Community Forums

ProjectPro · 05-23-2023, 02:36 PM

When I got the coach back from Lazy Days this March, a comment on the work order said the mechanic had to access the generator slide latch (for dash air conditioning work) from underneath the coach. I thought that he must have not known that he had the key to the door below the drivers seat where the unlatch handle is, but when I tried to unlatch it today there was already a few inches of slack and it wouldn't pull out further. I suspect it isn't a big deal to unlatch it from underneath, but thought I'd ask here if anyone has had this problem. I suspect that the cable isn't broken, or it would have come out when I pulled on it. On the other hand, it may have a bunch of broken strands and is holding on enough to stay in place, but not enough to work.

So, any tricks to unlatching the compartment from underneath?

And, if the cable needs to be replaced, is it a PITA job or something that I might want to try?

**Lt Dan** · 05-23-2023, 04:01 PM

There are two catches on the back of the generator slide that have to release. If the cable has just come off one of them it still won't release. Ours had a bolt drop out causing the mechanism to not latch properly or unlock. Once you are underneath, the levers on the latches are easy to pull.

ProjectPro · 07-22-2023, 02:46 PM

Dan,

Thanks for the answer. I crawled around under the coach and can't find anything that looks like a latch release.

I got a replacement cable from Tiffin, and was surprised that it is only three feet long. I'm guessing the cable attaches to a lever on an axle, then the axle turns to pull up levers and that frees the two latches. Am I warm?

Any advice about what the latches look like and where they're located?

garykk · 07-22-2023, 03:28 PM

It’s been quite a long time since you got your coach back but I would give Lazy Days a call anyways, they’re the ones that messed up the latch, or am I reading your post wrong?

**Lt Dan** · 07-22-2023, 03:37 PM

When you slide the generator out and crawl into the cavity behind it, the two latches are on a cross bar toward the bottom of the frame. The cable goes to the first one, then it's connected to the second one. These to mechanisms connect with the other part of the latches mounted to the bottom rear of the generator.

bneumann · 07-23-2023, 05:47 AM

Maybe not related ... but useful

One time one side of the front generator cabinet latches would not release & allow slideout to project forward for access .... there is no easy point to try to otherwise pull it open.

Bought a convenient dent puller with large suction cup from a local shop & applied it to the front smooth motorhome generator cabin wall. It released the latch & opened.

Then applied lubricant to the latch cable & mechanisms; so far no isssues. Need to check a lot of stuff, not just when it malfunctions (knock on wood).

vettenuts · 07-24-2023, 06:40 AM

For future reference, I lubricate that cable annually with the same CRC dry lube used for the Schwintek slide. Put a few drops on the cable near the handle, let it slowly run down the cable, repeat several more times. Then lubricate the catch mechanisms while the generator is out.

zombiewoof · 07-24-2023, 07:41 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt Dan

When you slide the generator out and crawl into the cavity behind it, the two latches are on a cross bar toward the bottom of the frame. The cable goes to the first one, then it's connected to the second one. These to mechanisms connect with the other part of the latches mounted to the bottom rear of the generator.

Had a 2009 Phaeton. It had the same setup. On my the latches three of the bolts holding the latches to the cross member had failed. There are two 1/4-20 bolts per latch. This cocked the latches to the point where the mating clamp on the slide tray would not engage/disengage them. I replaced the bolts and properly secured the latches. Fixed my problem.

ProjectPro · 07-25-2023, 12:49 PM

Z-woof, I'm thinking that something similar has happened in my case. I was at the coach today with my new cable, and after looking at the new cable I think that had the old one broken, the remains would have pulled right out when I tugged on the handle. I see how it runs from the compartment and in front of the leaf spring shackle, but the genny was running and I didn't want to poke around with the hot exhaust right there.

Gotta go back earlier when it's cooler and see if I can feel where it goes next. It would sure be easier if I had a lift and could stand up underneath of it.