Community Forums

roadstar99 · 07-31-2016, 05:50 AM

Our DS99 has the one large slide. On our last trip, it went out fine and dropped slowly into place but it would not retract just using the control button. Had to lift and push from outside to get it starred and it then came in but just plopped down. Stopped at Camping World because we had a jack that would not completely retract and had them check the slide. Said we have a problem and it could be a 5 minute job or 8 hr job but did not have time to work on it. Paid $120 for release of fluid from jack to make it retract and bleeding the line. We do not know how this slide works and never have. They said it was hydraulic. Does anyone know where I can get a diagram with parts listing and schematic of this slide? How does it work? Cables/pulleys? Gears and tracks? Just want to be informed before taking somewhere for repair. CW said it took 3 men to lift and get it started back in and came in fine after they let it out. Told us not to use it. I think it is something on the track or cable or gear or whatever it has that prevents it from lifting up in the out position to retract. HELP!

plasma800 · 07-31-2016, 10:38 AM

Usually it's a gear that drives the thing out. On a full wall, you could have multiple gears and motors. The gears are driven by a motor that operates in both directions, your switch reverses polarity.

The inside portion of most slides are set on rollers, you could probably see them if you lift the carpet. The rollers support the inside lip of the slide, and the way the slide "sets down" at the end of extending is because the rollers go down a little ramp at the end of their path allowing the slide to lower to interior floor level.

Have a peek at the photos and diagrams for a better understanding. I would guess your unit also has the power gear system, but this will at least give you an overview of how most slides function.

How to Align RV Slideout and Adjust Power Gear Slide Rail Timing

All sorts of things could be the problem ranging from a broken tooth in a gear, to a broken roller, or over extension or a weak motor.

This is just a general overview, I'm positive that someone with direct knowledge of the '99 dutchstar full wall slide will come along and provide further input.

plasma800 · 07-31-2016, 10:39 AM

Hydraulic and Mechanical RV Slide Out Operation and Troubleshooting

Adam Hunter · 07-31-2016, 10:40 AM

Hey Roadstar99,

Sorry to hear about your issues. I am also working on a slide lock issue on our 2009 DA. You are not alone. The good news is that the Newmar slides are well designed and built robust unlike what some other manufacturers use.

It would help to know which slide is presenting with problems. You will get more responses.

In the mean time check in the QT "Quick Tips" section at the top of the Newmar forum and scroll down to slideouts for more information. Its not all there, but its a start.

Adam

"007" · 08-01-2016, 09:16 AM

Welcome to the forum.
You have a 12v high torque motor that raises and lowers the slide, if your batteries are low in charge motor will be straining and you should be plugged in to shore power or running your Gen for a good clean 12v supply from your converter.
In QT's 1 & 2 you will find a section on slide info with links explaining your slide system.
If you have the good 12v for motor than it maybe necessary to adjust a small pot on the control board in very small increments to send more power to the motor so it can lift slide up ramp. The control maybe under your kitchen sink or in a hutch in living area near bathroom wall.
Another thing to check is the motor that maybe behind your LP tank and exposed to road and wet conditions its exposed to you may want to check the electrical connections, motors now a days are in compartments under slides.
In my signature below you will find links to many more for your Newmar,
Enjoy the forum and safe travels.

roadstar99 · 08-03-2016, 06:31 AM

We cannot find the control module. It may be in the pantry which is on the wall next to bathroom but slide prevents access to that area. Can we put the slide out but not all the way to get to the pantry? It worked fine going out and coming back in after we pushed it up the rise. We had shore power on but we have had to give it a nudge for years to get it started. Did not realize it was supposed to lift and then come in and thought it was catching on the carpet. We found the motor in the bay in the center of the slide with gear box and rods going out to each end. That is as far as we can get. Two things have happened on that end of the slide. We let it out and soup cans had fallen out of the pantry and the slide squashed them. Stopped the slide and got them out after moving back in. So something could be lodged in the *track or the rubber seal. Another time we put the slide out without unlocking the lock on that end and it got bent. Straightened it out and it works fine but maybe it isn't straight enough and binding. Have noticed one side of the slide didn't go all the way out on that same side sometimes. People errors!!! Thank you for your help and I printed the QTS on the slide. At least we know it is not hydraulic like *Camping World said. Taking it to repairman today to see what he says. Will let all of you know.*Thanks.

GaryKD · 08-03-2016, 07:11 AM

Hi roadstar99,
Even if you are connected to shore power, if the batteries are in need of maintenance or replacement the capability of the slide motor will suffer. Consider providing maintenance and load testing the batteries. The soup can and locking bracket scenarios can cause great stress on the motor and slide mechanism. This could result in being part of the problem.

If there are no unusual mechanical noises coming from the slide, ensure the mechanical track and gears are clear of obstructions. Because you have had to give the slide encouragement for quite some time providing a higher stop point for the motor may help. Find the control board and on it there is a "pot" that can be adjusted. Consider tuning the "pot" no more than 1/8 turn at a time to see if this provides the extra incentive needed.

Having a tech skilled in Newmar slides is important.

roadstar99 · 08-05-2016, 01:39 PM

Can't wait till tomorrow when we pick up our Motorhome to thank everyone. For the first time in 5 years we do not have to go out in the rain and cold and give the slide motor a boost to make it retract. Took it to a service about 30 miles from us yesterday and got a call today that it works fine now and the problem was in the module that controls the motor amps. They adjusted it and now all is well and it only cost $130, about the same as having our jack bled to retract.
I printed out my description of problem here on irv2 along with answers and Quick Tips and gave them a copy. I know they didn't need it but wanted to make sure they knew all we had done or not done. I think it helped with explaining the problems.
Thank you for all of your time and experience.

HHIDan · 08-05-2016, 05:29 PM

Post #7 was good advice. What they did was crank up the pot to 'allow' more current to the motor (as suggested in that post).
The motor needs more current for one of the following reasons:
Slide out go heavier, more friction
Motor going weak or getting old, needs more current
Batteries weak and less voltage needs more current. IMO and per post 7, I would get the coach batteries tested.

roadstar99 · 08-07-2016, 08:00 AM

Thanks, Dan. We checked the batteries and they are putting out 14 amps. Appreciate you reminding us and it is something we will watch. Since our RV is 1999 model, slide motor is probably original and will be something I am sure will need to be replaced down the road. We will be getting information on model so we can order one when needed.
I appreciate Newmar and all of the member posts. We might could have adjusted the pot ourselves if we could have found it but having it working right for the first time in 5 years was worth the $120 and one day in service.
We trudge on and truly enjoy our Dutch Star and believe that Newmar RVs are of the utmost quality and are worth keeping up. We have spent a lot replacing and repairing this RV but we bought it when RV prices were at an all-time low so we feel all has been well spent.
Thanks, again. We are happy campers again.