Community Forums

CamJam1 · 02-12-2021, 01:45 PM

I have the old problematic RBW slide mechanism on the bedroom slide of my '04 Dolphin. Knock on wood that I have not had problems with it yet, but I understand that AL-KO bought RBW and designed a more reliable mechanism to replace the old RBW design. I'd like to be proactive and change mine out before I have problems, but it looks like AL-KO is now gone as well as their web site no longer works.

Anyone know where I can get an updated replacement unit?

Richard S. · 02-12-2021, 02:57 PM

Dexter Axle Acquires AL-KO Axis, Inc. Dexter Axle Acquires the North American Assets of AL-KO Axis, Inc.

CamJam1 · 02-12-2021, 03:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Richard S.

Dexter Axle Acquires AL-KO Axis, Inc. Dexter Axle Acquires the North American Assets of AL-KO Axis, Inc.

Ok, that's a good clue, thanks. Hopefully an axle company as still interested in making parts for RV slides.

Looking at pictures now I'm wondering if mine might be a Power Gear unit. I'm going over to the storage yard soon to take pictures and verify.

CamJam1 · 02-12-2021, 06:27 PM

Just got back from the storage yard, and the good news is mine is not the RBW unit with the soft brass gear. Mine looks to be a direct-drive unit. I'm guessing Power Gear? The motor is made by Klauber Machine and Gear Co.

In general, everything under there looks to be in good shape to me. I did find a loose bolt rolling around under the bed, but can't see anywhere it came from. All the motor bolts seems to be in place and tight, and they're the only ones that looked to be of similar size. Makes me wonder if my unit was upgraded or repaired before I bought it and this was leftover from that.

No signs of water intrusion anywhere inside the slide as well, which I was glad to see, but I do have some swelling of the wood on the outside of the slide that I will be detailing in another thread.

GREGORYJ · 02-12-2021, 06:49 PM

This is a photo of the problematic slide mechanism in my previous 2005 Dolphin 5342. It had brass gear problems.
The photos of your mechanism does not look at all like the 2005 mechanism and actually looks similar, especially motor, to the mechanism in my current 2008 Dolphin which has never had any issues.

CamJam1 · 02-12-2021, 07:58 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GREGORYJ

This is a photo of the problematic slide mechanism in my previous 2005 Dolphin 5342. It had brass gear problems.
The photos of your mechanism does not look at all like the 2005 mechanism and actually looks similar, especially motor, to the mechanism in my current 2008 Dolphin which has never had any issues.

That's what I was hoping, and from what I can see the gear seems to be attached to the shaft of the motor with two very stout pins! Makes me wonder if the previous owner had a problem and had it upgraded at some point.

GREGORYJ · 02-12-2021, 10:53 PM

That could be true. My 2005's mechanism had a larger than necessary motor in my opinion and a gear reduction that gave it even more torque. If I mistakenly held the slide's in/out button slightly too long after the slide was physically fully in or out, it would break either the brass gear's roll pin or break teeth off the brass gear. The smaller motor mechanism seemed be be a better match. Here a photo of what National was using in the 2008 Dolphin. You can see it is different than yours but the motor looks very similar and in my 2008's case, looks like the same size of motor used on the living room slide.

chboone · 02-12-2021, 11:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CamJam1

I have the old problematic RBW slide mechanism on the bedroom slide of my '04 Dolphin. Knock on wood that I have not had problems with it yet, but I understand that AL-KO bought RBW and designed a more reliable mechanism to replace the old RBW design. I'd like to be proactive and change mine out before I have problems, but it looks like AL-KO is now gone as well as their web site no longer works.

Anyone know where I can get an updated replacement unit?

My 99 Dolphin has Power Gear slide and leveling jacks. I don't believe National RV ever used RBW mechanism in their RV's. I have a 94 Avion 5th wheel built by Fleetwood and it has RBW everything. Main slide is two motor chain drive, bedroom queen slide single motor cable drive. Landing is gear single motor gear drive even the pin box is RBW. Never a problem with any of them just need to keep them lubricated.