Schwintek/Lippert Repair Bulletin - Montana Owners Club

Foldbak · 07-14-2022, 08:19 PM

Hey guys and gals. Here is the Lippert repair bulletin released 6-30-22 acknowledging a problem with the Schwintek slide. This is effecting a lot of RV's not just Montana's. I thought this would be helpful for some of you full timers that can't just pick up and go to a dealer for troubleshooting without knowing there is actually a problem.

I know it's a long read but worth it. My failed rig is in for a major Schwintek repair. They have to rebuild the entire bed frame and closet. I am very interested in the outcome.

So after watching the video it looks like the inspection process is more then most could tackle. But I certainly have a good understanding of the unit operation. I can now see that it's true that if that opening flexes at all the unit is going to fail.

https://youtu.be/aBml7VTu8JU

Speck56 · 07-16-2022, 06:43 PM

Hey everyone, I have a 2020 3761FL with maybe 15,000 miles on it. Thought I had a slideout only issue, when driving down the road, I look back and see the front left slideout protruding about 3 inches. Tried bringing it in, no luck. After further inspection I see the bottom of the schwintek mechanism was on the outside not the inside. It is now in the shop for complete teardown. We also have had some separation of the front cabinets we couldn't figure out. General consensus now is the frame of the 5er is cracked. Taking both sides off and removing the floor to confirm. Body shop has documented this Lippert frame issue before. Hoping Keystone stands behind their 3 year structural warranty. It's a 30 to 40K fix. Ugh. I'll keep you posted

Foldbak · 07-16-2022, 10:14 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speck56

Hey everyone, I have a 2020 3761FL with maybe 15,000 miles on it. Thought I had a slideout only issue, when driving down the road, I look back and see the front left slideout protruding about 3 inches. Tried bringing it in, no luck. After further inspection I see the bottom of the schwintek mechanism was on the outside not the inside. It is now in the shop for complete teardown. We also have had some separation of the front cabinets we couldn't figure out. General consensus now is the frame of the 5er is cracked. Taking both sides off and removing the floor to confirm. Body shop has documented this Lippert frame issue before. Hoping Keystone stands behind their 3 year structural warranty. It's a 30 to 40K fix. Ugh. I'll keep you posted

Wow. Do you have any pictures? I think we would be very interested in following this. Also 30 to 40 grand seems really high. You should be covered by warranty. I'd call Keystone directly now

Speck56 · 07-16-2022, 11:20 PM

No pics yet. Waiting for floor to be removed. Already contacted Keystone. They said go thru a authorized dealer, I am, and we go from there. As for the the quote, I'm sure that's probably insurance quote, but I saw what they did to another Lippert frame. They had to reinforce both sides of the frame so the sag wouldn't come back and crack it again. It's a problem with Grand Design also. Lippert has issues with this and hydraulics. Stay tuned

Foldbak · 07-17-2022, 10:36 AM

This isn't a Schwintek issue it's a Lippert frame issue. Still interested in the outcome. There are a lot different frame issues with these trailers.

Prior to my purchase I saw a monty at the dealership with the front cap off and left bedroom slide wall removed. They were reinforcing a cracked frame by adding gussets and driving wood into the frame rails.

Lee-CI · 07-17-2022, 10:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speck56

No pics yet. Waiting for floor to be removed. Already contacted Keystone. They said go thru a authorized dealer, I am, and we go from there. As for the the quote, I'm sure that's probably insurance quote, but I saw what they did to another Lippert frame. They had to reinforce both sides of the frame so the sag wouldn't come back and crack it again. It's a problem with Grand Design also. Lippert has issues with this and hydraulics. Stay tuned

Following..... Sorry to hear about your major issues! Keep us posted so that others here that are newer members know exactly what to watch out for. Hope your issues are resolved to your satisfaction in a timely manner. Good luck.

Speck56 · 07-17-2022, 11:08 AM

Absolutely not a schwintek issue, agreed. This is cause and effect. As of now left living room is out, cap next then floor. Shop has seen this before and they dont want to underestimate the problem. We have a RV industry safety consultant involved also. Previous issues the shop has seen and documented, is very poor welds and not enough of them.

