Slide extend and retract procedure

[JSPulliam21]

On our new to us 2016 Keystone Hideout 28BHS we have been operating the slide, but somewhat nervously as we approach full extend and full retract. Our procedure is what our dealer showed us; press the slide extend switch until the slide stops moving, and to retract do the opposite. The issue is that when we do this we hear a popping sound when the slide bottoms out at full extend or retract. Is this proper procedure? Should we make a mark somewhere so we know when to stop before the pop? Thanks!

[tuffr2]

That is how I do it. When the slide stops I remove my hand from the toggle switch. The slide will make a fair share of noise as it goes in and out but none of mine make a popping sound. Oh, I have crunched a few things with the slide so make sure everything it clear. I had a 5th wheel with design flaw. The kitchen slide, after towing on a rough road the drawers would pop open. Then the slide would catch the drawer and get crunched. Yep, that cause a lot of damage...ugh.

[SSTraveler]

Never stop the slide at any point, always allow it to travel to full open or full close, even leave the button pressed for 5 seconds after it stops. This will keep your motors synchronized. The crunching noise could be because slide is not moving evenly, so make sure it is even on both sides when opened or closed. Sometimes when the motors get out of sync one side is not even. Also get a flashlight and watch the slide as it moves to make sure something isn't getting crunched in the support rollers. If you don't see anything and the sides are even, then it may just be noises your slide makes in operation. They all make unique sounds, getting familar with the sound will help you know when something is not sounding as usual. You also need to lubricate the slide, there are many youtube videos on the operation and maintenance of Lippert/Schwintek slides to help get educated.

[JSPulliam21]

It only pops when you hit full open or full closed. Almost like you would think of a drill or driver clutch ratcheting when it slips. Didn't know if you were supposed to go that far or not, or if I am slipping a clutch or jumping gear teeth. To be clear, during travel it is smooth and quiet.

[medic868]

The slide on our 27BHS makes the same 'ratcheting' noise at full extension and retraction. At our PDI it was explained to me that it was normal. I was told to extend / retract until I heard that noise and then stop.

[JSPulliam21]

Roger that. With all the misinformation that can be thrown around I thought it better to double check than to continue tearing something up. Thanks all.

[aether_one]

Originally Posted by JSPulliam21

Roger that. With all the misinformation that can be thrown around I thought it better to double check than to continue tearing something up. Thanks all.

And you don't think you would get misinformation from this forum? Someone may answer your question with the correct procedure for their slide which would be completely incorrect or your slide. I learned a long time ago, go to the horse's mouth for correct answers. In this case that would be your slide mechanism manufacturer. They have manuals for their different models online that will tell you the correct way to operate your slide.

[keymastr]

I have a Schwinntek slide with two synchronized motors and you can stop it at any point and either reverse direction or continue the direction it was going when you stopped. If it gets confused and one side contacts the gasket first just holding the button down for three seconds after it stops moving resets the motors and it will work normally after that. Other kinds of slides may have different procedures.

[NDIrish]

The clicking/ popping noise is the dummy noise to let you know the slide is fully extended or retracted. I was taught not to let go of the button until you hear that noise