Slide Fix Failure!
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 22 เม.ย. 2023
- Today didn't turn out as planned but I thought I would share where I fell short and what I think the end fix will be. Slides on the RV are never fun to have stuck and not working. Once I get the metal runners for the slide made and the proper thickness I think it will make the slide last even longer and more reliable.
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I like the idea for the roller tracks. One option that I have used for "tracks" when I was a machine systems builder is HDPE. It is available in a 1/8" x 24" x 48" sheet from McMaster Carr- 8619K76 for $23 and change. It is easily machined with common wood working tools and is relative durable. With five rails to support the load it should hold up ok- just a suggestion....
Smart move testing with one before putting them all in. As always your content is gold!
Have the same system and same failure underneath. I honestly didn't think of metal strips. Thanks for helping me get through the learning curve.
Thanks for sharing this with us 😊
Jared as always I love your detail in your explanations. I agree with others on HDPE and do all 5 so you have a level load. I appreciate your wins and misses. Doing something is always better than doing nothing and complaining.
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your learning opportunity. Our trailer has no slides, so I didn't know about this roller damage issue. It's something to keep an eye on if/when we upgrade to a larger rig.
You seem to be always thinking ahead. It’s a great idea Jared. We continue to learn more and more from you with each video! Thank you
Thanks! Glad the videos are helping.
Nice lesson! Thanks.
Thank you
Actually I’m a bit surprised that Vroom didn’t add these roller pads, the price they charge and knew about this issue, they should have suggested and installed them.
IMHO, Just another example of a manufacturing "shortcut" that causes damage that they likely would consider "normal wear". It could be eliminated on the assembly line at relatively low cost and minimal added weight, but it becomes a problem for the owner.
I agree completely. It wouldn’t cost much to do it right the first time
Thanks for the info. I had the Vroom installed after your video on it. I will be keeping an eye out now on the bottom of the slide I had it installed on.
Like others have said I don't see it as a failure as much as trying to discover the 'sweet spot' for the correct density of the metal strip to resolve the issue. In a nutshell, you identified the problem and found the solution. You just need the right materials to complete the fix. Keep up the great work!!
Thanks!
I had a similar problem with my 5th wheel. I used 20 gauge stainless on my slides and they’ve held up for the last 3 years. Also, do the countersink and I also put silicone on the ski to assist with waterproofing. Good Luck..
Fascinating. I’m surprised that the thinner stuff didn’t work. Maybe if all 5 rollers had the thinner one, there wouldn’t be so much pressure on that one? Anyhow, good luck and keep us posted!
To admit when things did not work out is not an easy thing for a lot of us (that’s me). We tend to justify and put blame on something other than our selves. You could have decided not to even post the video. So, you are the man! Oh! I did notice it doesn’t appear that you have slide skis on the sides. Critical item for water not getting to the floor.
Good information
Thx for this information great ideas
Looking forward to your follow up video 😃
Wondering why Vroom didn't do this at the time of installation.
I used a 3/16 in Poly material for the strips, worked well. Hindsight I would use full sheets to do the entire bottom to re-enforce the OSB. I got it as a whole sheet and had to cut the strips,DUH! I also used a good construction adhesive as well.
Excellent video
Thanks
Jared thanks for sharing, hopefully you’ll show us your finished product when you get it completed.
Good show. !
with patience comes success !
So true
Just had Vroom installed and yes there is reinforcement for rollers travel.
great informative video!
I was the administrative support for a university scientific group for 28 years and if I learned anything it is that just because something doesn't turn out the way you expect it to it is still a win because you learned something from the experience. Saw many students work unmerciful hours in the lab and not get the results they hoped for. But, it was still a big win for them.
Thanks for the kind words.
Saved for future reference.
We have a 2018 model 28bh. I’m so glad ours came with a rack and pinion system on the big slide. I don’t care for schwintec on larger slides.
I completely agree.
I certainly don’t see failure - I see opportunity to learn. And you’re a great teacher to help me see it that way!
You could have gone to a local sheet metal shop and had them fabricate some pieces to the final size you want.
My roller plates is 1/8 inch thick aluminum. Aluminum does not have issues with rust and rust will attract moisture which cause more rust. Check with local metal dealers you also can get Aluminum plate on line, it is not cheap.
We made a appointment at Vroom slides but canceled it, $5k plus was just to much to put into our slide, We added more roller from Etrailer we did roller side by side all the way down the slideout, basically tripped the about of roller, it helped, and now want to try stronger rollers, wish the Vroom was in our budget.
When I had my Vroom upgrade done in December, they now put very nice metal plates on where the rollers are. Problem solved. I have a 28BH the same as you.
I have the same problem with my 2000 Monaco Dynasty. There is a product called Guardian plates that I need to send them the measurements and they will make them for me. Thanks for the video.
