The Hard Way

Farmer Jim · 08-27-2008, 10:31 AM

Has anybody used the manual handle to moved the large slide-out, I thought I would try it to see how hard it was---I don't think I am man enough. I tryed a one half inch drill and it was a load for it. Is there a secret?

Farmer Jim · 08-27-2008, 10:31 AM

Has anybody used the manual handle to moved the large slide-out, I thought I would try it to see how hard it was---I don't think I am man enough. I tryed a one half inch drill and it was a load for it. Is there a secret?

LindaH · 08-27-2008, 11:11 AM

Electric or hydraulic slides?

Farmer Jim · 08-27-2008, 04:01 PM

They are electric on a 30ft.'04 SRW, it has three slide-outs. This is the big one I was trying to move by hand.

rockintom · 08-28-2008, 11:35 AM

Farmer,

I thought I'd go out and give ours a twist by hand with the supplied crank just to see. Holy Cow, that baby takes some real muscle!

I could see someone using a gear reduction 1/2" drill. But I don't keep one of those on hand. Anyone else got an idea? rockin'

On edit: I was trying to move the big super slide (14 ft.) without the advantage of an adult beverage!

Workshop · 08-29-2008, 11:37 AM

Just ran my sofa/dinette slide out and in using the manual handle supplied with the unit. Seemed to be less of an effort than I thought. Did have some initial mild resistance but once it was moving went reasonably easy. Of course I recently lubed my entire system and enjoying an adult beverage which might have helped.

JLS · 08-29-2008, 03:38 PM

Our main slide stopped running after about an inch of movement when we were setting up at the Oregon coast last Sunday. Typical of the coast, it started to rain and I didn't want to crawl around looking for the problem so used the crank. Moving the slide was relatively easy but the foam rubber handles on the crank made it much more difficult. The foam dosen't slide on the crank and your hands don't slide on the foam. I will romove foam and carry some jersey gloves from now on. Luckily the problem was just a corroded wire nut at the motor which I was able to repair the following day.

rockintom · 08-29-2008, 06:46 PM

We had the "wire nut corrosion" issue at the one slide motor about 3 weeks from new. I replaced it and used dielectric grease on the wires connections. Then decided to do the same with the other wires on the slide motor. No problem with connections since. rockin'

John Deere Green · 08-31-2008, 09:47 AM

Rockin,

I'm pretty sure I don't have the crank being discussed here. What does it look like? A picture would be great if it's not too much of a bother.

Thanks,
- Steve

rockintom · 08-31-2008, 10:23 AM

Steve,

Here's some pix that should make it more understandable. The square end shaft that is located behind the rear wheel on the curbside runs the roadside slide and visa versa. My crank handle came located in the basement area when I took delivery of it. Like I said earlier I tried cranking the curbside (superslide) and that is a mother to crank. My roadside box is out right now so I can't check it right now. HTH rock

P.S. You may be able to use the crank handle for that beat-up ol' Ford truck to crank your slides!

Just kiddin'...don't get excited.

ChiefJohn · 08-31-2008, 11:21 AM

Tom,
I've been thinking

about using an air ratchet versus battery/electric drill to operate the slide-outs in an emergency. My thoughts are that I would have more torque and once I had it moving, it should go fairly easily. Your thoughts 'SirKnowitAll'?

rockintom · 08-31-2008, 11:44 AM

Chief,

I would be very concerned with the "hammering effect" the air rachet would have on the system. As may know the drive pins on the driveshafts and brass gear in the gearbox wouldn't take kindly to the hammering, even for a short period of time. A gear reduction 1/2" drill would be my choice, and you have to hang on to that mother goose. rockin' aka SirWantsToBePresident!