Slide-Out Camper: Easy Access And More Space

Slide-outs are a common feature in campers and RVs, allowing travellers to enjoy extra space when parked and a compact size when on the move. They are usually operated electronically, but can also be extended and retracted manually. This is especially useful when the slide-out mechanism is stuck or malfunctioning, as it allows the driver to retract the slide and safely drive to a service centre for repairs. The process for manually operating slide-outs varies depending on the type of slide installed in the camper. The most common types of slide-outs include rack and pinion, in-wall (Schwintek), cable, and hydraulic. Each type has its own unique mechanism for manual retraction, which can often be found in the owner's manual or by contacting the manufacturer. It is important to follow the correct procedure to avoid damage to the slide-out system.

Rack & Pinion Slides

Rack and pinion slides, also known as "electric through-frame" slides, are a type of slide-out mechanism commonly used in RVs and campers. They are known for their reliability and affordability and are considered the most common type of slide-out system. Here are some key features and considerations regarding rack and pinion slides:

How They Work

Rack and pinion slides utilise arms located underneath the slide box, which are connected to an electric actuator motor. This motor often contains a worm gear and is typically placed out of sight in the belly pan of the RV. When activated, the electric motor spins two pinion sprockets or gears, which push the rack teeth forward, allowing the slide to extend outward or retract inward.

Benefits

One of the main advantages of rack and pinion slides is their reliability. They have relatively few moving parts compared to other slide-out systems, making them less prone to breakdowns and requiring less maintenance. Additionally, they don't require much force to operate, which contributes to their overall reliability.

Rack and pinion slides also offer the benefit of a flush-floor design. This means that the floor of the slide-out room can be flush with the main floor of the RV when fully extended, providing a seamless expansion of the living space. This design is desirable as it creates a more unified and spacious feel to the interior of the RV.

Downsides

One downside of rack and pinion slides is that they tend to be bulkier and heavier than other slide-out systems. This can be a consideration when it comes to weight distribution and overall RV weight, especially if you have multiple slide-outs. Additionally, as with any slide-out system, rack and pinion slides require regular maintenance to ensure proper functioning. This includes cleaning, inspecting, and lubricating the various components, such as seals, gears, and tracks.

Manual Retraction

In the event of a malfunction or if your slide gets stuck, it is possible to manually retract a rack and pinion slide. Here are the general steps:

• Locate the extension rod or hex nut: Depending on the specific design of your slide, you'll need to locate either the extension rod attached to the electric actuator motor or the hex nut on the slide-out's electric actuator motor.
• Disconnect the power source: Before proceeding, it is crucial to disconnect the power source to prevent any potential damage to the system. For the extension rod, you would unhook the battery.
• Use the appropriate tool for manual operation: If you have located the extension rod, you will need a manual override crank tool to connect to it. For the hex nut, you will need a ratchet with an appropriately sized fitting.
• Crank or turn the tool clockwise: Whether you are using the crank handle or the ratchet, turn it in a clockwise direction to retract the slide-out. Stop cranking when you feel resistance and the slide is flush with the exterior RV wall. Do not over-crank, as it can damage the slide-out mechanism.

Rack and pinion slides are a popular choice for RV and camper slide-out mechanisms due to their reliability, affordability, and ability to provide a flush-floor design. While they may be heavier and require maintenance, they offer a straightforward and generally dependable way to expand your living space while on the road.

In-Wall (Schwintek) Slides

The Schwintek system uses a pair of gear-reduction drive motors that rotate a vertical aluminium shaft on each end of the slide-out. There are 2-3 brass pinion gears on each shaft that drive rack gears attached to the sides of the slide-out. There are motors on either side of the slide that help it move, and a control panel inside the RV allows you to control the motor.

To sync the motors, hold down the "Retract" or "Extend" button for an additional 5 seconds after the slide is fully retracted. This will "amp-out" the motors and reset them to zero, synchronising them. When the motors are in sync, you should hear them "hum" together when operating the slide, and they should stop together when the slide is fully extended or retracted. If this doesn't work, bring the slide in about 5 inches, then extend it back out while holding down the button for 5 more seconds after it's extended. Repeat this 4 or 5 times.

The gear tracks of Schwintek slides should not be lubricated. They should be kept clean by washing them with a scrub brush and mild soapy water, or by wiping them with a rag. Lubrication can attract dirt, which can cause the plastic gear mechanisms in the wall to wear out prematurely.

If your Schwintek slide is stuck, you can use the manual override on the control box. This is located in the basement of your RV, right underneath the slide-out. Press the manual override button 6 times, then push and hold on the seventh time. This will trigger a manual override so you can try to get the slide in.

Cable Slides

The process for manually retracting a cable slide-out is as follows:

• Locate the slide-out motor, usually on top of the slide-out with cables and pulleys attached.
• Fit a #3 square bit into the end of the motor.
• Connect a 12-inch flexible extension to the square bit and secure the other end into a portable drill.
• Drive counterclockwise to bring the slide-out in until it is flush with the RV's exterior wall.

It is important to regularly lubricate cable slides to avoid issues with retraction. Additionally, cable slides may require maintenance and repair, such as cable replacement due to stretching or breakage. Overall, cable slides are a simple and lightweight system that provides increased design flexibility and living space for RVers.

Hydraulic Slides

Hydraulic slide-outs are a type of slide mechanism used in recreational vehicles (RVs) to increase their living space. They are more complex than electrical systems but are also more powerful, making them suitable for larger and heavier slide rooms. They are typically used when more force or power is required.

Hydraulic slide-outs are often equipped with two hydraulic rams, one at the front and one at the back, which must work in sync to avoid jamming the slide-out. They are generally faster than other systems, especially in cold weather, and can handle heavier weights.

To manually retract a hydraulic slide-out, you will need to identify the type of hydraulic system in your RV and follow the specific instructions for that system. Here are some general steps to manually retract a hydraulic slide-out:

• Consult your owner's manual for instructions specific to your RV's hydraulic system.
• Ensure that there are no obstructions inside or outside the slide-out.
• Locate the hydraulic pump or motor responsible for extending and retracting the slide-out.
• Disconnect the power source or battery to avoid electric backfeed that could damage the system.
• Use the appropriate hand tool or a portable drill with the right attachment to actuate the slide-out's movement manually.
• Follow the manufacturer's instructions to manually retract the slide-out.
• Stop retracting once you feel resistance, and ensure the slide-out is flush with the exterior wall of the RV.

It is important to note that manually retracting a slide-out is only recommended in emergency situations. If your slide-out is stuck or not functioning properly, it is best to consult a professional or take your RV to a service centre for diagnosis and repair.

Manually Operating a Slide-Out with a Dead Battery

If your camper's battery is dead, there are several ways to operate your slide mechanism. Firstly, you can plug your camper into shore power and use this to operate the slide mechanism. Secondly, you can run a generator to move your slide-out room. If these two methods are not possible, you can start your truck and run the slide mechanism with the power from your vehicle.

Some slide-out campers can also be manually operated. For example, Arctic Fox slides are designed to be manually operated through an outside compartment door using a tool called a T-assist handle. This handle quickly assembles to manually move a slide-out room.

Frequently asked questions