Prior to my purchase I saw a monty at the dealership with the front cap off and left bedroom slide wall removed. They were reinforcing a cracked frame by adding gussets and driving wood into the frame rails.[/QUOTE]

Donjamin · 07-17-2022, 03:04 PM

We owned a 2013 Crossroads Sunset Reserve Limited 5th wheel with Schwintek slides. It made 5 trips to the dealer to have the main slide worked on. The dealer said the slideout was to heavy for the Schwintek system to operate, thus the failed motors, gouged flooring and stripped ratchet slides on the slideout. Sold the unit and bought our Montana. All I can say is “What a mess!” You have my condolences and sympathy for having a Schwintek system on your rig.

Don

Speck56 · 07-17-2022, 03:17 PM

Just so everyone knows, it's not conclusive yet, but it appears the schwintek breakdown was caused by a structural issue with my 3761FL. When we are positive I will post detailed pictures of exact cause. This final issue was happening before our recent 8100 mile trip. If indeed the frame has cracked it happened before that trip. Cabinets in the front above the pin were shifting and separating before we left. If anyone would like updates, steve.speckman@gmail.com. 2020 3761FL

Speck56 · 07-20-2022, 04:08 PM

Update on my frame issue. Lippert told us we do not need to go thru Keystone. They issued a case # and have instructed the repair shop and me what they need. The basics, year, make model, date bought. Tow vehicle info as well as hitch info. I have a 2020 GMC DENALI 3500 Diesel, dually 4wd. Companion 25 hitch. Will update after completion of teardown

GMP · 07-22-2022, 06:29 PM

We own a 2020 3121rl. I noticed the trim popped off the unit, just below the bedroom slide below the lower left corner on the drivers side. The trim is popped and about a 1.5 inch gap between the panels. It is in shop now, warranty repair….broken weld. 15k miles, no rough riding. Very disappointing. Don

Foldbak · 07-22-2022, 06:56 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by GMP

We own a 2020 3121rl. I noticed the trim popped off the unit, just below the bedroom slide below the lower left corner on the drivers side. The trim is popped and about a 1.5 inch gap between the panels. It is in shop now, warranty repair….broken weld. 15k miles, no rough riding. Very disappointing. Don

I wouldn't be too disappointed. 2 years old and under warranty and being taken care of.

Speck56 · 07-23-2022, 11:32 AM

Just a heads up to anyone following my thread on frame issues, Lippert has stepped in and is handling any warranty repair if indeed it is a frame problem. Ours is front living, and my advice is to check cabinets on either side of the TV. If any separation is noted, get it checked ASAP

Speck56 · 09-01-2022, 05:49 PM

Update on cracked frame issue on my 3761FL. Took it in on May 25th. Now Sept.1 and Lippert wants to send a service team to Phoenix to figure out the "root cause" and what steps to take next. 3 months after the structural damage claim was made. I have a family reunion October 5th in Illinois that was planned 2 years ago, and now I'm renting a rig for 4500.00 bucks. Sorry, venting. We will see what happens next

Foldbak · 09-01-2022, 06:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Speck56

Update on cracked frame issue on my 3761FL. Took it in on May 25th. Now Sept.1 and Lippert wants to send a service team to Phoenix to figure out the "root cause" and what steps to take next. 3 months after the structural damage claim was made. I have a family reunion October 5th in Illinois that was planned 2 years ago, and now I'm renting a rig for 4500.00 bucks. Sorry, venting. We will see what happens next

Sorry to hear. Send them the bill...

Speck56 · 01-22-2023, 02:46 PM

Turns out my frame flex crack is more than the Keystone repair bulletin fix. Keystone has agreed to the repair at my garage of choice. It took Keystone 4 months to decide on warranty repair. May 26th in, probably March out.

Speck56 · 01-22-2023, 02:48 PM

Lippert is NOT handling the warranty. Keystone is.

Ram Montana High Country · 05-22-2023, 10:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Foldbak

Hey guys and gals. Here is the Lippert repair bulletin released 6-30-22 acknowledging a problem with the Schwintek slide. This is effecting a lot of RV's not just Montana's. I thought this would be helpful for some of you full timers that can't just pick up and go to a dealer for troubleshooting without knowing there is actually a problem.

I know it's a long read but worth it. My failed rig is in for a major Schwintek repair. They have to rebuild the entire bed frame and closet. I am very interested in the outcome.

So after watching the video it looks like the inspection process is more then most could tackle. But I certainly have a good understanding of the unit operation. I can now see that it's true that if that opening flexes at all the unit is going to fail.

https://youtu.be/aBml7VTu8JU

video Not available?

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