Slide out keeps getting stuck!

[2_Retired]

We are dealing with an ongoing problem with our slide on our 2006 32' Georgie Boy Pursuit. The RV has been in the shop 5 times in the past 5 months. The slide out will either not open or not close. At times the motor is running on the slide but not engaging. The shop has replaced the "PIN" three times and then used a bolt in its place. They say they open and close the slide numerous times with no problem, but it does not function properly when we try in our driveway. This last time it went out without a problem but will not retract. We have always used the Big Foot leveling system prior to sliding out to be sure the rig is level. The owner of the RV repair shop told us that may be part of the problem, that doing that prior to sliding out may cause something to "bind" and break the pin. Anyone had this problem or know if he's just blowing smoke at us? He has "guaranteed" the issue will be resolved and, of course, will do it for no charge. I'm very skeptical but DH is willing to give him one more shot.

[etrippe]

I own a 2006 GB Landau and have had many problems also. Completely replaced the entire slide unit, motor and all and very shortly we sheared another pin. I took the MH into a new repair facility and the service manager thought that the 1" square tube that the pins go thru and make the connections between the motor and slide mechanism was too thin a material. He replaced that thin tube w/ a much heavier gauge steel tube and used grade 8 bolts. Since then I haven't had any problems (knock on wood) and it's been 1 1/2 years. We are full timers so it gets used a lot.

hope this helps

[beschundler]

If you read a number of RV forums, you'll see that Georgie Boy Pursuits---usually 32-35 foot long and models from 2005-2007---have had problems with the living room slide out. Specifically, they break the shear pins---and almost any substitutes to the shear pins, e.g. even grade 8 bolts. On the way back from Alaska, for instance, we probably replaced the pin 7-8 times. We eventually got very good at knowing when the pin had broken (usually when the slider reached it's fully extended (out))position, and at how to gently stop the button at the right moment. I also began to hand open and/or close the the slider. It does seem that the problem gets worse as the "square to round" coupling gets more and more elongated. We're about to try replacing the couplings, and then using grade 8 bold very tightly tightened. Let's hope that helps!! Good luck and enjoy the GB....since with the exception of that damn slider, it's been a wonderful motorhome!!

[dougrainer]

Norm & Deb wrote:
I had same problem and sheared off many replacement pins. When I switched to a "roll pin" problem stopped. Since my slide out doesn't stop automatically, I am really careful to "get off the switch" quickly and not overstress this system. I cant believe there isn't an automatic shut off on this system to keep from breaking things!

Some OEM's use a auto reset 12 volt circuit breaker (usually a 15 or 20 amp) that will trip when you push and hold the button too long. After a few seconds the breaker resets. This keeps from over-torqing the system. Doug

[Norm___Deb]

I had same problem and sheared off many replacement pins. When I switched to a "roll pin" problem stopped. Since my slide out doesn't stop automatically, I am really careful to "get off the switch" quickly and not overstress this system. I cant believe there isn't an automatic shut off on this system to keep from breaking things!

[carp65]

We had the same problem with our 35' Pursuit. Manual says to level before
putting slides out. We eventually replaced a portion of the mechanism that
works the slide. Old one had become out-of-round due to so many repairs. Have
not had a failure since. I got quite adept at replacing the shear pin myself.
With my wife's help, of course. Not a real difficult job but a pain in the neck
The part was purchased from Al-Ko Kober co. It is a W1246680, P209-12024 Cross Tube Service Kit for GR-1201-1B and GR-101-IND. Phone is 800-451-7821. Cost was $49.66 including freight.

[tropical36]

2 Retired wrote:
We are dealing with an ongoing problem with our slide on our 2006 32' Georgie Boy Pursuit. The RV has been in the shop 5 times in the past 5 months. The slide out will either not open or not close. At times the motor is running on the slide but not engaging. The shop has replaced the "PIN" three times and then used a bolt in its place. They say they open and close the slide numerous times with no problem, but it does not function properly when we try in our driveway. This last time it went out without a problem but will not retract. We have always used the Big Foot leveling system prior to sliding out to be sure the rig is level. The owner of the RV repair shop told us that may be part of the problem, that doing that prior to sliding out may cause something to "bind" and break the pin. Anyone had this problem or know if he's just blowing smoke at us? He has "guaranteed" the issue will be resolved and, of course, will do it for no charge. I'm very skeptical but DH is willing to give him one more shot.

It actually sheared a bolt, as well as some good twisted type pins? Sounds like maybe the sliders that meet the floor are worn, making for a lot of frictions and requiring more torque than normal, assuming that it's not being obstructed in some other way. Waxing the floor when the slide is out usually helps, but is seldom the complete answer for a problem such as this.
We've never sheared a pin, as yet and it seems like it would take a lot of torque to do so. Then again, I think that our control board has a current limiting device built in, even though it might be set pretty high.

[jsmart]

That's what I love about this site. People helping one another. I've learned so much just by asking questions and finding out that more experienced RVers have been there and done that. Keep on camping.

[2_Retired]

The RV shop sent out their specialist and he did exactly as Doug suggested. He admitted they were using the wrong bolts and FINALLY used the proper replacement ones. Drilled a new ROUND hole as well. The slide worked perfectly numerous times with levelers extended and retracted. This better be the answer, or I might have to get involved! As DH says, I'm never "subtle" when I deal with those whose workmanship isn't adequate!! LOL! Thanks again Doug for sharing your knowledge. DH shared what you posted and the RV Shop's owner acknowledged you know what you are talking about! Will keep all posted on just how well this 'fix' works! On our way to pick out a site for this weekend!!

[2_Retired]

Thanks Doug. REally appreciate your help. DH has tested the slide at the RV Shop and it has happened when not in our driveway. The manual's instructions are to level the RV prior to extending the slide - so we do as instructed.

[dougrainer]

If you have the 1 inch square drive shaft that uses the "pin" or bolt to secure to the motor shaft and you keep shearing the pins or bolts, the solution is simple. The HOLE thru the Square tube MUST be 1/4 inch with NO OVAL wear on it. If you have any oval wear, when the motor engages, the little slip caused by the motor before the driveshaft engages acts as a cutting edge and cuts the bolt/pin. Also, you CANNOT have any threads engaged in this area as you need the full 1/4 shaft to prevent free play. The fix is to cut the ends off the square shaft(1 to 1.5 inches to remove the oval holes, drill a new 1/4 inch hole thru the square drive shaft and use the hardened pins/bolts that are designed for the drive shaft assbly. You CANNOT use standard 1/4 inch bolts as they will shear off. Doug

[bluwtr49]

If the problem is exclusive to your driveway I would suspect the slide is binding. If so, this could be caused by leveling the coach before operating the slide.

Just a thought.

[Old-Biscuit]

Well........have you tried the slide out prior to extended Big Foot in your driveway?

When you picked MH up.....did you operate the slide out at the RV Shop?

Is slide out 'spaced' evenly in opening....same clearance top/sides etc?

Does it go in/out evenly?

[Fiverwheel]

Check your owners manual for the manufacturers procedure for extending the slide. On our Monaco we are to extend the slide before we level the MH.

[Road_Runners]

It sounds like he is blowing smoke.