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Old 03-13-2016, 05:26 PM   #1
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Slide-out Types?

We are close enough to retirement that we are now looking at 5th wheels to spend several months a year in… woohoo! We have been out of the RV scene for about 10 years and when we started our search we noticed many of the familiar manufactures from 10 years ago are now out of business.

My first question in my search to re-familiarize myself is with slide-outs. Back when we were trailering it seemed as though reliable slide-out operation was hit and miss between brands. Can I get some information on the current types of slide-out designs and which ones are the most reliable? Maybe they all are pretty good anymore and it doesn't really matter which one is used but, I'm the kind of guy who will search for an RV based on build quality and avoid the rest.

Thanks everyone!
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Old 03-13-2016, 07:41 PM   #2
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I would start by googling "Schwintek slide problems". That should keep you busy for a few days.
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Old 03-13-2016, 08:13 PM   #3
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Great.... I'm guessing the majority of slides are Schwintek?

I'm not feeling any warm fuzzies.
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Old 03-13-2016, 09:19 PM   #4
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Live 2 Camp View Post
Great.... I'm guessing the majority of slides are Schwintek?.
No. They just had (still have?) lots of problems which you'll find many posts about here. Certain makes had issues with the mechanisms on full wall slide outs. Don't let what you read about Schwintek scare you away. Just be aware that you may have issues with those on certain year RV's.

Ours is Power Gear & with the exception of the bedroom motor that quit several years ago, they've not given us a lick of trouble. HWH also makes a dependable mechanism.

There are 2 kinds: mechanical & hydraulic. Both can be very reliable.

If you find an RV that interests you, you can always ask about the mfr of the slide mechanisms then post here for member input.

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Old 03-14-2016, 07:07 AM   #5
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I went to a small RV show a week ago that was, in reality, a dealer 'pushing' Jayco products. All but one, and the one I was most interested in, had their slides open. The salesman said that they had a slide problem with that unit (battery????) - and while standing in the doorway, noticed that it had gear tracks on the slide ends - i.e. Schwintek. These were also on a '14 5er we looked at and one of the reasons we said no as those tiny geared tracks, IMHO, just wont survive heavy usage. Instead, we opted for a BAL cable unit. Yes, they too have a problem occasionally with cable breakage, but at least that I can fix for $25 and an hours time. A previous fiver we owned had the old Lippert rail rack and pinion system. Worked well, but did need occasional adjustments. We haven't had a hydraulic slide system, but have to feel that they might be the best all around but add a fair amount to the unit's cost.

Of course, the above is opinion as well as some experience with two types of slide out systems
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Old 03-14-2016, 08:00 AM   #6
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I'm of the opinion that the Power Gear rack & pinion gear slide is one of the most reliable types. Another excellent one is the purely hydraulic mechanism, also from Power Gear (Dewald). PG is now owned by Lippert, but any used units you are looking at will be from their independent days.

Both the Schwintek and Lippert systems have had numerous problems reported. And the cable-operated systems seem like a mechanical nightmare to me. Maybe they are not, but cables stretch and pulleys get out of alignment, especially if the RV maker skimps on the structure that supports the pulleys.
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Old 03-14-2016, 08:25 PM   #7
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Thanks to everyone for the replies. It appears we have decided on an RV. Actually, it kinda fell into our lap.

After having 5th wheels in the past we just assumed that's what we'd have now but... a friend of ours who's wife recently passed away made a permanent move to Florida and now has no need for his class A. He offered it to us and since we know its history and how meticulously he's maintained it, we decided to buy it. This is quite a change in plans for us, but then so is selling our large home and nearly everything we own. Our future seems to be changing daily and with every unexpected turn comes open doors that are taking us in a direction that seems right. So, we're going with it.

Looks like we now own a 2003 Monaco Monarch SE 36DBD on the workhorse chassis (as soon as he delivers it to us - I think he misses us and just wanted a reason to visit). He says he's never had a problem with the slides but out of curiosity I'll see what they are.

Thanks again everyone.
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Old 03-14-2016, 08:35 PM   #8
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Have had the mechanical ones in our two Dutch Stars and now the HWH hydraulic ones in the present rig. Did have some trouble with the last DSDP one but that was due to a previous repair not being done correctly, once fixed it was fine.
Now having trouble with one of the HWH slides, but I feel that's due to the engine repair done at Cummins NW in Portland OR. While there they somehow managed to break two Koni shocks, one totally in half, plus break an interior door.
Anyway the HWH system is fast and quiet.
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Old 03-17-2016, 09:37 PM   #9
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Stay away from schwintek as others have said. They mechanism itself is descent, its how it is installed that leads to problems. Unless the slide box and install are absolutely square, you will have problems. For that reason I would tell you to stay away. Also stay away from cable slides. For my money I would look for something made by power gear. This advise comes from seeing hundreds of units come in and out of our service dept every year. Just less problems than the others.
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