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!

In order for businesses and mobile RV repair technicians in the State of Florida to install, service or repair LP gas containers, systems, or appliances they need to be licensed by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services (FDACS). Not only is each mobile technician required to be State qualified, any business (e.g. LLC) offering such services must itself also be licensed with the State of Florida. Willful failure to do so is a felony of the third degree.

As consumers, how can we tell if the business we hire is properly licensed to work on our RV gas appliances or system? It’s easy, just do a simple check via the FDACS business lookup tool provided on the Department’s official website. In fact, all you need is the business name to search for a complete list of all the licenses that that particular business holds in Florida. And as you’d expect, any out-of-state licenses a business might have are irrelevant in the Sunshine State.

Unfortunately, most mobile RV repair businesses in Manatee and Sarasota counties are performing LP gas repairs and/or testing without the proper training, certification, and licensing. This not only puts the consumer at risk but endangers the lives of our family members and our local neighborhoods. Servicing and testing LP gas systems is a serious task that should be left to the experts. Next time you need service be sure to verify and ask the business you hire to produce a copy of their LP Gas license. Lives literally depend on it! And not to worry, State law requires that businesses inform you of their license anyway, so you’ll actually be helping them comply with one of the many requirements that are levied by the State.

Florida Statute CHAPTER 527.067

All persons engaged in the business of servicing, testing, repairing, maintaining, or installing liquefied petroleum gas equipment and systems shall initially present proof of licensure to consumers, owners, or end users prior to working on said equipment or system and shall subsequently present proof of licensure upon the request of consumers, owners, end users, or persons who have authorized such work.

If you are a mobile tech or owner of an RV repair or inspection business you can find more information about your responsibilities by going to the FDACS website, or contact them at (850) 921-1600. You can also learn more via the Florida RV Trade Association (FRVTA) that covers more on this topic in depth, including frequently asked questions on the topic. 

And Now You Know!