I watched another install video of this new slide gear system, and they installed stainless strips on all rollers for the customer they were doing, they even had molded ones for the slide ends that wrapped around the edge, maybe reach out to them for the steel strips they are installing.
Here is something I found, you can get metal laser cut for about 10% more than you can just buy the material yourself, sometimes you can get it for cheaper than you can find it from normal homeowner vendors. Just a thought. I’d also opt for ss vs electroplated or galvanized.
This video encapsulates one of the reasons that we did NOT want a slide when we were searching for our first travel trailer! RVs have enough problems without needing to deal with issues regarding slides!!
Yes they definitely do come with their share of problems to work through.
@@AllAboutRVs Thank you for the reply! Your knowledge, experience, know how, delivery and video skills are among the best on YT. That is why I am a subscriber and why your channel continues to grow!
I used 20 gauge on our Montana when I did that to ours.
Thanks. I’ll give that a try.
Good video
Thanks!
I've had 2 RVs with the Schwintek system. The first was a Lance trailer with a 7 foot slide. In the 4 years I had the Lance I never had a problem. The second RV was a Tiffin Wayfarer with a 15 foot slide. In less than 6 months one of the tracks got so chewed up that the slide no longer worked. My take from these experiences is that the Schwintek system is OK for smaller, lighter slides, but not so good for larger, heavier slides. Your Vroom upgrade looks to be a significant improvement and will probably last much longer. Good luck.
Yes the smaller slides it’s fine but these larger ones have a hard time.
You might try what other manufacturers use. Sheet ABS plastic.
Possibly try a more rigid stainless push plate or kick plate used on door bottoms.
My RV god's must be watching over me! I'm just now de-winterizing my rv and observed this exact problem with my bedroom slide, 3 rollers, 3 problems, my problem is a bit more severe than yours! I have been thinking about how I could reinforce the wood surface with a metal strip where the damage is but I didn't have a good idea how to add short metal strips that wouldn't damage the weather rubber strips, (I didn't consider adding long strips that would extend inside and beyond the weather strips), basically a full-length runway for both the weather strips and the rollers to ride on without damage. My damage is where the rollers are resting when the slide is retracted for storage or travel, and the osb is literally crushed under the weight of the overhead load. I'm going to need to go a bit beyond your example of repair, but you have given me a second set of eyes and another idea to go forward.
Flatstock, we use it for backing behind drywall. 10' L x 6" W, they sell it at least 20 ga. I'm not for sure but 14 ga. as well...all can be purchased at a drywall steel stud supply store.
Thanks for the tip.
To confirm you need a thicker sheet, my Tiffin Phaeton has the Vroom upgrade on the two rear opposing bedroom slides. The install was performed at Vroom in Tucson and they used much thicker runners. Appropriate thickness is .100 thousands (10th inch) looks like high tensile aircraft alum. Narrower slides. Using only 2 runner on each slide. I am told Tiffin is offering the Vroom option over Swinntech. Work nice. Low maintenance. 😊
Offering the vroom option? Yikes if there is a problem just do it
By installing just one strip, you made that thicker than the wood under the other four rollers, which concentrated all the stress on that ONE strip. Also, may I am concerned with capillary action, drawing in water between the strip and the wood. I like your positive attitude, and can't wait to see your following videos!
I’ll be sure to post the final result
I have always overbuilt, thicker metal better, as long as there is room for the extra shim. Trying it out before doing them all good idea but keep in mind by doing only one you put the majority of the weight on that one roller which may have contributed to the metal creasing?
Had this happen to the closte slide out on my 2021 sandpiper. Tried couple of different metal sheets from big box stores and they was to thin. Finally went to a metal shop and got 1/16 stainless and works like a champ. I would recommend maybe even trying 1/32. Stainless isnt as flexible and tends to be better at load bearing. This repair has lasted over a year now with no issues
1/16 should be ok but my concern would be increased pressure on the rollers and premature failure of the roller bushings. I'm interested to know your thoughts.
@@bw6078 after a year of this repair being done i havent seen any issues with excessive wear on the rollers or anything that would make me think it is stressing the bearings. It is a great trail of thought to follow. For me it came down to which is the less of 2 evils. Take chance of over stressing the rollers or let it keep detroying the wood deck. I think had the builder used better materials. For example plywood for the deck instead of OSB then we wouldnt have to make repairs like this. If i could have figued out some way to have cut away the OSB and replaced it with plywood then I would have fixed it that way
Great tips thank you, I’ll checkout these options when I get to a town that has a few more options available.
Thankis Jared - Not sure why the Schwintek was used on anythinhg but the smallest of slideouts... - They should know their limitations. :)
Great video - looking forward to part two. - Cheers!
