2018 Bay Star Slide Locks

[CUME91]

On our new 2018 Bay Star several of the slide locks require much less effort than others and feel "looser". One in particular feels so loose that it feels like it could rattle itself into the down or unlocked position driving down the road. Could this actually happen? On a recent trip we are convinced that we engaged both of the bedroom slide locks before departing and once we parked only one of the locks was engaged.

Is this normal or is there any adjustment on the slide lock mechanism tension?

["007"]

If you have the manual slide lock bars and you look at the clamp in center of bar you should see a ball bearing that is to hold bar in position when locked.
The clamp may need to be crimped to close it tighter on ball bearing.
Bae needs to be removed and the clamp hit with hammer on wings of clamp.
Do not over hit the clamp, just a gentle tap until bar locks.

[Polyian]

Interesting, my 2013 Baystar does not have a ball bearing in the center. It works only on pressure when the bar is forced into the up position. There is no adjustment other than moving one of the end brackets inward. Perhaps the ball bearing idea is on the newer model Baystar or only on the higher end coaches.
Make sure the bars are not bent (warped) as that would shorten then and make them not lock tightly. They can bend if you accidentally try to move a locked slide. A buddy has this problem and his solution was to remove the bars and straighten them.

[wildtoad]

Polyian, on my BSS there is indeed a ball bearing on my manual slides ( just went and looked as it was news to me). There is a bolt on the lower arm (backside). This bolt is holding the ball bearing which goes into the hole in the upper arm. The ball is visible if you look through the hole in the upper arm when locked.

[Rvlegaleagle]

As far as the slide locks are concerned some say to lock them when traveling other say you do not need to lock them? What is the right answer here?

Opening the slide(s) while locked is a definite no-no

[Polyian]

Originally Posted by Rvlegaleagle

As far as the slide locks are concerned some say to lock them when traveling other say you do not need to lock them? What is the right answer here?

Opening the slide(s) while locked is a definite no-no

The locks are to prevent the slide opening while you are in motion...they are useless when you are parked. Your choice whether to use them.

[jarata]

I don't lock mine

[wildtoad]

The tracking the high road answer is to lock them, especially if you will be running over rough roads. They are there to prevent the slides from coming out IF there is a breakdown in the slide mechanism. The practical answer is many people don’t lock them especially the ones that are between a wall and the slide end cause they are a pain to deal with. I am in the middle in that I lock the front locks I can get to, and leave the back locks undone.

[tdavidstone]

+1 for locking fronts only on our 2017 3113BS

SdieKick 2

[We_B_Tripn]

+2 on locking the front lock. It’s really the only one on our 3406 that is easily accessible. It rattles a bit and locking it cures the noise, but I’m also guilty of forgetting to unlock it that one time.

Bill.

[tdavidstone]

We_B_Tripn: I had the same issue with forgetting they were locked(front that is) so I took a piece of paper and some electrical tape and cover the switches when they are locked. Once at the campsite I simply move the paper to the side and unlock the slide locks. When we put them in and lock the locks I put the paper back over the switches. I know it is crude, but has worked so far!

SideKick2

[We_B_Tripn]

Originally Posted by tdavidstone

We_B_Tripn: I had the same issue with forgetting they were locked(front that is) so I took a piece of paper and some electrical tape and cover the switches when they are locked. Once at the campsite I simply move the paper to the side and unlock the slide locks. When we put them in and lock the locks I put the paper back over the switches. I know it is crude, but has worked so far!

SideKick2

That's a great idea. It's the KISS principle!

[Bill Hunt]

Originally Posted by tdavidstone

We_B_Tripn: I had the same issue with forgetting they were locked(front that is) so I took a piece of paper and some electrical tape and cover the switches when they are locked. Once at the campsite I simply move the paper to the side and unlock the slide locks. When we put them in and lock the locks I put the paper back over the switches. I know it is crude, but has worked so far!



SideKick2

We do this also. IF you screw up and bend a locking arm you’ll have an extra one for the opposite end when you replace the bent one. They’re only sold in pairs. I’m sure I don’t have to tell you how I know this....
We put a tennis ball between the arm and the window to eliminate the rattle.

[tdavidstone]

Bill Hunt: Tell us more about the tennis ball. Do you have a picture? Mine rattle like crazy over rough roads.....

SideKick2