Slide out won't function on travel trailer

[derbrick2016]

My slide out all of the sudden wont operate. All I get is a constent clicking noise. The motor is working..I have exposed the motor drive gears for the actuator...I noticed the gears are turning but the clutch is slipping. I'm wondering if maybe the clutch gear is worn out? My unit is level and I have noticed in the past that the clicking noise has been more than usual.

[Skip426]

Welcome to iRV2.

Sorry your here with problems .
There are a few different suppliers of slide mechanisms for RVs , do you see any markings on the motor or drive gear housing that would identify, your systems manufacturer.
Lippert uses a LCI ,logo on most of their components and some drive gear sets, with the over riding clutch, are available.
If you can't find a name , if you could post a picture along with all the info on your RV, year, make and model, maybe we can identify it for you.
Info on posting pictures is in the " FAQ " drop box in the dark blue bar across the top of the page.

[derbrick2016]

Thanks, I have contacted the RV dealer I purchased the unit from and they are going to get me some part numbers. I just really don't know where to start other than with the drive gears and then probably replace the actuator itself.

[derbrick2016]

I'm pretty sure its a Lippert through frame slide system with a Venture 18:1 9500 rpm motor. The only markings I can see on motor are -P/N8532 18HT

[Skip426]

Please take the time to fill out a " signature line".

By clicking " Quick Links " in the dark blue bar across the top of the page.
Then click " Edit Signature "
Type in all your RV's info ; year , make and model ; then click " Save " at the bottom of that page , then your info will appear below all your posts , as my coach's info does below this one .
Having the info will help members answer any questions you have , and you don't have to type it in every time.

[Bob1340]

You may want to try and manually open or close it. On my Lippert slide I can use a 1/2 ratchet wrench to turn the square shaft. It could be you have something binding or locked up hence the clutch slipping. Also make sure the battery is well charged.

[derbrick2016]

Well, battery is charged, power is plugged in. I can't use a wrench to crank it out, it has a round shaft with a roll pin. I tried to crank it out but wont budge. I thought maybe it is because my slide is quite large and heavy. I really don't know why it would be jammed or bound up.It traveled out and back in just fine before.

[derbrick2016]

Looking at the clutch gear... it appears to me that the part of the clutch that is suppose to grab the inside of the gear doesn't have anything to catch on to move slide. It looks like it is worn down smooth. I thought I would try and replace the gears and see what happens.

[derbrick2016]

Also..I'm wondering if the actuator could go bad.

[Skip426]

There are ( or at least there used to be ) gear sets available for the Venture actuator set up . The test would be to remove the entire assembly and try to turn it by hand .
Remember the Venture worm drive pushes one end of the slide , and the other end is driven by gears and a re-action shaft , on the outside of the frame rails under the slide , binding in the re-action shaft can stop the system and wear out the over running clutch.
I've seen the gear sets advertised from $60 to $200 so shop around.
Do yours look like this?

[derbrick2016]

Well, thank you for all your help. Yesterday I went out to the unit and got the manual crank to work. I guess it was stuck...it was hard to crank initially but it broke loose. I cranked it out and lubricated all the mechanisms...ran it in and out with motor. So far it is working fine. I just can't understand why it was jammed up. Thanks again!!

[Keen Family]

Good to hear - congrats. I'm wondering if the slide seals somehow stuck - clean them as well, and wipe down with slide seal conditioner.

[charliez]

make sure you use a dry type lubricant. You can get a spray can labeled for RV Slides or use a dry wax or dry silicone spray. The dirt will stick to any oil and grease and will become a problem later on.

[TheMatrix]

Originally Posted by charliez

make sure you use a dry type lubricant. You can get a spray can labeled for RV Slides or use a dry wax or dry silicone spray. The dirt will stick to any oil and grease and will become a problem later on.

Thanks for this... can you recomended any brands/products please.