If not operated properly, these types of in-wall slide-outs can easily get “out of sync” from side to side. You may notice that one side comes to a stop before the other in either the extend or retract mode. If you listen carefully, you might be able to hear one of the slide motors stop before the other, or “amp out” as it is often referred to.

Proper Operation

It turns out that the way you operate your slide-out can have a significant impact on how well it continues to perform. Many RV dealerships instruct new buyers on proper operation during the initial walk-a-round with customers but for one reason or another some do not. Of course, there are many things going on during that trip to the dealership and some of the things discussed or covered are easily forgotten. So, this is likely just a reminder of what you’ve previously learned or perhaps you bought a used rig and the previous owner failed to pass on the knowledge.

Note: There are different types of RV slide-out drive mechanisms and the following only applies to Lippert’s Schwintek In-Wall Slide-out systems.

For proper In-Wall Slide-Out operation, when you depress the slide-out switch to fully extend, be sure to hold your finger on the button for 3-5 seconds after the slide-out is fully extended. Now this may seem a bit counter-intuitive to some but trust me, you won’t damage your slide. This is also true when you are retracting the slide-out. While we risk getting a bit too technical here, each of your in-wall motors have a sensor that communicates it’s position back to the system controller. And these sensors are how the controller is able to keep the motors in sync with each other. By keeping the switch depressed for those extra few seconds we allow the sensors and the controller to do their job and keep your slide-out operating properly. Every time we forget to keep that button pressed down, the timing can get off by just a smudge or a few revolutions. Each time this occurs however; the timing of the motors gets further and further apart. And if we let the slide get too far out of wack it may take a more advanced method to re-sync but more on that later.

Re-Sync Procedure

The following procedure can be performed in either the fully extended or fully retracted position. When fully retracted, depress the extend button and allow the slide to extend about 2-3 inches out and then remove your finger from the switch, allowing the slide to stop. Then, retract the slide completely and remember to hold that button down for 3-5 seconds after the slide comes to a complete stop. Then, repeat. You will likely need to do this several times until both sides of the slide are stopping at the same time. That’s all there is to it! If you perform this procedure starting from the fully extended position, just bring the slide in for 2-3 inches, stop, then again fully extend remembering to hold that button down for 3-5 seconds.

If by chance the slide-out was allowed to get so far out of sync that this procedure doesn’t correct the issue, then you will need to call out a certified technician to get your slide back into proper operation.

Maintenance & Care

And while we’re here, this would also be a great time for a little slide maintenance and care. It’s always good to check that you are getting around 50 percent compression on those slide seals both on the outside when the slide is fully retracted and on the inside of the coach while the slide is fully extended. Proper compression means avoiding possible water intrusion into your coach and avoiding costly repairs that could have easily been prevented. You should also take this opportunity to lubricate your slide seals with a good dry silicone lubricant to help protect the seals from environmental wear such as UV damage from the sun.

As always, thanks for reading and you can give us a call or submit a service request via our website if you have any questions. If you found this article to be helpful, please share it with friends and don’t forget to follow us on Facebook and YouTube.

Here’s to happy camping!

Extend Your Stay!

Whether you’re just out for the weekend, travelling from park to park, or living the RV lifestyle full-time, nobody wants to break down and interrupt camp just to head into town to fill up their onboard propane tank. And down here in southwest Florida it seems that it is becoming increasingly difficult to find mobile propane services that will come out to your site for a fill and it really doesn’t matter if your resort is out in the sticks or back in town.

Surprisingly, many folks have never heard of what is commonly referred to as an “Extend-A-Stay.” Basically it’s just a simple brass tee-fitting that connects in-line between your existing ASME tank in your motor home and your system regulator. The 4-Port fitting below allows you to easily hook up an auxiliary DOT cylinder such as the 20lb cylinder you normally use for BBQ and “extend” the available propane for your coach. Just bring an extra cylinder or two and no need to worry about running for extra gas or running out of hot showers during your stay!

On Amazon: Camco 59125 Propane Brass Tee with 5′ Hose

Of course there are many versions and brands of these devices available and the one illustrated here is but one example. This particular model is made by Camco and is available on Amazon. This model is usually what we recommend to folks since it’s a recognizable and dependable brand and it provides ports to connect two additional lines, enabling the use of not only a DOT cylinder but also a separate grill if you so choose. It also comes with it’s own five foot high pressure hose.

Installation & Testing

These are easy enough to install with a few wrenches but once installed be sure to spray some soapy water on all the connections to ensure there are no propane leaks. If there is a leak, just tightening up those threaded connections typically takes care of it. However, if the leak is coming from a crimp connection on the included hose itself, the entire hose will need to be replaced with another high pressure hose. Be sure that you DO NOT use any type of thread tape on the flared connections. If you did, it could actually cause the connections to leak!

It should only take about twenty or so minutes to install and it’s usually not too much trouble for RV owners to handle on their own. If however, you’re still unsure or would just feel more comfortable having one installed by a certified RV technician you can always give us a call. Just make sure whoever it is you call is properly licensed in the state of Florida to handle LP gas systems and components. And if you’d like to be sure that you are hiring a properly licensed company you can easily search using the Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumers Services website (FDACS) here. Better to be safe than sorry!

Happy camping & Happy Holidays!