slideout issue

[cschanen]

We're new owners of a 2001 excel 35sko. Getting it ready for some summer travel. The unit is in great shape with just a few issues. We found an issue with the Ventline fans. The operators seem to have a design flaw and had to be replaced, but the biggest issue is with the curbside slideout. The wood has rotted away behind the bracket that holds the ram. Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and what I might be able to do to fix it?

[rockintom]

Quote:

Originally Posted by cschanen We're new owners of a 2001 excel 35sko. Getting it ready for some summer travel. The unit is in great shape with just a few issues. We found an issue with the Ventline fans. The operators seem to have a design flaw and had to be replaced, but the biggest issue is with the curbside slideout. The wood has rotted away behind the bracket that holds the ram. Wonder if anyone else has had this problem and what I might be able to do to fix it?

Welcome to the forum! I sent you a PM, so check it! rockin'

[Workshop]

I have rebuilt the front ram area and have had work on the rear ram done before I purchased the unit. Here is a link to the 'Restoration 101' posts that were on the slide skirts, Posts 22 and 23. The Index might have other information that might be useful as our units are close in years.

I got your PM and will be glad to help if I can....is there a way you could send me a couple of pictures of the rams and area that yu have opened up. As my rear ram was rebuilt by the selling dealer, they used 2x6 material , I don't know what was there before they did the repair. From your PM...not sure you will have to take everything loose or apart unless the damage is more than I think. Pictures are worth a 1000 words.

Welcome to the forum and life with an RV.

workhorse

[Hermandutchman]

Quote:

Originally Posted by rockintom Welcome to the forum! I sent you a PM, so check it! rockin'

I had the same problem with my 2000. I was able to peal the outer skin loose and then I had to replace all the wood from about the middle of the wheels to the rear and up to the floor level. I also used a piece of metal to spread the presure point for the ram. Later I also had the rear wall of the slide seperate from the floor. I took out the davenport and used a piece of angle iron that I screwed to the floor and the wall. The underside had a fabric to protect from water which was now gone. I used spray cans of undercoating and covered all the wood with a thick coat. It has been ok since.

[cschanen]

Thanks for the info. I'm digging into the problem today. Will see how far the damage has gone. Chris

[cschanen]

I want to thank everyone for their help on my slideout rotten wood issues. I ended up replacing the wood on both the curb and roadside slideouts, from the bottom of the slideout to the floor of the 5th wheel. I used alot of treated 2x to build a pretty solid wall. Put Luan over it and sealed it up with the black vinyl and plenty of caulk.

I did not remove the rams or the angle iron connecting the floor to the wall, but worked around everything as best as possible. I am very pleased with the results. There is nothing like the feeling of fixing something yourself and getting it done right. It looks great also!

We're off on our 1st weekling camping trip tomorrow. Can't wait. Thanks again, will try and keep in touch on a more regular basis.

[davydee]