Slide out cables

[RRman]

This is why I don't want to part with my 05 all Hydraulic slides Montana...

[KirkFess]

On my 2016 343RL we had a cable fray and wad up on the dining slide in the first year of ownership. Found 3 more cables on the other slides that were in the process of breaking. Did a ton of research and learned that the most common reason is improper alignment where the cable goes through the side wall. If the installer doesn’t adjust it properly, the bracket rubs the cable and cuts it in half. Got them all replaced under warranty. Upon inspection after they were replaced, I found they were still rubbing. I adjusted them to clear and no problem since.

[Mikelff]

Originally Posted by tom woodward

If it were as easy as watching the video. I have a 2015 353RL HighCountry and we had problems with the slides going part way out and stopping, popping the motor relay. When the motor relay reset we could go in further. A call to the local shop said, "put a larger CB, 80 amps, in the front bay. Still did it and then eventually a couple of cables broke. I replaced two by watching the video but the CB kept popping. I took it to 2 service shops, both said they couldn't fix it (or didn't want to knowing how big a job it was) and finally took it to the local Keystone dealer. Two of the larger three slides had to come out. The factory put the slide in catty-wompus and they were binding and the only thing they ride on is a plastic wear strips, not rollers. $5000 later they finally work right and stopped breaking cables. Nine months later and only two trips the slick material on the bottom of the slide that runs on the slide strip is starting to tear again. Dealer says parts are warranted but not the labor. If they have to take that slide out to find what is tearing the material it will cost another 12 hours of labor at $165/h. Frankly I'm repulsed at the poor quality of build (and repair) these vehicles.

Can you change your slides to using rollers? Seems like a slide with no rollers has too much friction over time. I know one thing that really helps mine is keeping the bottom
Clean and lubricated.

[phillyg]

One of my smaller slides has an abraded cable. Showed up in the first year. Looking at it, it appears it was not adjusted properly leading to the near failure. I have the repair kit. I don't think its a common problem.

[Taylortravelor]

Originally Posted by Ting3

Do you have instruction on how to adjust cables.. I've got a 2016 MHC 310RE, my big slide has one side rubbing the linoleum just before it's all the way in?

I had to adjust my same slide. It was traveling out to far on the rear side to were the top of the slide seal wasn't touching the roof.and the floor edge was lower than the front side. The travel nut on the arm rail was out too far pushing the slide to far out .there are some good vidios on how to adjust and square the slides, it was fairly easy and took about an hour to accomplish.

[phillyg]

Originally Posted by Taylortravelor

I had to adjust my same slide. It was traveling out to far on the rear side to were the top of the slide seal wasn't touching the roof.and the floor edge was lower than the front side. The travel nut on the arm rail was out too far pushing the slide to far out .there are some good vidios on how to adjust and square the slides, it was fairly easy and took about an hour to accomplish.

I think you might be referring to adjusting a hydraulic slide v. a cable slide, as I don't think there's a travel nut on an arm rail?

[hdaz]

Shortly after we purchased our 2016 Montana High Country a cable on the living room slide snapped. Not covered under warranty. Recently we had a snapping sound when closing that same slide (March 2020). Took it in to a repair center that I trust (not a dealer). Ultimately determined that the gear box on the slide had malfunctioned and had to be replaced. They also told me that the cabling system was out of adjustment and they were surprised we had not had more issues. I was told the cables should be checked yearly especially if used a lot. I was also told that when closing slides not to run in until stops, but, to close until close then jog in till closed. This will keep the motor from tripping.

[Taylortravelor]

Correct.

[spyle791]

The failure is more the amount of usage than the age. I had this problem. Poor alignment caused the cable to wear at the point it passed thru the metal wall. Easy fix to replace the cable if you’re handy. Fix the alignment while you’re at it. Then check all the other slides for the same condition and correct where necessary.

[stlucia]

I’ve broken 6 cables in about 3 years. Misalignment and cables being stretched too tight was my issue. Once we got that worked out, finally, have not had one break since.

[mlh]

The cable system is really a good system IF and that is a big if, it’s install properly. So many times they aren’t. I checked our camper store several years ago and didn’t find one camper they were even adjusted right let alone installed properly.
Lynwood

[ForBruce]

Originally Posted by sourdough

Here's a link to a video that might prove useful if you've not seen it.

one of the best videos i have seen....explained everything..long but well worth the time

[Dave W]

14 years and nary a broken cable on 2 fivers (hope I didn't jinks myself!).


I use the BAL instructions and check the tightness at least 1X a year and usually more often if we are traveling more then in 2020.


That BAL instruction is a decent guide though is not a final document as you do need to check the tension both in and out and something they kinda alude to doing in both the video and printed versions. What I find a little confusing is when they squeeze the cables to determine tension - what kind of pressure constitute that squeeze to 1" on a particular cable length. It's a lot easier on the 13foot slde then the 6 foot.



Gearwrench or similar ratcheting wrenches work well, both 3/8" and 7/16" are needed as well as a mid size Vise Grip pliers

[Ting3]

I've made the adjustment on my large slide that was very much out of adjustment... but now when I bring the slide in it tip's the breaker with about one ft. To being all the way in.
It never has done this before until I made the change.
Any ideas as to why this would happen. Thanks