Whats considered a small slideout?
@@mycharmedunicorn8715 Something like one for the head of a bed or a closet (around 6-feet wide and 2 feet deep with limited weight bearing required).
Interesting video, I hope your fix works for your issue. I'm wondering,,,, wouldn't the aluminum trim scratch your flooring inside as the slides are going in & out.
I would not call it a failure... it was a test of one possible solution. Now you can mark it it of the list of possibilities and move to a better solution.
I have had issues with Schwintek slide and rollers also on our 5th wheel also. Note to self: I will NEVER get another slide unless it is rack and pinion. I know bedroom slides are typically Schwintek but less issues with smaller.
Schwintek slides are absolute garbage for larger heavy slides.
I did the same thing using 14ga stainless. It was expensive. Six precut pieces 10"x30" cost me $440. I think that some "quality" RV's do this. I saw it on a Tiffin. I don't know if it was factory or aftermarket.
Very interested in seeing the follow up as I have this same model rv just one year newer before they switched this slide to rack and pinion. Now I have something else to check. Although while I assume living in your rv you open the slide a lot more than I do I still want to address this before it become a issue. Question is will adding the additional thickness for the rollers to ride on move the slide out of alignment with the gears or is that not a concern??
Great video as usual, what I learned was there is an alternative to the schwintek slide system. You mentioned a slide system you used and I guess I missed the product name,etc. who did the replacement and where can I get the system you used? Thanks again for your video and many others you produce.
I’m looking forward to your final fix.
Have you done a video on what to do if your side is stuck open?
I have been told when operating the side to open it fully and close fully. Never open partially then close as it causes the motors to loose synchronized motion. Is this a rumor?
I really enjoy your videos, no doubt the best overall DIY channel
Thanks! I’ll add that to my list of video ideas I’m planning. Yes with the Schwintek it’s better not to stop in the middle. With the Vroom it doesn’t matter and you can stop and start as wanted.
Great video, what kind of Jack did you use? I need to do the same thing.
Where did you get the bottle jack extension....could be real handy.
I wonder if you used all 5 metal pieces if it wouldn't have dented. With just 1, it is taking more load than it would be with all 5. I probably need to do this with my master slide.
I'm amazed that your large slide is running in & out on OSB. Maybe an industry practice? Your 'liveabord' lifestyle probably creates a higher frequency of in & out slide use...and so part of the issue? Our slide bottom by contrast is laminate. We too swapped Schwintec for Vroom, thanks to your earlier video. Big difference!
Yes the OSB is definitely not the material I would have used there and our frequency of use has definitely sped up the deteriorating effect on it. Glad to here you are enjoying the Vroom system.
It was interesting to see just how much the steel deformed. It means the the wood underneath is deforming that much each time you run them in and out. Another roller to help spread the load possibly? Also did you switch to this system or did you have it done?
“You don’t have to jack it much, just enough to get it in” 😉
Some have used PTFE or nylon sheet to fabricate runners and place under the rollers. It is hard enough to withstand the pressure of the slide runner across the roller. Wouldn't use anything thicker than 1/8".
Thanks, I’ll check that out.
Jared, I tried this same approach with my Schwintek bedroom slide where the rollers were indenting the wood. I used 1/8" aluminum sheet I cut to your approx. dimensions. It turned out, to my surprise, that 1/8" was too thick. The slide would barely go in and out, even though it looked like the teeth in the slide mechanism were still in the middle of the grooves. I will need to go thinner, but where is the sweet spot?
Cut2sizeMetals 👍
Need that jack where did you get it
Any concern with rubbing on the floor inside the trailer and damaging it?
When adding to a Swinntech slide, do you foresee any issues with the track/motor height? Its my understanding that even a small variation in the track and motor height can cause problems in a Swinntech. Thanks
I just saw GD is no longer using those slides across all 5th wheels. Wish I had waited but my 22 might get traded in for 2024 model if they are built stronger/better learning from the 2020-23 units? Seems like the 2024 models are pushing solar, 12v across most items, better AC and heater units, and who maybe more designs like Lightship? What did you think about that design?
What is the extension for your bottle jack? Or is it part of the jack?
Slides are kind of a nightmare. I've got a Lance 1081 camper that has a dinette slide. It's also got the fridge and a small closet that go out on the slide. I urban camp almost all the time and don't run the slide out. But on right hand ramps and turns, the slide slips out. I'm looking for a way to keep it from doing that. I'm thinking about a bracket under the table that holds it from rolling out. If the top still slips I may have to put one on top as well. My only concern it the amount of pressure it will exert on the inner wall. If I make it the full length on top the from corner to corner of the slide it probably won't be an issue. Underneath there's much more structure so it shouldn't be a problem.
