Community Forums

OregonTravel · 02-12-2025, 04:57 PM

I’m getting the coach ready for a trip and was reminded of an issue that has been occurring since I bought it 3 years ago. And the seller did point it out to me.
The curb side bedroom slide moves in a somewhat slow and jerky movement. This occurs more around the halfway point either moving in or out. It does travel to the limit both ways.
Neither the other bedroom slide out or the big living room kitchen slide out does that.
Any observations or suggestions are welcomed

Thank you

NCC-1701A · 02-12-2025, 08:28 PM

My bedroom dresser slide doesn't make any strange sounds and isn't slower, but it is kind of jerky both going out or coming in. Like yours, it goes out fully and comes in fully. All bolts on the drive motor and other mechanism components are tight. Other than not being real smooth, everything else is normal.

I haven't found anything to fix, so I don't worry about it. If it was making weird noises, I might be more concerned.

alank · 02-13-2025, 12:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonTravel

I’m getting the coach ready for a trip and was reminded of an issue that has been occurring since I bought it 3 years ago. And the seller did point it out to me.
The curb side bedroom slide moves in a somewhat slow and jerky movement. This occurs more around the halfway point either moving in or out. It does travel to the limit both ways.
Neither the other bedroom slide out or the big living room kitchen slide out does that.
Any observations or suggestions are welcomed

Thank you

Correct me if I'm wrong but I remember the drive system of a friends Newmar, for the slides, was a rather large crude looking gear that was all cast with teeth sticking out, nothing machined. If those teeth don't perfectly match the drilled hole spacing in the bottom of the slide arms, I can see why it might be a bit jerky in its operation. I would try putting grease on each tooth and around each hole in the slide tube, then see if there's any difference in the operation.

arein · 02-14-2025, 04:53 AM

That dresser slideout only has 1 drive tube (by design). Alank is right that it is driven with a cogwheel mechanism, so if there is anything out of alignment or not lubed I could see how it creaks around. Unless you start to hear grinding or more destructive sounding noises that's just how these slides operate sometimes. Best of luck

OMMM4747 · 02-14-2025, 02:08 PM

Have you tried extending/retracting w/the engine running? If you're doing it while on battery, shore, or generator power, the voltage may be dropping at the motor and causing strain on the motor. W/the engine running, and a good alternator, there shouldn't be a voltage drop while actuating the motor.

Good luck

OregonTravel · 02-16-2025, 07:52 PM

Thanks for the good information. Shortly after I posted we got hit by ice, freezing rain, and snow. I retracted the slides before the weather changed in order to be cautious. As a result, I haven’t been able to kneel down and take a look at the slide mechanisms.
So, more questions.
When I get the slide open will I be viewing the gears and other stuff by looking underneath?
If I decide I want to grease the gears, what is the best type of grease to use. I’ve got several different types of grease for several types of needs, but I don’t want to use something detrimental.

A note on power supply. I do have the coach supplied with 50 amp service but I was not running the C7 engine while operating the slides. I had not thought to do that. It’s something to consider but I would be concerned about diesel fumes entering the coach while slides are operating and maybe not fully sealed

Thank you

NCC-1701A · 02-16-2025, 08:32 PM

I don't know what year you have, but since you mention a C7, it must be older. Not sure what year Newmar changed the ignition interlock to allow running slides with the engine running...maybe 2019? I know my 2013 MA will not allow it. You can try, but don't be surprised if the slides will not move with the engine running.

If your dresser slide is like mine, over the rear wheel well(s), you won't see all the mechanism because they have plastic weather shields installed. In my case, I need to literally remove at least my outside dually and better, the tag as well, to access my bedroom slide mechanisms. The Newmar engineer that designed that was a sadist! ��

alank · 02-21-2025, 06:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by OregonTravel

If I decide I want to grease the gears, what is the best type of grease to use. I’ve got several different types of grease for several types of needs, but I don’t want to use something detrimental.
Thank you

Any grease is better than no grease, I would just use standard grease gun grease. No benefit in being excessive, just have the mating surfaces wet with grease.