Need Help with Slideout (not enough torque to start open)

[THenne1713]

Originally Posted by Blastvalve

Only other thought, the Winnie manual recommends only running the slides with the engine running. The motors take a fair amount of “juice” and it’s recommended to have the engine running so the alternator is charging the batteries at the same time.

May be what you were doing but if not I wanted to pass along given the post above.

Yup, YET that varies by MFR, maybe by year? My 99GS locks slides INOP if IGN= ON

[mr.tommy]

Originally Posted by Blastvalve

Only other thought, the Winnie manual recommends only running the slides with the engine running. The motors take a fair amount of “juice” and it’s recommended to have the engine running so the alternator is charging the batteries at the same time.

Yes for Winnie MH's that's true. The slides use the chassis battery and engine needs to be running. Now the OP said he always has the engine running BUT......as soon as your start the RV that chassis battery took a big hit with cranking amps. Best practice is to start the engine and let it run for about 15 minutes or so before you want to bring in the slides. That way it's had time to juice up to handle the load.

In the winter time when it's cold, in this fifteen minutes, you've also had time to run the dash heat on the windshield and warm it up too. I never pull out with a cold windshield. Tension, rolling and twisting with a cold windshield increases the chances of it cracking. So the 15 minute rule is what I practice before pulling in slides and pulling out to get on the road.

[NXR]

Originally Posted by Fiesta48

I've started not running slides not fully extended and retracted to avoid jamming. Try this.

Depends on the slide mechanism and there are several types. Most if not all electric slides require that they be fully in or out because the contact with the exterior wall makes up a lot of the slide's strength and stability. Mine let light and air through the seals if they're not fully in or out.

Ray