Power gear slide with plastic rollers

[lwasouth]

I recently purchased a 2011 Itasca Meridian 40U. Wife & I love the layout and features. Less than 2 weeks into ownership the wheels that support the large slide on the drivers side all broke in half and fell out. We were scheduled to leave on a 10 day trip to the keys in 2 days. Called dealers and parts suppliers and no one had any in stock. Last resort I contacted a local machine shop and had replacements made from aluminum. I had enough made that in the event the other side broke, I had replacements. When we got home I replaced the other side anyway. I don't think I am the only one that has had this problem. If so, have others had the power gear slides with no problems?
I am designing and making a more substantial roller that supports more of the ram than 2 individual rollers can. Actually a roller 3 1/2" wide, 2" in diameter with a groove in the center too clear the gear drive.

[mjeffrey]

Saw this Power Gear ram on a Horizon 40A and thought of your posts. Then I realized this ram doesn't have any teeth on it. It is the middle of the three rams and only the outer two rams have gear teeth.

Thought they came you with a new design.

The outer two rams looked pretty much tee same as before.

[bobmac]

I have a 09 Journey with the same arrangement on the large slide. It has two motor-driven end rams and a "passive" (non motorized) center ram. I have not had issues with the rollers but one of the bolts supporting the center ram has fractured three times. On my coach, that ram is directly under the fridge. Winnebago insisted the residential fridge I had installed was too heavy until I showed the manual showing the weight was 10 pounds less than the removed Norold. At that point, they replaced roller assembly with a much heavier one. I have found that Winnebago go out of their way to deny responsibility on inherent defects until you escalate the issue. Watch the supporting bolts and if any different noise on activation, check all supports. Good luck - you did a smart thing getting new\better rollers made.

[mjeffrey]

We just had both bolts that hold up one ram replaced.



Extended warranty picked up the charge. $$$

[jdkskyking]

Is this thread still active?

We have a 08 Winnebago Journey 39Z. Yesterday I learned of problems with slide ram bolts failing. In this thread I understand there are redesigned parts available that may prevent the problem.

If anyone has additional information I’d greatly appreciate it.

JK

[mjeffrey]

This post was about the rollers underneath the rams. I posted a picture of the bolts breaking because it was sort of related.

I have replaced some rollers but it was with original parts.

The bolt replacements were with stronger bolts but it was done at a rv service center as a repair.

Here is a post about ram bolts failing.

http://www.irv2.com/forums/showthread.php?t=409747