want to cycle has to complete its stroke, then pressure will build enough to override the sequencing valve, allowing the next cylinder to cycle. I don't know enough about these systems to know if they even =have= sequencing valves or it's just "free flow" to all cylinders at once and when one set hits the stops, it allows more flow to the remaining cylinders. I'd talk to a =good= hydraulic shop and see if they have a solution. The =simplest= solution would be to literally put separate valves and controls to each slide.

Lyle

[Learjet]

link https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf162nHUPbE

[BurbMan]

Yes, same video I posted a link to on page 1 of this thread.

[johndeerefarmer]

Cptnvideo wrote:

dougrainer wrote:
This design(usually Hydraulic slides, never seen any other) has been around for years. All 3 slides are incorporated into the same hydraulic lines and the system extends and puts more pressure to the next slide after the 1st slide has almost reached full extension. I guess I don't really see the problem. It should take less than 2 minutes to get all slides out. The BIG problem is when you just want that one slide for the kitchen to be the only one going out, without the others. Is this system Hydraulic? Doug

I believe it is, Doug. You are correct about the time frame when you are opening all slides.
We moved a couple days ago and after pulling out onto a street, I discovered that I left my phone on a charger at the rear of the 5th. We pulled over and I had to move the 2 street slides out before the slide blocking the entire rear area could be moved out. That slide should be the first out since it is curb side AND blocks access to the entire rear of the 5th.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Qf162nHUPbE

[Endricken]

My old Fiver has one Switch for my all hydraulic slideouts! The slides out go out by “ease” on the Pump - little Bedroom is ALWAYS first, then usually the lighter Kitchen slide and then the biggest opposing slide albeit depending on tilt the 2 big slideouts may take turns fully extending. If necessary the manifold valves can determine if I only want a particular slide to extend. Retracting works the same - The Bedroom is always first. Does this help?

[bucky]

Cptnvideo wrote:
Thanks, Mike.
I see you have the same wattage solar and inverter as us. But 82 more amp hours of battery. Are you happy with that combination? Or would you like more solar or battery or both?

But I thought this was a thread about slides. Now here you go. 😉

Surely since 2006 you know how forums work.

[Cptnvideo]

We've also got the Victron. We only had the RV for a month and the solar for 10 days. But we like everything so far. We can add 400 more watts of solar if we want and/or a 4th 218 a/h battery.
We've got a 18cf rv fridge but I would like to replace it with a res fridge.

[23mikey]

I'm definitely happy with the setup! We have a residential fridg and yet when dry camping and using the furnace at night we have 100% SOC by early afternoon. The Victron MPPT solar controller is excellent!

[Cptnvideo]

Thanks, Mike.
I see you have the same wattage solar and inverter as us. But 82 more amp hours of battery. Are you happy with that combination? Or would you like more solar or battery or both?

[23mikey]

Cptnvideo wrote:
This thread is supposed to be about slides and NOT about PDIs.
Please start a new thread if you want to discuss the importance of a PDI.

Glad to hear that you have identified the valves for each slides operation giving you more control. If you still have concerns about the sequence of the slides operating, you may want to consider installing restrictors into the hyd lines to change the sequence. That's how it's done in aviation hyd systems.

Safe Travels!
Mike

[Lantley]

Cptnvideo wrote:
This thread is supposed to be about slides and NOT about PDIs.
Please start a new thread if you want to discuss the importance of a PDI.

While I get your point. This thread is actually about both.
I can understand why you want to focus on the slide but the root of the thread is as much about the "dumb design" (noted in the title) that was not caught during the PDI....
A better design or a better PDI could have resolved this issue before this thread was even written.
This is an open forum where we all express are opinions and ideas on RV matters and ultimately learn from each other.
Trying to steer or control the thoughts and flow of the thread is counter productive to sharing ideas and learning.
The takeaway for me is how some hydraulic slides actually operate.
The takeawy for others maybe the importance of the PDI, and how to perform a proper PDI.
Either way we all learn something which is what these forums are ultimately about.