Introduction
Although RV slide-outs give us additional living space, they also have their own share of mechanical issues and maintenance work. And being able to take care of such issues is quite vital. Otherwise, instead of going on a camping trip, you might have to take a trip to the repair shop.
So, one such issue is RV slide-out switch problems. If the switch is somehow damaged or doesn’t seem to be working, what should you do? You can find out by reading this article.
In this article, we are going to tell you how to troubleshoot any slide-out switch related problem.
So, without further ado, let’s dive into it.
Primary Checking
Before jumping to conclusions and thinking about the worst-case scenarios, there are a few things you need to check. Checking these may seem totally ridiculous, but these situations are completely realistic and are easy to fix.
Charged Batteries
You’re pushing the slide-out switch trying to extend or retract your slide-outs. But they just won’t budge. In that case, before assuming that somethings wrong with the switch, make sure that your batteries are fully charged.
If your RV doesn’t have the juice, your slide-outs won’t budge!
Slide Obstructions
If you push your slide-out button but nothing happens, double-check and make sure that the path of the slide-out is not blocked. Something stuck in your slide out can be an easy fix. So go check before pulling your switchboard apart looking for switch related problems.
You’ll surely hear the motor laboring if something is stuck in it. So, make sure to keep an ear out for odd sounds too!
Damage to the Rail System
Another thing to check before inspecting the slide-out switch is the rail system. issues in the slide-out movement may happen due to the damaged rail system. If the rail gets bent or twisted, then the slide out’s driving mechanism may experience difficulties.
So, after inspecting for any foreign objects in the slide-out system, inspect the rail system.
Insufficient Lubrication
There are a lot of moving parts in the slide-out system. These parts require proper lubrication from time to time. If you don’t keep the slide-out mechanism lubricated, you will sooner or later have some issues with it.
If you discover a lubrication issue early, you may be lucky enough not to have to deal with the wiring and stuff.
Motor Overload
Motor overload usually happens due to drag in the slide-out. This is caused by objects that don’t belong there, as well as by bent or otherwise damaged rails.
When faced with such resistance, the motor is forced to draw excess current, which could ultimately lead to the motor getting damaged.
Now that we have finished the primary checking, now let’s move on to the real business and try to find the slide-out switch problems.
RV Slide Out Switch Problems Troubleshooting
First, you have to know whether your slides are mechanical or hydraulic. You can find it out just by looking in your owner’s manual, or you can give the service department a call to find out if you’re not sure.
Once you’ve figured that out, it’s time to start the troubleshooting.
Mechanical Slide Outs
- First, check all the fuses and see if any have blown or not. Also, try to find out if there is any disconnected or loose wiring.
- Make sure the batteries are charged completely. And if possible, plug your RV into shore power. If the battery isn’t the issue, check for the disconnect switch. This will clear out whether the problem is the batteries or not.
- If you push the button for the slide-outs and hear the motor working but the slides don’t move, check the motor’s shear pins. There’s a chance that one or both of the shear pins are broken.
- If these tests don’t work, that means the control board may be bad. If that’s the case, you have to take it to a repair shop.
Hydraulic Slide Outs
- First of all, check the hydraulic hoses for leaks. And check the pressure of the pumps to make sure there’s enough pressure to move the slides.
- Then, make sure the hydraulic valve is working. If it’s not, it could prevent fluid from getting where it needs to go.
- Check the hydraulic pump too. If you hear any weird noise when you try to extend the slides, it could be the pump trying to work.
Next up is changing the switch itself. So, let’s see how that is done.
RV Slide Out Switch Problems Repairing
If you open the Switch panel you will be able to see if there’s any abnormality inside the board. Some of the things that you may notice are
- Wires going to the slide-out switch are too short.
- The switch itself is damaged.
- The mounting tab is damaged.
If you see something like these, you can try the following things.
However, before you start, we would like to say that we don’t recommend this step if you are not comfortable with electronics. And suggest you go to a mechanic.
But if you must do it, you will need some tools
Tools Need for the Repair
- A replacement switch
- Lugs
- Connectors
- Jumper wires
Now, let’s get into the repairing process
Repairing Process
- First, carefully open up the switchboard.
- Next, remove the existing switch, lugs, and Connectors.
- Then, take 3 jumper wires and mark them (1, 2, 3) using a sharpie.
- Next, connect the jumper wires with the new switch.
- After that, bundle all the wires together and tie them up with an electrical wire.
- Finally, button up the panel and you’re ready to go.
And this is how you can repair a busted switchboard and rewire it.
Conclusion
So, by following these steps you can find what is the cause of your RV slide-out switch problems. And hopefully, fix them.
Did you have issues with your slide-outs before? How did you get them fixed? Leave us a comment to share your experiences, or let us know if there are other tips we missed!
Happy driving!
