While there are a couple of different types of RV slides out there, one of the most common is the Schwintek slide. This type of slide uses whats called worm gear to move the slide in and out as you need it to. These slides are operated from a control panel inside your RV and are very easy to use.
However, some times slide experience issues. In the video above, our product specialist and all-around knowledgeable RV enthusiast, Ian Baker is here to share some tips and tricks on what to do if your slide doesn’t move when you want it to or if you have one side moving and other staying put.
What is a Schwintek Slide?
Chapter 11: Slide Out Systems 65 Basic Slide-Out Tips 66 Electrically Operated Systems 66 Schwin-Tek - In-Wall System 66 Manual Override 66 Hydraulically Operated Systems 66 System Operation 66 Individual Room Control (IRC) 67 Manual Override to Retract or Extend the Slide-Out Room Chapter 12: Sport Utility Recreational Vehicles 68 Bed Lifts. Schwintek In-Wall™ Slideout System. The slide-out using the normal switch. If wall switch is not pushed within 60 seconds of entering the electronic manual.
A Schwintek slide as we said above is a type of slide-out that’s commonly used on motorhomes and towable RVs. The slide is unique in that it uses some worm gears to make the slide out move in and out of the RV.
- Page 4 Checking Fuses The Schwintek In-Wall™ Slide requires a minimum of 30 amp fuse. Check the 12 volt fuse box for blown fuses, and replace any if necessary. Consult the rv manufacturers documentation for the location of the 12 volt fuse box, and the location of the Room Slide Controller’s fuse.
- View and Download Lippert Components Schwintek In-Wall troubleshooting and component replacement online. SLIDE-OUT system for caravans. Schwintek In-Wall automobile parts pdf manual download.
There are motors to either side of the slide that help the slide move when you want it to move, and there’s a panel inside the RV that allows you to control the motor. Schwintek slides are generally easy to use and that’s why you’ll find them on a wide variety of RVs out there.
What Could Make a Slide Fail to Move?
Electronic Manual Override 5. Slide-out SCHWINTEK IN-WALL™ TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE. Repair your slide out with these Lippert. AP Products 014-287298 Schwintek Motor In-Wall. Lippert 045-119143 20' Manual Slide-Out Cranks with Roll Pins. On a routine check of my RV, the slide won't go out. It is the Schwintek type slide.
Well, there are any number of issues that could be plaguing your slide-out. However, Ian says the most common one is out of sync slide-out electrical motors. If the motors are out of sync, the slide may not move at all. Othertimes just one side may move, which will cause a bind in the gears and not allow it to retract or extend all of the way.
Other issues with the slide could be a faulty part, such as a burned-out motor or faulty wiring. However, those are far less common, so you should take some time to check to make sure the motors are synced up before troubleshooting anything else.
How to Fix a Stuck Schwintek Slide
If you have a Schwintek slide that’s stuck, don’t worry. There are things you can do to get the slide back on track and operating properly. Here are some things to try.
Make Sure the Electric Motors are Synced Up
As we noted above, Ian says that the number one issue with Schwintek slides is that the motors are often out of sync. This can cause issues when you go to move the slide from the control panel inside the RV.
As a preventative measure, you should hold down the button to retract the slide for a couple of seconds after the slide is retracted all of the way. This will allow the motors to sync up. Ian says to do this a couple of times to make sure the motors are synced and then you should be able to operate the slide-out properly.
An important thing to note here is that you need to have the right amount of power. Hook up to shore power or make double sure your battery is topped up before trying to operate your slides.
Use the Manual Override on the Control Box
Schwintek Slide Manual
If that doesn’t work, or you’re still experiencing issues of some kind, then you need to go down into the basement of your RV and find the control box. The control box should be right underneath the slide-out.
On that box, there will be a manual override button. You can press that six times and then you push and hold on the seventh time and it will trigger a manual override so you can try to get the side in. From there, you really should take your RV in to have it check out by a service center.
Additional Things to Try
What if neither of those things works? Beyond those two things, there are some physical things you can do to the slide-out and control box. First, you can move the slides manually. Ian doesn’t touch on this in the video, and if you’re doing this, you really need to get your RV to a service center ASAP.
In order to do this, you’ll need to disconnect the cables for the slide from the control box. This will disengage the brake or lock and allow you to move the slide by simply pushing on it. Make sure to push the slide in evenly. From there, you’ll need to reconnect the wires for the motors to the control box so the brake or lock reengages.
If that still doesn’t work, and you have a slide stuck out, then you need to take the screws off on the exterior of the RV at the top of the slide. From there, you have access to the motors for the slide. You should be able to move them up about half of an inch, which will disconnect them. Then you should be able to push the slide in. Replace those screws, and then either use a slide lock or a wooden 2×4 cut to the right length on the inside of the RV to make sure the slide doesn’t slide back out.
To learn more about these other two methods, you can check out this video put together by Thor Motor Coach. It walks you through the steps well.
Schwintek Slide Problems
Do you have any questions about Schwintek slides or have any ideas for other topics that should be covered in our How To series? Leave a comment below, or hit up Ian on Instagram!
Manual Override Schwintek Slide Out
This Imagine 2150RB is the first RV we've owned with a slide, it has the Schwintek system. The slide is about 8 feet and has the frig and a tri-fold sofa. I've read the manual a number of times, watched some youtube vids and lubed the correct places and the seals. My question and slight concern is when you run the slide out or in it just doesn't sound very smooth. It's a little bit herky-jerky and you can hear the rpms of the motors vary slightly. No evidence of uneven wear on the racks or rubbing marks anywhere etc but I just don't know what is normal. What is it sliding on under the floor and should something down there be lubed? Also my spot at the storage isn't level, should the trailer be level to run the slide? Can't get to the bedroom with the slide in.
thanks
Jeff