Community Forums

Homeby5 · 10-26-2021, 09:39 AM

Just in case of malfunction, can you manually crank them in and out? Looking for a TT and that seems important for me.
Thanks

Skip426 · 10-26-2021, 09:49 AM

Yes ; I'd say all trailer slide mechanisms , can be operated manually .

Just how , depends on the slide mechanism manufacturer .
Those with a couple of series of Lippert slides do come with a crank.

Ask the salesperson , if they can't answer the question , go to another sales lot.

Homeby5 · 10-26-2021, 11:38 AM

Thanks.
The reason I asked is my friend just purchased a diesel pusher with 4 slides and he said he could not operate them manually.

dssl · 10-26-2021, 01:09 PM

There are lots of types and makes of slides. I don't think many of them have an easy way to manually operate.

Skip426 · 10-26-2021, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Homeby5

Thanks.
The reason I asked is my friend just purchased a diesel pusher with 4 slides and he said he could not operate them manually.

Yes it's possible that a pusher would not have an easy way to retract the slides. There is a method for my single slide coach , and I hope I never have to use it .

bigb56 · 10-26-2021, 03:33 PM

It normally involves removing a cover, disengaging the motor and cranking on a big nut with the proper socket and ratchet. The owner's manual will detail it. For mine it is a 3/4" socket and if I ever need to do it I understand it is a long, slow process.

jimcumminsw · 10-26-2021, 03:34 PM

On my trailer I have hydraulic driven slides. There is a drive screw that can be used to operate the hydraulic pump. A cordless driver is recommended to drive the pump since I believe your arm would get very tired trying to drive the pump.

tap4154 · 10-26-2021, 06:40 PM

I have just one large Powergear slide, and I recently found out how to do it. An access plate is in the middle storage compartment underneath the slide. Take that off, and on the end of the motor there's a brake disengage lever under a rubber cap. Then I can use a 1" open-end wrench on a square shaft to crank it in or out. Once it's cranked back in, just have to lock the brake with the lever, then you're good to go.

catmandoo62 · 10-26-2021, 06:48 PM

my winnebago came with a winch like a boat trailer,in the owners manual it says to take off the back of the top step and there is a bracket to attach it too.then the cable goes on the slide under the couch and you crank it in,now getting it out manually that i have no idea.

Hittntheroad · 10-27-2021, 08:20 PM

It’s the first thing I do when I get a new rv. I also researched manually retracting the levelers. Anything to keep from getting stranded at a campground. Research your particular slide mechanism.

eddndee · 10-27-2021, 10:43 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Hittntheroad

It’s the first thing I do when I get a new rv. I also researched manually retracting the levelers. Anything to keep from getting stranded at a campground. Research your particular slide mechanism.

Good advice. Your manual or a manufacturer’s instruction can be found online on how to retract your slide(s) manually. It is better to familiarize yourself on how to do it in the comfort of your home than try and figure it out when you are stuck in the boonies with no internet and it is raining cats and dogs.