hydraulic slide question

[kampincrazy]

Yesterday it was in the low 30's I ran the slides in the first slide would come part way then stop I let go of the switch something in the system would click then I could run them in further then the next slide starts in stops everthing thing stops I let go of the switch here the click then it would finish going in it did this on all 4 slides.
Was this because the fluid was cold? Is there a problem?

[capn chris]

Sounds like the infamous autoreset breaker problem, to me. Simple and inexpensive fix if the problem persists.

[BB_TX]

The cold can compound the problem, but the source of it is the auto reset circuit breaker for the hydraulic slides. A common problem that many of us have had. You probably have a 50 amp auto reset circuit breaker in the front compartment near the battery and slide pump. Actually there are probably two, one being for the slide pump.
When mine failed, I first replaced it with a new 50 amp breaker. Lasted year before it started failing again. I then replaced it with two 40 amp breakers wired in parallel to give it more current capability. No more problems. Some have replaced the 50 with an 80. Either works. 40s are easier to find at any RV store or auto parts store.
typical auto reset circuit breaker

My twin 40s after modification.

Two 40 amp autoreset breakers from NAPA, two very short bus bars and some shrink tubing from Lowes. Breakers were about $3 or $4 each.

[mhs4771]

A combination of things, cold temps means thicker hydraulic fluid, reduced battery because of temp, and those pesky under sized auto reset breakers. Increase the size of those auto reset breakers and everything should be fine.

[Irlpguy]

BB_TX I am curious as to why you used the buss bar, was that the method you used to connect the two circuit breakers. Your picture only shows the one circuit breaker as well.

mhs4771 is correct that the colder weather affects the ATF in the hydraulic system and of course whether you have only one battery or not the battery voltage will be somewhat reduced as well.

kampincrazy, I am wondering if you are in storage when this happened and are you plugged into shore power. Perhaps that is not possible but should make a big difference as you have the added output of the converter to assist what may be batteries that are a bit low.

If you are in storage and cannot plug in boosting the RV batteries from the TV will likely prevent this from happening as well .

[BB_TX]

The left side of the picture is actually two 40 amp circuit breakers connected by two very short aluminum buss bars both covered with heat shrink tubing. The buss bar mounting holes fit perfectly on the breakers. I did not have a crimping tool to put lugs on that large of wire so the buss bars made a simple and solid connection method.
The single breaker on the right (under the red cover) powers everything else in the trailer.

[Irlpguy]

Thanks Bill I see it now, was thinking that was just a distribution strip type thing. Whatever works and that certainly does the job.

[DQDick]

Before you put a bigger breaker in call Keystone and make sure it's ok. They gave us the ok and actually paid to have the 50 replaced with and 80, but they indicated that all older models may not be wired for it to be safe.

[kampincrazy]

thanks for the reply's I put the fiver in storage but I know what to fix if the problem is still there in the spring.

[jackel1959]

If you are concerned about increasing the amperage of the breaker, check out this document from Lippert: LIP Sheet 0058

[Phil P]

Hi

You should be concerned about increasing the sizes of the breaker. Read the entire document.

Lippert only says it will not damage the equipment and then goes on to say wiring and breaker will be supplied by the RV manufacturer.

If you have a 2009 unit like mine increasing the breaker larger than 50 amps is a fire hazard.

Phil P