Slide Won't Go Back In: Camper Woes And Solutions

If your slide-out is stuck and won't go back in, there could be several reasons. Firstly, check if there is a power failure to the motor. RVs rely on power supplied by the battery, and a lack of sufficient power can cause issues with retracting the slide. If the battery is not the issue, check for electrical motor failure, physical obstructions in the slide track, misalignment or damage to the sliding track, or damage to the gearbox. Other potential issues include electrical failures, such as mistiming between motors or an electric short, and problems with the slide-out activation switch. In some cases, improper levelling of the RV can also cause the slide to get stuck. To fix the issue, you may need to manually retract the slide-out or seek the help of a professional RV technician.

Power failure to the motor

Power failure is the most common reason for an RV slide to get stuck in the extended position. After travelling and using the battery a lot, the charge deteriorates quickly. As electrical motors require a lot of torque to push or pull the slide, they seek power from the battery. When the battery fails to provide sufficient power, you might face issues retracting the slide.

To solve this issue, you can override the main connection to the electrical motor through the controller module from a direct 30 AMP power source or jump the connection. This will temporarily help you get your RV slide back in and give you time to recharge the battery.

If the battery seems to be in good working order, you can then move to inspect the wiring. Follow it as best you can from the battery to the JST connection. If you find damaged wires or the JST connection has come out of the white rectangular outlet, you will need to restore the normal connection.

If all else fails, you might have to manually disengage the slide-out's drive motor and manually crank or push the stuck slide-out into place. This is absolutely necessary to safely drive your RV legally down the road.

Electrical motor failure

Troubleshooting

Before concluding that your electrical motor has failed, it is important to perform some basic troubleshooting steps. Firstly, check if your slide-out switch is functioning properly. If the switch is working, the next step is to check the power source. Ensure that your RV is plugged into a shore power source or that your generator is running, as this can affect the performance of the slide motors. Check your battery's state of charge and ensure it is above 12.0 volts, and above 12.4 volts to ensure proper operation.

Diagnosing the Issue

If your slide-out switch is functioning, and you have confirmed a sufficient power source, the next step is to check the slide-out electric motors for power. Find the motor that operates your slide-out and inspect the wiring. You may need to disconnect the motor's wiring and have an assistant operate the switch while you check the voltage at the motor with a multi-meter. If the meter shows that the motor is receiving power but there is still no movement, then the issue is likely with the motor itself, and it may need to be serviced or replaced.

Repair or Replace

If you determine that your electrical motor has failed and needs to be replaced, it is important to note that this can be a costly repair, often exceeding $100. If your RV has a manual override system, you can retract the slide and take it to a mechanic for further assistance. When replacing the motor, ensure that you use the original motor or an equivalent recommended by the manufacturer.

Prevention

To prevent electrical motor failure, it is important to perform regular maintenance on your RV. This includes lubricating key components, such as the slide seals and mechanical parts of the slide-out system. Additionally, always ensure that your RV is level before extending or retracting the slides, as operating on an incline can place additional strain on the motors and systems. Finally, try to avoid placing excessive weight or load on the slide-outs, as this can lead to mechanical wear and tear over time.

Physical obstruction

If your RV slide is stuck in the extended position and won't retract, there are several possible causes, one of which is physical obstruction. Physical obstructions can include twigs, small rocks, accumulated debris, or other objects blocking the RV slide-out tracks. These obstructions can cause the mechanism to stop, as RV slide-outs have sensors that detect resistance to movement.

To resolve this issue, first, perform a visual inspection of the slide-out system. Check for any objects that may be stuck in the moving parts and remove them carefully to avoid damaging the track. Once the track is clear, apply the recommended lubrication to the track before attempting to push back the slide.

In addition to checking for physical obstructions, it is also recommended to inspect the RV's position relative to the ground. Ensure that the RV is level, as an uneven surface can place too much stress on the slide-out components and affect their retraction.

Misalignment and damaged sliding track

If your RV slide tracks are physically damaged, such as broken, bent, or misaligned, they won't slide back in. Users have observed that putting excessive pressure on the slide or operating the slide in a parking lot or unleveled area can cause such damage.

To fix a misaligned or damaged sliding track, you will need to replace the track at a dealership, which can be one of the most expensive repairs for an RV. However, you may be able to perform a manual adjustment to fix minor alignment issues.

• Loosen the mounting bolts.
• Adjust the slide-out.
• Retighten the bolts.

If you notice any bends in the tracks, use a wrench to carefully straighten them.

To prevent damage to your sliding track, avoid putting excessive pressure on the slide and always operate the slide on level ground. Also, be sure to keep the tracks clean and free of debris.

Hydraulic leak

If your slideouts are hydraulic, a hydraulic leak could be the reason why they are not retracting.

The first thing to check is your hydraulic fluid reservoir to ensure there is enough fluid in the system. When your slideouts are out, or your levelling legs are down, the reservoir will have a lower fluid level. When your slideouts are in, or your levelling legs are up, the reservoir should be at or near the full mark. If the motor/pump runs but the slideout doesn't move and there is low/no fluid in the reservoir, then you probably have a fluid leak.

You will need to trace the hydraulic lines from the pump to the operating rams to see if you can find a leak in the system. Check your owner's manual to see specifics about your hydraulic system.

If you cannot find a leak, it is possible that one of the hydraulic valve actuators has failed. In this case, the pump will run, but no fluid is reaching the ram to extend/retract the slide. The actuators can be manually turned with a screwdriver or an Allen wrench to open or close them. You can try to operate them manually but be careful; they are precise valves and can be easily damaged if you attempt to force them open or closed.

If you find a leak, you may be able to fix it by tightening the fitting. Sometimes the only fix for connections is replacing the hose. If it is leaking from the cylinder itself, you need a seal kit or cylinder replacement.

Be careful when working with hydraulics. The equalizer system provides pressure of up to 3000 PSI. If you get in the way of a high-pressure stream, it could penetrate your skin. Always bleed the system before loosening fittings and wear eye protection.

Frequently asked questions