2012 Phaeton Slide Problem Rant

[lauriedarlyn]

We bought a new to us 2012 Phaeton QBH in December 2018, since then we have spent a lot of money fixing all the major systems, replacing the electrical systems for the slides and the jacks, replacing the entire gear mechanism of the DS slide, and the worst part, fixing all the items we had fixed at Red Bay, they fixed the rubber on the door, already coming off seven months later, they fixed or installed a brace on the steps (recall) which stopped working 300 miles after we left Red Bay, had to have them repaired, and had all four slide toppers replace, and now seven months later everyone was installed wrong, ripping, spring is broken and the roller was installed wrong and is now broken too, We are dead in the water waiting for a mobile repair to fix the problem so we can get our DS slide to come in, again! The biggest problem is the DS slide's gears and the mechanisms included exploded the first time we tried to move after sending five months in an RV park in Tucson for the season. I had to have the entire slide and gears overhauled. Since then once a month the bolts shear off and have to be replaced before we can travel. My question after this long rant does anybody know how to fix the slide permanently, so it isn't so stressful to travel. I worry every time we have to open or close the slides that something else will happen, like last Saturday when the roller broke and the topper would not roll up! (these were also replaced by Tiffin in their express bay). Please help, I am so disillusioned with Tiffin, and it was my dream to own one.

[okcnewbie]

Here's to hoping you get the problems taken care of eventually. You are in my dream MH and it's scary to think this could happen to me. Could you include some pics and tell me what to look for if you were checking out slides prior to purchase? I plan on buying my used dream MH next spring.

If you take pictures and can prove that the toppers were installed wrong I would think you have some recourse on that.

I've watched several slide repair videos on youtube and I would think that you need the slide supported better. This could mean new or more rollers.

Thanks for your post(s) and good luck with the repairs.

[dezolen]

Originally Posted by lauriedarlyn

We bought a new to us 2012 Phaeton QBH in December 2018, since then we have spent a lot of money fixing all the major systems, replacing the electrical systems for the slides and the jacks, replacing the entire gear mechanism of the DS slide, and the worst part, fixing all the items we had fixed at Red Bay, they fixed the rubber on the door, already coming off seven months later, they fixed or installed a brace on the steps (recall) which stopped working 300 miles after we left Red Bay, had to have them repaired, and had all four slide toppers replace, and now seven months later everyone was installed wrong, ripping, spring is broken and the roller was installed wrong and is now broken too, We are dead in the water waiting for a mobile repair to fix the problem so we can get our DS slide to come in, again! The biggest problem is the DS slide's gears and the mechanisms included exploded the first time we tried to move after sending five months in an RV park in Tucson for the season. I had to have the entire slide and gears overhauled. Since then once a month the bolts shear off and have to be replaced before we can travel. My question after this long rant does anybody know how to fix the slide permanently, so it isn't so stressful to travel. I worry every time we have to open or close the slides that something else will happen, like last Saturday when the roller broke and the topper would not roll up! (these were also replaced by Tiffin in their express bay). Please help, I am so disillusioned with Tiffin, and it was my dream to own one.

Hope all those that think buying gently used rv Is the way to go.
Sorry for your luck and hope it gets resolved.

[lauriedarlyn]

I would hire a person who checks out the rig, well worth the money. This is my dream coach too, the thing that makes me furious, is the toppers were installed by tiffin in their Express bay, and the other two things they fixed, are also failing. I would buy new next time, under warranty and all repairs are fixed free for a year at Red Bay. Good luck, thanks for the support

[okcnewbie]

If you get to it could you add a few pics of the toppers and the slide that is failing? It sounds like you will eventually end up with a really nice MH. Some day you may actually hit the slide button without anxiety. Stick with it and try and stay as positive as possible.
I'm trying to educate myself as much as possible. I just can't justify the expense of a complete inspection. My theory is they will always find something and will guarantee nothing. Eventually the money I'm spending on inspections could be spent on the repairs. I know it's a crap shoot but I'm hoping I'll be able to spend several hours going through everything and if I'm really lucky even spend the night in the unit.

[accsys]

Originally Posted by lauriedarlyn

Since then once a month the bolts shear off and have to be replaced before we can travel. My question after this long rant does anybody know how to fix the slide permanently, so it isn't so stressful to travel.

It sounds like you are using the wrong bolts. They should be Grade 8 bolts and the shank should extend all the way through the rod with no part of the thread inside the hole. These are specially modified bolts to meet those conditions. If I remember correctly it takes a 2-1/4 inch bolt to get the shank all the way through the rod. Depending on the location that may make the bolt too long to turn without catch on something as the slide goes in and out so part of the thread has to be cut off to prevent that problem. The nut is also a special nut so that the threads don't engage until the bolt is inside the nut a bit. You can use a regular nut with washers to cover the shank as well. If you call the Tiffin Store they usually have the bolts and nuts in stock. You can also get them from the parts department I believe.

