'09 2955RL w- Major Slide Issues

[jaybird]

My large slide has been progessively stopping going in and out after each trip the last couple months. It started with one stop and now it takes 5 stop/starts with the main switch to get it in. We hesitate on the switch by the door for just a couple seconds, sometimes having to go the other direction for just a second, to eventually get the main slide in. Any advise before I do the dreadful trip to a RV Shop?

[Carl n Susan]

Welcome to the infamous self-resetting circuit breaker problem. There have been many, many postings about this do-dad over the years. Here is just one of the latest:

http://www.montanaowners.com/forums/showthread.php?t=36679&SearchTerms=slide,circuit,b reaker

It is easy to replace the current one with a new one, but the best alternative is to wire two of the breakers in parallel. The "Search" function will help you find the postings on how to do this.

[clutch]

Our large slide has been doing that for several years. We just installed a new battery and sometimes it will move all the way in but it usually stops once instead or 3-4 times.

[jackel1959]

Jaybird,
PM me with your e-mail address and I will send you the two documents from Lippert for recommended fixes.

r,
Jack

[Art-n-Marge]

Here are the four things that solved my problems. Each one fixed the problem but not until the fourth one did the problem go away for good:

1. Fill the reservoir - When the slides are in, the reservoir should be filled with ATF Type A to within 1/4" of the top of the reservoir. DO NOT check when the slides are out. Again, this is in the manual, but the dealer hadn't fill it when I picked up the rig (and I didn't use a PDI). I didn't think to check it until I had this problem. btw - type A is hard to find but check with your autoparts dealer and they will recommend a suitable replacement.

2. Batteries - Make sure they are fully charged and in good working condition. Even if connected to shore power and using only the converter, the batteries should be connected. I improved the way I recharged the batteries.

3. Rear stabilizers down and set - these prevent undue movement of the rig as the slides are in motion which can cause extra stress on the slide motor and cause the breaker to reset until the slides are out or in. It's in the manual but not as obvious as I would have expected.

4. Install new autoresetting breakers which increases the capacity since the manufacturers are not doing this. The new breakers will either be a standalone 80 amp or 100 amp (but these are expensive), or dual circuit breakers of the same rating connected in parallel. The ratings are two 40 amp, or two 50 amp. DO NOT mix them. Here's a picture of my implementation using dual 40 amp autoresetting CBs. I have had no problems since all of these (but 1, 2 & 3 are on my maintenance and setup procedures now).



In the picture the red jumper/shunt goes to the battery, the black jumper/shunt goes to the "auxiliary" or in this case the slideout motor. You'll need #6 wire and connectors to create the jumper/shunts. These were 4" long - the color of wire is not important, I used red and black to help me remember which ones were BAT (red) and AUX (black).

If you've done all these, then there is probably a bigger problem needing to addressed that is causing the amperage to go higher than 80 amps. That's why I didn't use 50&50 (100amps). I didn't want to power through a bigger issue and break something.

[CORattler]

Valuable info Art, thanks!!!

[7.3Ford]

JayBird,

Yep as everyone here has said replace the circuit breaker. I used a 80 Amp Car Circuit Breaker cost about $8.00 + shipping. There are many that have adds on eBay Stores, here is example:
http://cgi.ebay.com/80A-CIRCUIT-BREA...item4aa4c0fa4f

I had my unit up to CW three times, and they never figure it out. I replaced the Circuit Breaker with one above, and have not had any more trouble.

[sreigle]

If it used to not do this but now it does, my bet is you need to lubricate the slide mechanisms, the teeth on the rails and also shoot a little bit into the gear pack. That usually takes care of this problem for me.