First "BIG" Problem

[DandS]

Hi all - sitting in an RV park in Chattanooga tonite pondering my first major problem with my new Motorhome. The operation of my bedroom slide has been problematic since delivery and I had dealer check alignment and operation when I had it in for some other work. While setting up my at my site I ran the slide out and heard a loud bang. Long story short, the upper forward corner of the slide where the slide topper arm mounts is bent inward and inch or so. I was able to get it retracted and again deployed but am concerned with the damage and need to get it fixed before more harm is done.

I assume this is covered on my warranty and we will be in Ft. Myers, Fla. for a month or so next week where I believe there is a large Newmar dealer who might be able to help. I intend to call Newmar cust. service first thing monday am and see what they advise.

Anyone have any thoughts on what happened or suggestions as to how I should proceed other than what I've stated ?

[69RoadRunner]

There are lots of slide experts here, but I'm not one of them. I can only offer you encouragement and hope it's a quick, easy fix.

[EngineerMike]

Can you post a photo? Hard to envision the issue that might have caused this from the description.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike Can you post a photo? Hard to envision the issue that might have caused this from the description.

Too dark right now but will take pic tomorrow morning and post. It's hard for me to envision this also, but the slide has always stuck at the top when going out. It is a wardrobe slide opposite the bed.

["007"]

Welcome to sunny Fort Myers, we are at Shady Acres going to Tampa Tuesday.
North Trail will be at Super Show and some Newmar techs also if your going.
North Trail dealer ship is right off #75 in Fort Myers I would give them a call.

[beaverjim]

www.northtrailrv.com

[George Z]

Sounds like your problem is with your slide topper and not your slide. We had a similar problem with ours after the topper had broke internally.

[DandS]

Follow-up pics taken this morning. As shown, upper corner is bent in toward MH. It would take a lot of force in my mind so something was binding ????

[kenyonman]

Definitely looks like a slide topper issue vice the slide itself. Not an expert, but good luck.

[George Z]

Yep, definitely the same problem we had. Have the slide topper repaired.

[EngineerMike]

Here is my guess- the metal wrap around the topper froze, so extending the slide placed a strain on the bracket. Once the strain was large enough to break the ice, the bracket prevailed, but not before tweaking it. That bracket expects zero resistance other than the spring keeping the topper taut.

[DandS]

Quote:

Originally Posted by EngineerMike Here is my guess- the metal wrap around the topper froze, so extending the slide placed a strain on the bracket. Once the strain was large enough to break the ice, the bracket prevailed, but not before tweaking it. That bracket expects zero resistance other than the spring keeping the topper taut.

Good theory but don't really think that was the problem for the following reasons: 1. The slide has stuck at the top since I took delivery and has always gone out with a "bang" to some extent. I asked the dealer to check it out and they said it was ok. 2. I was worried about ice build-up on the metal cover so cleared what was there (not much) prior to activation. 3. We had been on the road 3 days deploying and retracting each day and other than erratic movement as always, it worked.

I think something bound up, not sure if topper broke or corner of slide got hung up on frame (my best guess). Guess at this point I don't care, I just want to get it fixed. I sent e-mail to Newmar cust. service and will follow up with phone call monday when they open. I'm confident from my dealings with them so far, they will make it right one way or the other.

Thankfully, I am able to deploy/retract the slide carefully even though it is damaged, so it is not a show-stopper. We've just begun our trip!

[Chickadee]

Dave:

Yup, when ya get down to Ft. Myer's take er in to North Trail RV (W. 1/2 block on 80 off I-75 Exit 141 then Left and immediately stay Left into N. Trail entry drive). VERY EASY access!!

Don't know if you're in Ft. Myers yet, but we also had to have some work done on our new Essex and North Trail did a great job.
CALL THEM RIGHT NOW for an appt. for next week. Getting appt. could be a little delay, but hanging around Ft. Myers is fun. Just FYI, we stayed at Cypress Woods RV just an easy access mile or less on E. side of I-75 across from N. Trail Service Shops. Based on pics, I don't think it's going to be tough for N. Trail to fix and correct your slide issue. Enjoy! Steve & Lynette

[DandS]

Thanks all for the advice and support. Talked to Newmar yesterday and N. Trail today and I'm set up for service appt. on 1/26. N. Trail is right down the road from where we're staying for a month so that is a boon.

By the way, we're in St. Augustine today - supposed to be close to 60 degrees and sunny ! About time. We've had nothing but cold temps since we left Michigan a week ago. The sun and warmth feel good!