Community Forums

HMXDave · 03-11-2011, 11:40 PM

As the title says....WTH is this thing for?

Romeo · 03-12-2011, 12:03 AM

That thing is a slideout locking arm, locking thing-a-ma-jigger. I find it easier to just yank down on the locking arm. The front arm, behind the drivers seat is the eaisiest; the back arm is accessed through the rear slideout window.

You, of course, must know about the "yank-down" method if you don't know about the locking arm thing-a-ma-jigger.

HMXDave · 03-12-2011, 12:41 AM

Gracias. I wasn't sure. There are factory locking gizmos on both sides of each slides....thought I was doing OK when I found this lever.....

GaryKD · 03-12-2011, 05:42 AM

Hi HMXDave,
The device is what I use to lock and unlock the slide locking arms. Unfortunately, I do not have the upper body strength to use just my arm. Don't forger the bedroom slide(s). They need to be locked too.

Add · 03-12-2011, 06:18 PM

I have a 1997 Newmar American Star 5ver that came with one. I have not used it as I didn't know about locking and unlocking the slide locking arms. Is this a "supposed to do it" thing? How is it done. I showed this tool to the RV repair place I used and they had no idea what it was... Add

GaryKD · 03-12-2011, 06:52 PM

Hi Add,
Welcome to iRV2. The slides should be locked before traveling. The reason is the locks allow the slide to be pressed against the side of the coach. This helps add some structure stability to the side of the coach.

evernan84 · 03-12-2011, 07:38 PM

Mu husband taped a small flashlight to this slide-out locking tool so he could see where to place it in the bedroom and behind the computer table. We do not lock the back bedroom slide arm as you have to crawl over the bed to get to it. the other three seem to hold things in fine.

2005 DSDP 3810

Add · 03-12-2011, 09:12 PM

Add again... Is the process fairly intuitive? I am reasonably capable mechanically just have never looked for this process.

I have to say I love the 5ver. I bought it about 3 years ago and at 14 years old everything works and no leaks. I am have replaced the a/c cover and a few small items but I am pleased at the construction and useability of it. It is a Model: ASFW30RKCL. I would love to find an owners manual for it. The name American Star XL by Newmar is on the unit.

TW · 03-12-2011, 10:06 PM

The Locking Arms in the Bedroom drive me 'nuts'. My arm fits in, but that tool is a joke. It's a Defence Tool

I'm still upset with the Dealer and Newmar, because the kid had no clue what and how to use it. Thats the Main reason we have not been back to a Newmar Dealer. We got used to the bed crawl

, but still mad like h...l, but otherwise we got used to locking the slides with our hands.

DandS · 03-13-2011, 07:35 AM

My slide lock "tool" has been stored in a basement compartment since I got my coach. How the engineers at Newmar thought you could store such a contraption inside is beyond me. Not one of their better ideas. So far I have been able to lock/unlock safety bars by hand.....don't even bother with rear BR lock bars, too much hassle to get to.