Does jacking the slide out effect alignment and how do you determine how far to jack it up?
Where did you get the jack extension?
Thank you Jared. Just an observation: because you installed one piece of metal on ONE roller this likely caused a significant increase in loading on that roller, resulting in the deformation of the metal. Had you installed metal under ALL the rollers you may not have seen the extent of deformation that you did. That said, I do think you are smart to go with a heavier gauge metal. Safe travels, Bob in Grand Rapids, MI
I just saw your FINAL FIX video !! Awesome job !!
What about sealing the repair? I'd be concerned about water intrusion where each of the screws penetrated the OSB - especially near each outside edge.
It’s only a failure if you didn’t learn from it. Edison found 1999 ways how not to make a lightbulb then he tried the 2000th way…..great video!
You used to have some wiring diagrams for how you connected all your swtiches, fuses, bus bars, etc. in you RV but I no longer see them available. Am I just looking in the wrong place?
When they changed the system why did they not do the metal plates they did replace the rollers right?
When your slide comes in, is there enough clearance so that the edges of the metal will not tear up the floor. Most slide I have seen tip in as they go over the roller.
Yes we have good clearance on the slide when it’s in.
The manufacturer should have used a full length roller, and not chip board. Either way, they make thin neoprene sheets, that are durable, weather and rust proof and super thin that would cure that issue.
At the Grand Design Rally last year (2022), I was camped next to a guy that had installed some kind of plastic strips to protect the OSB. I didn’t get a chance to ask what he used, but seems plastic material could work as well.
Probably the same ones people can get for inside, slide roller guards. 🍻
@@SpykersB
I may have missed it--did you add the extra roller or did the Vroom people during the modification? If you added the roller, how did you do it?
Will these scrape the floor inside?
If you can find a Metal Mart they can take care of your needs.
Not slide related 😬 but would like to know if you would make a video with recommendations for new RVers ( Grand Design 261bh) with the add-ons, supplies that you would think most important for a family going out 5-10 times per year, sometimes just for a weekend. Since we aren’t transitioning to full time RV Life (yet), what should we focus on? We will be camping in Michigan, which is where we live and we’ll have a travel trailer put away about 6 months out of the year.
I’ll see what I can come up with.
First 5k for a 2002 35 ft Luxury by design travel trailer with washer and dryer front loading in the bathroom. Big place
Not a failure in the least. Just another step in figuring out the right way to do it.
So true.
I am surprised that Vroom didn’t install the metal when they installed the new slide mechanism. It seems like Vroom did an incomplete job.
It’s like the RV manufacturer, install minimal, never mind the problem it creates next month. Agree with you, if they’re going to invent a product that’s suppose to be superior than address the problems it creates as well. Not impressed. 🍻
It would have been nice if it could have been done at the same time but it is separate from their system. This would have worn the same on the Schwintek system as well.
Maybe aluminum sheet .125 littlel Lighter
Where did u get the jack extensions from?
Here is the video we made about them.
th-cam.com/video/SfHAqbjHjK8/w-d-xo.html
Jerod I am swapping out my schwintek slide for a vroom slide on my 2022 grand design reflection 226rk. In September at vroom factory in Tucson. I probably should add the metal for the rollers as you tried to do here. What gauge metal would you recommend. I had trouble with the slide on our first trip last year. Which was fixed however I believe it is just a matter of time before we have issues again, this the reason to change.
Vroom emailed me after I published this video and they now make the wear plates they are made out of 10ga stainless.
@@AllAboutRVs awesome
Question, why didn’t you just put a whole sheet of metal to cover the entire bottom? Love all your videos !!!
That’s not a bad idea, it would probably have to be 2 pieces because of size but that could make it last much longer.
Did you swap out the origin slide hardware with the Vroom system? If you did the swap yourself could you please post how you did the swap?
We had them do it last year. th-cam.com/video/bTH3kIByLYM/w-d-xo.html
I’ve seen ABS used…
I am not RVing yet, but hope to in the next year or so. I enjoy your videos. You’ve probably addressed this question already, but are you full time RV? You look way too young to be retired, so do you and/or your wife work while on the road?
Yes we have been full time in the RV for seven years and still work.
I usually get things right on the third try......
What is that pipe on your bottle jack?
Here you go.. th-cam.com/video/SfHAqbjHjK8/w-d-xo.html
What thickness did you use in the video? I'm curious if you're aiming for around .080 - .116" what the actual was. Edit: I forgot to ask what material type/condition is it?
26 gauge is what was in the video, someone in the comments said they used 20 gauge.
Thanks! Yeah that seems super thin. I bet you'll have a ton more luck with the thicker stuff, accounting for clearance and such.
Metal Supermarket : they can help..
Thanks!