Community Forums

Looking 2009 · 08-06-2019, 06:56 PM

What is this used for and how does it work

RandDescape · 08-06-2019, 07:10 PM

My ‘15 Canyon Star had a tool like that to engage/disengage the slideout locks.

Hook the open end around the bar and then use the prong to move the arm up/down.

Dav L · 08-07-2019, 08:08 AM

Yup, What RandDescape said.
My MA didn't have one. I made one out of rebar and some welding. Still needs some tweeks to fit in all the slide lock spots.

ShelbyTom1 · 08-07-2019, 09:47 AM

That bar is used to lock and unlock the slide mechanism from the inside of the coach.
Let me know if you have any questions on use as we use this tool every time our slide goes in or out

doc · 08-07-2019, 10:02 AM

My Canyon Star has one. Salesman told me that if we used it, that it was almost a sure thing we would try to open a slide without unlocking it. We don't use it. It is sitting in the closet.
I have locked and unlocked a slide with my hands (wearing a pair of gloves of course)

hohenwald48 · 08-07-2019, 03:39 PM

On mine, most of the slide ends are so close to the adjoining cabinets you can't get your hands or arms in there. If you want to engage the slide locks you have to use the "branding iron".

When I have my slides locked I hang a "REMOVE BEFORE FLIGHT" tag in front of the switches to remind me to unlock them.

"007" · 08-07-2019, 09:43 PM

Some slide locking bars can be reached by opening a window on end of your slide.
Manual slide locks are explained in this new slide information thread.

Algoma · 08-08-2019, 05:54 AM

There have been threads on this issue in the past. I am one of the many who never lock their slides. Newmar does not lock them when they move the coaches and they are delivered to dealers without the slides locked. I have never heard of slides opening while in motion, but I have heard of slides being damaged when the owner forgets he had put the lock on.

RKins · 08-09-2019, 06:49 AM

Before '06 there was a better chance of a slideout needing to be locked, because the motors being used didn't have brakes. Since '06 all motors have brakes I was told. I just had my motors replaced with the ones with brakes. My old motors would pull in the slide and then they would creep back out. I didn't have one of those tools and when I was at Newmar I saw one in their parts dept and bought it - $14. Haven't used it yet but just in case I need to lock the slideout, I have it.

knightstorm · 08-09-2019, 01:11 PM

I taped a small flashlight to mine so I can see what I’m doing. I’ve also used a rubber mallet.

bydnar · 08-09-2019, 01:20 PM

I’m in the lock-it camp. When I began using the locks, I noticed a bit of slide movement upon engagement. It tightened up just a fraction, but enough to notice and the thought was that it snugged up and sealed better.

Secondly, I feel more comfortable that the locks are holding snug and not the motor, gearbox, fragile gearbox mount and other mechanisms that seem to break.

hohenwald48 · 08-11-2019, 10:24 PM

I agree with bydnar. Use the locks and you might save the expense of a new slide motor. Besides, it's pretty easy and quick to lock them.

Mr_D · 08-11-2019, 10:36 PM

I never used it on our '02 DSDP. In fact the only slide lock I used was the one right behind the drivers head and that was just to stop it from rattling.

GaryKD · 08-12-2019, 07:08 AM

I lock and unlock every time. The locks are there to help form a solid bond between the slide and the side of the coach. Helps keep things solid and in their place. Slides will creep forward over time. Locking them minimizes the creep.

To allow me to remember if the slides are locked, I place the locking tool through the steering wheel once the slides are unlocked. No locking tool in the steering wheel the slides are locked. Lastly, slides are always all locked or all unlocked.