Community Forums

redsoxfan · 03-28-2011, 11:45 AM

I recently purchased a 1998 Golden Falcon fifth Wheel with three slides. This RV is located on a seasonal site in Florida. When I tried closing the slides, I could hear the motors humming, but no movement of the slide. I noticed that the LED on the refrigerator indicated "lo DC" when activating the slide switches. I am connected to park power. Is this an indication that the 12v Battery is not charged or defective? The date on the battery wasn't marked so I don't know how old it is. I guess my question is, even when connected to park power, do the slide motors still operate under the 12 V battery power and not the ac/dc converter?
Thanks..

"007" · 03-28-2011, 12:20 PM

Welcome redsoxfan to irv2.
You should be able to pull in slides with shore power and your converter for 12V.
What you may have is a short 12v batteries, disconnect the batteries and try to move in slides. Tape the positive battery lead so no shorts to frame.

mhs4771 · 03-28-2011, 02:00 PM

Several questions: When was the last time the slides were closed? Could be something has seized. You don't state what type of slide system, many slide pumps draw much more power than can be supplied by the converter/charger and if the battery/batteries are old they may not be taking a charge or have enough juice to run the slides.

redsoxfan · 03-28-2011, 02:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mhs4771

Several questions: When was the last time the slides were closed? Could be something has seized. You don't state what type of slide system, many slide pumps draw much more power than can be supplied by the converter/charger and if the battery/batteries are old they may not be taking a charge or have enough juice to run the slides.

I do not know how long the slides have been extended. I beleive it's probably been close to two years. According to the operations manual, the fifth wheel has a "Power Gear" electric slide-out system consisting of four major components:
1. 2 inner rail assemblies designed to support the room weight.
2. a 12Volt DC motor and drive shaft that will operate the room using power from the on-board unit battery. (I think this may answer my question).
3. A manual override system to extend/retract in event of loss of power.
4. Switch control.

There are three separate switches, one for each slide. There is also only a single 12 V battery in this unit.
thanks..

deaton · 03-28-2011, 02:51 PM

Assuming this is a "maintenance" battery, you can start by examining the batter to see if it is low on water or dry. If it is, it's history and you need to get a new one. That may just fix your problem. Also check for bulging in the sides of the case, a sign of a sulfinated battery - also needs replacement.

The fact that NONE of your slides are working seems to point to an electrical supply problem, like the battery, since each slide has it's own separate motor and drive mechanism. They can't all be bad.

Then check under the slides. If they are gear driven, see if there is any lubricant left on the gear track, if not, you should add some.

hometool · 03-28-2011, 02:53 PM

do you have a pair af car jumper cables i would try connecting your car/truck battery to the 5er battery and then try to run the slides if thay work you will know the battery is dead lee

Cat320 · 03-28-2011, 03:55 PM

If hydraulics are involved, is the tank full?

MikenAmber · 03-28-2011, 05:50 PM

We had a similiar problem and it was the battery, would suggest you verify that the batter is fully charged, that should solve the problem. The only other possibility is a king pin has broken on the drive gear, it will make a sound but wont turn the drive gear. Our battery was low and even connecting it to the tow unit running it wouldn't pull the slide in correctly.

Ray,IN · 03-28-2011, 08:10 PM

I too think the battery is bad. Reason_ the lo dc light on the frig comes on when you press the slide switch. A new deep-cycle battery is required. Remove the present battery, take it to any battery store to have it tested (normally free). Group 27 deep-cycle batteries are the norm for trailer use.

redsoxfan · 03-29-2011, 06:17 AM

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate the feedback and plan to approach this problem as a defective battery. Will post my results.

redsoxfan · 03-29-2011, 06:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redsoxfan

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond to my post. I really appreciate the feedback and plan to approach this problem as a defective battery. Will post my results.

Update: Based on all the great feedback, I did the following. Turned off the main CB on the AC/DC panel. All 12v lights went out. Zero power. I then checked the water level in the battery. Bone dry. Guess a new battery is the best place to start.
Thanks again to all...

MikenAmber · 03-29-2011, 09:00 AM

Just a note, we purchased a Interstate Battery for our rig, good marine quality battery at a reasonable price.

redsoxfan · 03-29-2011, 01:01 PM

I purchased a Sears Diehard 27M type battery this morning and all slides now work fine. Just wish Glendale (makers of the Golden Falcon) didn't put the battery compartment inside the front cargo hold of the fifth wheel.

Thanks to everyone who responded... Go Red sox (just had to say it!)

thomask · 03-29-2011, 01:17 PM

The good advice of fellow RVrs saved you some hard earned $$$.

It never hurts to ask here before spending big $ at a service center.

Glad you have those slides in and working now.