Slide problems

[Woody]

I have a 2012 Montana High Country 343RL, 38 ft. I have a problem with my two heavier slides, the kitchen slide, and living room slide, They are moved by cable, and if we are not plugged into power, the batteries can barely move these slides. I bought new batteries last summer when this started, and no difference. I replaced batteries this spring on warranty, but slides are no better. Our Keystone dealer closed in our area, and other dealer is stumped. Any ideas on my problem. Thanks, Woody.

[rohrmann]

Check both 12 volt positive connections all the way from the batteries to both slides and also check the ground connections. Sounds like poor connections.

[Woody]

Thanks Bob, your suggestion makes sense and certainly worth a try., cheers,

[1retired06]

Also check the connections on the cable slide motors themselves

[jcurtis934]

A reading of the battery positive to ground will tell you what the resting voltage is. A reading on the slide motor will tell you the voltage drop from battery to motor due to the lenght of the cables as well as the size of the cables. You really don't want to see a big difference between these readings. A repeat of these readings when someone activates the slide will tell you how much "sag" you get from the motor current. This will tell you battery health, connection issues, etc. There could be several issues on this one problem. By the problem being "more" evident without being plugged into the campground power tells you that the circuit isn't getting enough power for the motor to operate adequately. Good luck on finding your issue. John

[Lenny K]

On my SOB(Open Range)I had the same problem. As suggested by jcurtis934, the cause was the wiring to the slide motors that was too small and not enough voltage was able to get to the motors. As said by jcurtis934, check your voltage at the motors to see if this is your problem also.

[mlh]

I have a 323 HC. My main slide is longer than any of yours. When I move it it's slow and you can here the motor straining. The other 2 are much faster and much quieter. If it's is too slow check the cable adjustment. I haven't seen one that was adjusted the way the manufacturer says it should be. There should be some slack in the 4 cables that are not pulling. If all 8 cables are tight they are adjusted wrong.
Lynwood

[Woody]

Hi mph, I did have my trailer into my dealer who worked on the cables for 4 hrs, and no improvement, however they felt there was. I have been back to chat with them about connections as suggested by others on this forum and they admit, they did not check that, and will do that. Appointment is made so my fingers are crossed. Appreciate your suggestions, everyone!

[Woody]

follow up on my slides. a further electrical checkup found that the proper amount of voltage going in and coming out of my slide motors was correct. Second repair shop felt it was all 3 slide motors were weak, so 3 slide motors were ordered, and replaced, and now all slides are working fine. My question now is, what would cause all 3 motors to break down at the same time.

[jcurtis934]

It might have been that that wrong motors were installed in this model. I don't know what would be used in keystone applications, but the assembly person could well have used power units meant for much lighter units. If they were the wrong units to start with, they might have been subjected to enough stress trying to move the slides which would have meant more heat buildup in the motors. did you look at the motors yourself before taking it in to a dealer so you would know what part numbers were in there prior to replacement? If so, then it is easy to see if the power units were upgraded to better units or the same units put back in...which may result in similar issues. John