If the holes in the rod have become elongated, that will also contribute to bolt breakage. If it's just the square tube that is deficient, you can take all the bolts out and rotate it 90 degrees and drill new holes.

[John Boy]

Ditto on the bolts need to be grade 8. You can get them at Tractor Supply or any decent hardware store.

[okcnewbie]

I hope it's as easy as just the wrong bolts. I watched some repair videos and some of the bolts on some slides are supposed to be grade 3 or lower so that they shear instead of the motor/gear.
Presumably the first set up screws were put in at Red Bay when they rebuilt the slide?

[lauriedarlyn]

Originally Posted by accsys

It sounds like you are using the wrong bolts. They should be Grade 8 bolts and the shank should extend all the way through the rod with no part of the thread inside the hole. These are specially modified bolts to meet those conditions. If I remember correctly it takes a 2-1/4 inch bolt to get the shank all the way through the rod. Depending on the location that may make the bolt too long to turn without catch on something as the slide goes in and out so part of the thread has to be cut off to prevent that problem. The nut is also a special nut so that the threads don't engage until the bolt is inside the nut a bit. You can use a regular nut with washers to cover the shank as well. If you call the Tiffin Store they usually have the bolts and nuts in stock. You can also get them from the parts department I believe.

If the holes in the rod have become elongated, that will also contribute to bolt breakage. If it's just the square tube that is deficient, you can take all the bolts out and rotate it 90 degrees and drill new holes.

we do have the right bolts, we ordered a whole bunch of them, and keep them close by, so far so good, but this shouldn't have been a problem in the first place! but thanks for the advice.

[Squerly]

Originally Posted by lauriedarlyn

and the worst part, fixing all the items we had fixed at Red Bay, they fixed the rubber on the door, already coming off seven months later, they fixed or installed a brace on the steps (recall) which stopped working 300 miles after we left Red Bay, had to have them repaired, and had all four slide toppers replace, and now seven months later everyone was installed wrong, ripping, spring is broken and the roller was installed wrong and is now broken too,

Wait a minute! Red Bay, (Tiffin) did the work? If so, haul your stuff back on over there and have them repair it. Tiffin is a class operation and if all this work was done this poorly, I'm sure they will fix it for you without argument.

If not, I will be seriously disappointed in them. As will many others.

[anotherone]

Originally Posted by Squerly

Wait a minute! Red Bay, (Tiffin) did the work? If so, haul your stuff back on over there and have them repair it. Tiffin is a class operation and if all this work was done this poorly, I'm sure they will fix it for you without argument.

If not, I will be seriously disappointed in them. As will many others.

just dont go back to the same bay that did the shoddy work ! Tiffins service center has really great techs and some really lousy ones.

[lauriedarlyn]

Originally Posted by anotherone

just dont go back to the same bay that did the shoddy work ! Tiffins service center has really great techs and some really lousy ones.

Yes, Tiffin, Red Bay Alabama, we had them fix our front door's rubber, they installed a brace (recall) on our steps, replaced all the toppers, and inspect the slide. Step died about 300. miles from leaving Red Bay, luckily it stuck inside, the door rubber is coming off and the toppers are ripping and bunching up when rolled in, causing the slide to not to come in, and inspecting the slide was bringing it in and out and saying it is working fine, then having the bolts shear off several more times after leaving, and then having another repair shop find the hydraulic slide solenoids were bad! I left a message on Bob Tiffin's phone on Sunday 17, with no return phone call yet. going to send him all the invoices we have collected since buying the rig in December 2018. I still would buy tiffin, not from La Mesa RV, and do a better job of having the rig inspected.

[sanda]

Remember the internet is your friend. If the mfg. doesn't make this right then search every source available to explain your dissatisfaction with the product. Other buyers will be aware and companies take these ratings serious.When dealing with these slide problems make sure to include the slide mfg. in your inquiry's and complaints.

[StaRVGazer]

Originally Posted by lauriedarlyn

Yes, Tiffin, Red Bay Alabama, .... I left a message on Bob Tiffin's phone on Sunday 17, with no return phone call yet. going to send him all the invoices we have collected since buying the rig in December 2018. I still would buy tiffin, not from La Mesa RV, and do a better job of having the rig inspected.

I did not have much luck with this approach, no call back. Although, I have heard of good experiences from others getting a call. I also copied him/staff with emails regarding troubles with getting refrigerator replaced. Eventually, I think they blocked me temporarily.

Hopefully, they will get back to you.

Paul