National Dolphin Replacement Bedroom Slide problem

[Joe Gilbert]

In mid-Sept., just prior to departing from NH to travel to Texas, I found a problem with my bedroom slide. A bearing in the right-angle gear drive failed and though the slide was still operational it was clear that complete failure was imminent. As many of you know the original slide assembly was manufactured by RBW Industries, now AL-KO Kober Corp. The bad news is they no longer support the original slidedrive; the good news is that the slide drive was redesigned and the new design is available. I purchased and installed the new assembly and headed off into the sunset.
Fast forward to mid-Oct. in Colorado. The bedroom slide failed to move. I removed the motor (shear-pin was OK) and it appeared to operate ok however, when reinstalled it would not move the slide. The motor sounds as though it is running but the output shaft does not turn. I again removed the motor, opened the gear-case and found nothing wrong. The problem appears to be a slipping clutch within the motor itself. I contacted Dale at “myrvparts.com”, who I purchased the new slide assembly from. Dale contacted AL-KO Kober and within a day it was agreed that a “different” replacement motor would be shipped to my winter home in Florida. Since the slide can easily be cranked open or closed with a ½” ratchet we continued our trip.
Fast forward to mid-November. I arrived in Florida and installed the replacement motor. As previously noted the replacement motor is “different”. The original motor on the new slide assembly operated with a shaft speed of 90RPM. The slide went in & out like greased lighting. The new motor operates at 30RPM and has 2X more torque. The slide now operates very smoothly and in my opinion the 30RPM motor is a superior in this application. As with the 90RPM motor the 30RPM motor has a magnetic brake so the slide will not crepe open while traveling.
There are two messages here. 1) It is great to find companies who stand behind their product and provide great service. I strongly recommend doing business with Dale at www.orders@myrvpartsplace.com. Also, I must thank AL-KO Kober for great service. They even picked up the shipping cost to return the old motor. It is refreshing to find companies providing such good service in the RV Industry. 2) If your new slide motor fails think about replacing it with the 30RPM motor.

Joe Gilbert
Henniker, NH / RiverBend Motor coach Resort, LaBelle, FL

[RustyJC]

Duplicate post and thread - please respond to active thread HERE.

Rusty