Help! Mayday! S.o.s. Emergency!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Alan Roberts

Joe - check the DeWald slide locks - if the internal springs break (happened to me) the upper part of the lock will not retract and will stop the slide or make a really loud bang.

As the lower arm releases from the stop the upper should be fully retracted (not visible behind the plastic cover.

Alan
02 Windsor
Beaverton, Or.

Thanks Alan! The slide locks seem to be OK. I checked them manually using pliers and they seem to be working as they should. I am convinced that my whole problem is the slide topper hanging!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Dr4Film

Joe,

Have you lubed the two slide-out locks on each end of the slide? If they are very stiff, they can hangup when moving the slide out or in.

If you don't have some already, buy a can of Tri-Flo lube and spay a generous amount in the top of the locking mechanism until it's dripping out the bottom. Then using a pair of vise grips, lock onto the metal tab at the bottom and start working it up and back until everything is freed up and working smoothly. Then spray some more and give it a good coating.

You should lubricate the locks a minimum of twice per year and it would be better if more frequent.

Tri-Flow Superior Lubricant - 4oz Aerosol : Amazon.com : Automotive


Dr4Film ----- Richard

Richard, do you know of any other place to get that lubricant without having to pay shipping on it? It looks like bike shops use it a lot so I will try some in our area. Thanks!

[MSHappyCampers]

I've determined the problem is definitely in the slide topper! Something inside the tube hangs up at times. Trying to figure out what to do to correct the problem. Now that I know what it is, I can manage to get the slideout in and out so we don't have to cancel the trip!

[burfurd]

Joe,

Tri-Flo is good stuff when you can find it. If not available, go to a parts store and look for Marvel Mystery Oil. It should free up about anything you put it on.

Hope this helps....burfurd

[Papa_Jim]

Originally Posted by burfurd

Joe,

Tri-Flo is good stuff when you can find it. If not available, go to a parts store and look for Marvel Mystery Oil. It should free up about anything you put it on.

Hope this helps....burfurd

Tri-Flo is good stuff. I have found it in surprising places, often at a hardware store. Should note that Tri-Flo is also good to use to lubricate the Pac Brake.

[sdennislee]

Joe, glad to hear your trip will not be impacted, enjoy.

[Keithb56]

I found Tri-Flo at Ace Hardware.
Keith

[MandG-Fun]

Joe,
Be careful and have the DW watch closely when you are putting the slide in or out. I had the same issue with my slide last month only a bit worse. The arms ceased inside the roller and prevented the slide from opening fully, bent the arms to the point that it wouldn't close fully either. The only option was to cut the fabric and remove the entire roller assembly and arms so I had no slide topper. I guess that's why Carefree discontinued making that style slide topper. I'm now the proud owner of a new Carefree slide topper.

Be careful on your trip and don't move the slide unless you can confirm that the roller is moving. Happy motoring.

Glenn

[Dutch Star Don]

Joe....These stores near you sell TriFlow



PAINT CREEK BICYCLE

27 E FLINT STLAKE ORION, MI, 48362-3222248-693-9620Distance: 29.1 miles
View Larger Map

ALLIED CYCLE SHOP

23101 GRATIOT AVEEAST DETROIT, MI, 48021-1628586-772-3411Distance: 30.1 miles
View Larger Map


BIKE TECH

458 COLONIAL CTGROSSE PT FARMS, MI, 48236-2854313-884-2453Distance: 31.9 miles
View Larger Map


CYCLETHERAPY

3545 ELIZABETH LAKE RDWATERFORD, MI, 48328-3011248-681-8600Distance: 37.7 miles
View Larger Map


FARMINGTON BIKE

22856 ORCHARD LK RDFARMINGTON, MI, 48336-3229248-474-7338Distance: 44.1 miles
View Larger Map

[Gorlininc]

Hi Joe

I'm happy to hear your trip won't be canceled. I know nothing about my slide, I'm sorry to admit. I've been following your repair and inspection so I can start to understand how the mechanics of the slide work.
I do crawl down on the floor every time and look under the slide before I move it for any possible objects that could jam it.
This weekend I will acquaint myself with the slide, and follow your thread.
Enjoy your trip. I'm happy it's all working out for you guys.
Rick.

[racefn]

Originally Posted by MSHappyCampers

Bob, I think you've found my problem! The curved metal arm that supports the slide topper tube is bent back toward the side of the MH at least a couple of inches! What did you figure out was causing it to hang and what did you do to correct the problem?

Hi Joe, sorry it took so long to get back to you, I had to manually unroll mine and straiten it out on the roller, there were holes to stick in a screwdriver to hold it, took some doing but once straitened it has been fine another thing I noticed when doing this was that the topper was held in by a bracket on each end and I was able to loosen the screws holding it in and slide the whole roller mechanism over about 2 inches to even out the brackets, I think that and some heavy winds started the problem, unfortunatly I don't know what toppers you have and if any of this translates.

[huntnski]

I have absolutely no help but truly hope you get it worked out. Since being on this forum my heart goes out to those that, like you, are having sudden and trip ending problems. Not very knowledgeable but full of moral support!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by Diplomat Don

Joe....These stores near you sell TriFlow



PAINT CREEK BICYCLE

27 E FLINT STLAKE ORION, MI, 48362-3222248-693-9620Distance: 29.1 miles
View Larger Map

ALLIED CYCLE SHOP

23101 GRATIOT AVEEAST DETROIT, MI, 48021-1628586-772-3411Distance: 30.1 miles
View Larger Map


BIKE TECH

458 COLONIAL CTGROSSE PT FARMS, MI, 48236-2854313-884-2453Distance: 31.9 miles
View Larger Map


CYCLETHERAPY

3545 ELIZABETH LAKE RDWATERFORD, MI, 48328-3011248-681-8600Distance: 37.7 miles
View Larger Map


FARMINGTON BIKE

22856 ORCHARD LK RDFARMINGTON, MI, 48336-3229248-474-7338Distance: 44.1 miles
View Larger Map

Don, I appreciate that but I'm in Mississippi!

[MSHappyCampers]

Originally Posted by huntnski

I have absolutely no help but truly hope you get it worked out. Since being on this forum my heart goes out to those that, like you, are having sudden and trip ending problems. Not very knowledgeable but full of moral support!

That's OK! Moral support is important too!