Winnebago Itasca Full Wall Slide Failure
We own a 35 foot 2014 Itasca Suncruiser that we bought new 2 years ago. Six months after purchase the full wall slide out would not fully close on the lower rear corner. We took it to a dealer about...
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I have the Winnebago Journey that uses the Schwintek slide system slide on a full wall slide. Fortunately, I have not had any issues with it YET, but it sounds like it is only a matter of time. I did attend the Winnebago Rally last year in Forest City and spoke with the rep from Lippert about the system. The key to success, at least according to him, was proper lubrication and adjusting it periodically. I have done that and have had no issues. This is what I was told to do.
First, I use CRC lubricant with PTFE (aerosol comes in a green can) to lubricate the top and bottom gears of the slides. The lubricant MUST have PTFE in it. I found this online at WW Grainger. I could have had it shipped to the house, but I choose to pick it up free from the local Grainger store and avoid the delivery charge. I lubricate both the top and bottom gears on the motors by sliding the small red extension tube from the can (similar to the tube that comes with WD40) into the location where the motors are. This is just above the gears that are permanently located on the exterior slide wall. Then, after all 4 motor/gears (top & bottom on each side of the slide out) are lubricated, I fully run the slide in and out to help get the lubrication worked in.
Second, you need to adjust the slide. Note that what I was told will contradict what others have said about stopping the slide in partial retraction/extension. I was told to run the slide either in or out (depending on the slides current position), only about 1 inch. Then either retract or extend back to your starting position. For clarity, note that you will only be moving the slide in or out only about an inch each way. Do this 3 times. You may hear the motor slightly run about 1 second when the slide is in or out after you let up on the switch. This is normal and is the syncing process Schwintek uses to keep the motors in sync. The system, according to the rep, counts the revolutions of the motors. If they get out of sync for whatever reason, this will adjust them. My slide was very noisy while running down the road, and this process eliminated the noise. The slide sounded like it was going to fall out.
I do this on my 2 Schwintek slides, so far, with no problems.
I have only owned the MH for about 18 months, so this may or may not be helping, but to me, it is a "feel good" thing to do.
Hope this helps someone!
Tom
First, I use CRC lubricant with PTFE (aerosol comes in a green can) to lubricate the top and bottom gears of the slides. The lubricant MUST have PTFE in it. I found this online at WW Grainger. I could have had it shipped to the house, but I choose to pick it up free from the local Grainger store and avoid the delivery charge. I lubricate both the top and bottom gears on the motors by sliding the small red extension tube from the can (similar to the tube that comes with WD40) into the location where the motors are. This is just above the gears that are permanently located on the exterior slide wall. Then, after all 4 motor/gears (top & bottom on each side of the slide out) are lubricated, I fully run the slide in and out to help get the lubrication worked in.
Second, you need to adjust the slide. Note that what I was told will contradict what others have said about stopping the slide in partial retraction/extension. I was told to run the slide either in or out (depending on the slides current position), only about 1 inch. Then either retract or extend back to your starting position. For clarity, note that you will only be moving the slide in or out only about an inch each way. Do this 3 times. You may hear the motor slightly run about 1 second when the slide is in or out after you let up on the switch. This is normal and is the syncing process Schwintek uses to keep the motors in sync. The system, according to the rep, counts the revolutions of the motors. If they get out of sync for whatever reason, this will adjust them. My slide was very noisy while running down the road, and this process eliminated the noise. The slide sounded like it was going to fall out.
I do this on my 2 Schwintek slides, so far, with no problems.
I have only owned the MH for about 18 months, so this may or may not be helping, but to me, it is a "feel good" thing to do.
Hope this helps someone!
Tom
