Community Forums

RamonaJ · 05-08-2014, 02:28 PM

I have two lock bars for the slide-outs on my 2007 HR Ambassador. When tightened the lock bars warp the room seal. I asked the dealer if they were necessary to be used a during travel. Since the bars are only installed on the two large slides on the front and not on the smaller rear slides I am assuming it is to stabilize larger slides. Would the slides possibly deploy during travel when making right or left turns? Can anyone give me some help on this question?

GaryKD · 05-08-2014, 02:49 PM

Hi RamonaJ,
I do not know HR coaches. Is there a way to adjust the locks? There is an easy way to determine if the slide will move during travel. With the engine running, try to operate each slide. If the slide operates with the engine running, there is always a chance of a defect in the slide mechanism causing the slide to operate. If the slides do not operate with the engine running, power has automatically been removed from the slide. There is almost no chance of the slide being powered during travel. That being said, for me, the purpose of the lock is to join the coach wall to the slide making a very sturdy structure. Without the lock in place the slide and coach wall structure are separate. This creates less than optimum strength.

RamonaJ · 05-09-2014, 08:54 AM

Thanks Gary. The lock bars are adjustable and if you don't get them adjusted to the max they will fall out during travel. We found that out the hard way. They are really heavy and just missed my husband's head because they had not been fully extended.
The slides will not operate when engine is running.
I have forgotten to remove bars two times and tried to extend slide at campground. Fortunately no damage was done but have now made that my first duty when we setup at our site. I guess I will continue to use them but they really do warp the seals on the wall side when used. Any idea how to reduce the pressure from the lock bar foot on the seal?

GaryKD · 05-09-2014, 09:18 AM

Hi RamonaJ,
Based on the information provided, consider reducing the pressure on the slide by spreading the pressure over a larger area. This will mean making a larger "pad" for the end of the lock that goes against the slide. Without seeing the locking bar it is difficult to recommend how this would be done. The goal is to make a larger footprint for the end of the lock that contacts the slide. The lock would need to be readjusted to take into consideration the thickness of the pad.