Bedroom Slideout on Angle - Bay Star

[kcolivier]

I've noticed from time to time that the bedroom slideout on my Bay Star will start moving at the bottom for 10-12 inches before the top part of the slideout begins to move. It appears to always even out, but the behavior is not consistent. Sometimes is goes straight out and sometimes it goes out on an angle before evening out at the end of travel. I seem to remember that when I first got it, the slideout moved straight out top and bottom.

Has anyone experienced this on a Bay Star or other Newmar models? Suggest a remedy?

[DandS]

kcolivier - I think this is fairly common on the bedroom slides, I know mine has always started out at bottom before the top catches up. Don't think it's anything to worry about, my feeling is that since the drive is on the bottom, that portion of the slide has more power to overcome the seals which inhibit movement. If you are concerned, just push out at the top prior to moving the slide like I sometimes do.

[TXiceman]

Usually the bottom will move out 2 or 3", but 10" is excessive, especially since it is not consistent. I would be checking to see if the slide is not catching on something at the top.

When the slide appears to not be moving at the top, stop it, then go inside and see if itis caught up top and if you can get it to release.

Also, the slide should contact the top with about 2 or 3" more for the bottom to come in when closing.

If this is the case, you need to get the slide adjusted, before there is damage.

Ken

[Luv2go]

There is a lot of flex in our BR slide also. With ours, we accidentally left the slide locks on and broke the very thin wood paneling that seems to keep the structure rigid. I patched it but it is not the same, could put real dimensional wood there but have not for fear of would happen if we forget the locks again.

It seals well when fully closed and open so I'm not too worried about it.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman Usually the bottom will move out 2 or 3", but 10" is excessive,

If I recall my high school geometry, a 10" gap on a 7' slide height produces an angle of about 6 to 7 degrees, I would hardly call that excessive. The way the br slides are built on a Newmar with a drive force exerted on the bottom only with the seals and the tension on the slide topper acting to hold the sides and top of the slide in, it is quite natural to assume the bottom would go out first. The degree may vary due to temps which affect seal tightness or other factors.

Stewart, I hear you on the lock problem. I put mine out once with the back slide locked but caught it before I broke anything. Don't even bother with those locks anymore, just lock the front one.

["007"]

If the top of slide is sticking you need to talc the rubber seal.
Put some in a sock and tap it on the seals.
Check the top of slide outside and make sure its not binding at the top of the slide indent opening while closed.

[D in Davie]

My Baystar bedroom slide always comes out bottom first by 3-4 inches. I never use the lockarms so I don't damage them. I like the talc in a sock idea and will use it as soon as possible. I like it when I learn something new everyday.

[kcolivier]

Thanks, I'll give the talc a try. I noticed in another posting that "Newmar recommends" not using any other stuff on the slide seals, but I can't recall seeing anything about talc in my owners manual. Where do all these recommendations come from? I'll of course check the Newmar web site, but if there is a central font of Newmar knowledge, recommendations, procedures, etc., it would sure help. I'll also glance on the Forum's Tips page.

Coming off a 2 month trip. Now is time to get cleaned up and ready for some fall short trips. First thing I'll tackle is the slideouts.

["007"]

kcoliver,I checked some of the routine maintenance sections of owners manuals since 03 to 10 and Newmar now recommends 303 UV Protectant for the rubber seals.
Information on talc has been used since I had Newmars so either one will work but the 303 is good also and recommended by Newmar.

[ottffss]

Quote:

Originally Posted by kcolivier ...I noticed in another posting that "Newmar recommends" .... Where do all these recommendations come from? ...

When in Nappanee, ask the techs there. Ask several to get the sometimes subtly different perspectives. This is where a lot of the "Newmar recommends" info comes from (certainly those from me). Everything can't be in the manual all the time.

One of the great benefits of Newmar's high-line service is you get to be in the garage with all the techs and can freely ask and poke your nose around - being respectful that they are on the clock.

There is no finer learning experience than spending a day (or more) with these guys soaking up the knowledge (even just by simply looking and watching) while they are actually fixing that which you might be asking about on your rig or any one of the dozen others in the high-line shop. You'll also absorb an amazing amount of tips and tricks from these guys. I always carry a notepad, camera, and voice recorder all day when I am there constantly taking notes about where things are and how to test or even override. Most service techs grew up on the production line so they know how these rigs are built. Everyday there is a service-to-production briefing so production can make adjustments based on service findings.

The Newmar service team is an exceedingly fine and talented group of well meaning folks. I can't emphasize exemplary enough.

[GaryKD]

Hi kcolivier,
My coach bedroom slide does the same as yours. It has been that way since new. For me it is nothing to worry about.

["007"]

Your slide at top has the topper awning which will hold slide at top from moving at once.
As long as the slide opens to be flush with outside wall when open and when closed is flush with wall indentation when close you should be OK.
Newmar slides are not known for speed but for good seal when opened or closed.

[wa8yxm]

Fairly common in all slides,, I think they make the bottoms "longer" that way two things happen.

First when you first start to bring it in the bottom coming in first causes it to tile up a bit so it slides over the fixed floor better, Then when the top hits (Also first) it seals better, because the top seal is the most importnat in a rain storm.

When putting it out the top again hits first... Thus forming a stronger seal, and then the bottom continues to move, tilting the inside edge down a bit and evening out the floor.

[kcolivier]

Thanks for all the feedback. I guess I don't have to be too concerned.