Schwintek RV Slide Motor Failure...Replace or Repair?
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- Опубликовано: 5 окт 2024
- I had a viewer contact me with a slide out problem on his Leprechaun. While retracting the main slide the slide stopped working and hasn't worked since. Upon bringing it to the shop I started to tear into it only to discover that because the slide was in, I couldn't remove the motor. I also couldn't extend the slide with the motor in...so join me as I figure out this puzzle box.
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And it’s still working great. I know because that was my MH. Thanks again for a job well done.👍
You're welcome I'm sorry that it took a couple days to get to. I'm glad you enjoyed the video
I have to thank you once again !!!
We were going camping for the weekend packed up and the living room slide did not want to move . Thanks to this video in less than a hour and a half we we’re pulling out. Same black wire was loose and a quick repair and we were gone !!!
I know this video is old but it just saved me a ton of time and trouble and rescued our vacation as the slide got stuck and a wire broke off the motor and was able to get the motor out and fix it! I've had nothing but trouble with this Schwintek since I've had it it is a 22 model but I'm slowly learning how to fix everything on it especially thanks to this video!!! Thank you so much for keeping our summer vacation on schedule we are headed out today!
Glad it helped!
No two ways about it. You’re an amazing technician.
Thank you very much.
Excellent
This video saved my bacon! Exact same problem on our 2014 Thor Challenger 37gt. I was having no luck finding a solution and then found your video. I used your technique with the battery to move the slide out enough to get the screw out and changed the motor out. About 30 min total! Thank you so much for making these self help videos!!
Awesome to hear! You're very welcome
WTF! Where in the universe do you give this video a thumbs down? Really 14? This is some the best unrestricted DIY information available to date on the web. Great job and thanks.
Haters gonna hate lol Thanks!
It's amazing how far technology has come , that little motor moving all that weight , the old starters I used to replace as a kid in the late 70's early 80's were monsters, very nice work ( once again) patient man you are.
Those motors and little wires moving full wall slides impresses me too. Thanks!
I too had the same issue and this Video has saved me a lot of money. It was not easy to get to the back power lead, but I managed. I even contacted Schwintek and I was told to disconnect the connector to the 2 motors and get a group of beef cakes and push it out. This was video was a real life savor. Thanks.
that's great news, those little motors are expensive little guys. Thanks!
Thank you Schwintek and the RV industry in general for making life easier every chance you get. Now the owner wants to sell his RV I wonder why? You ask what can you do about it? The answer do not buy slide outs using the Schwintek System. My slide out uses the system and it scares me every time I use it. If you think I’m just a hater go ahead and go buy one you’ll find out.
I do not think it was the slide that made him sell his coach, but yeah, I'm not a big fan of this system either. Thanks for watching.
Nice job fixing the old motor black lead and reinforcing the loom. Agreed that hot melt glue would have been a nice way to reinforce.
Thanks for watching!
I'm always impressed with the quality of your work.
Thank you, that's very encouraging!
Every time you do these slide fixes you need to post. We ALL have slide problems!! Great video👍
Thanks, I'll do my best for sure
Now that I’ve torn mine apart and am so mad your humor provides some relief thanks 😂
I too have had problems with them. My final fix after watching every video and reading and trying every fix on line was to replace both motors. I tried to get by with replacing the weakest one but when I did the “good” one was then the slower one that would not sync. There is tension setting adjustment but even it did not help. I used a heavy grinder and a sawzall after trying Dremel tool and file and getting nowhere. I also replaced with a new version that has a rubber skin to keep out water. I feel this was the root cause water getting in when I would retract slide. I have also added a slide topper. Hope this helps
yes I completely understand. That's why I wanted to fix this one, rather than have to replace both motors so that the slide would work. It's a very frustrating conversation to have with an owner and let them know I have to replace both motors because Lippert changed ratios after building the slide. Thanks for sharing!
Thank you professor James. Learned a lot as usual. I had two fail on my previous motorhome Winnebago Spirit, one under warranty then other out.
Yikes
We had to fix one of these last year that was stuck in the in position. In the end, we pulled the plastic corner cap off of the outside and drilled a hole in the aluminum fascia so we could get a screwdriver on the screw and extract it. After putting the corner cap back on you couldn't tell a difference.
I was likely going to go down that road if the motor was dead. Glad to know it's a viable option. Thanks!
I sure enjoy learning from all your videos ! Keep em coming !
I really appreciate the encouragement. Thanks for watching!
Nice video. Learned a lot about slideouts. I don't have any issues.....yet. Trying to get an idea of how it is all working. One little comment.... it was difficult for me to tell what the silicone was actually in contact with besides the insulated portion of the wires. Silicone actually conducts electricity. It is a semiconductor. It appears that you aren't having any issues. It could be that the silicone isn't touching any of the solder joints (I can't tell from the video). Also, the voltage (12V) is low enough where you likely won't get a jump between opposite polarity solder joints. If used on a higher voltage system, you could have issues, or at a minimum a very high impedance short circuit/ground. Nice presentation. Thanks
I think everything conducts electricity at high enough voltage, but I've never ran into that at 12vdc with 100% silicone sealant. Thanks
Standard formulations of silicone are known for excellent electrical insulation, to the point where there's no decline in insulation performance even when silicone is immersed in water. As such, a lot of the silicone parts or materials you'll find will not have any conductive properties.
Exactly. Mine was stuck in and only one side worked. Seems like they’d have the release screw accessible from the out side. I will mark the camper and remove the corner cap and drill and access hole so I can remove said screw if the room is stuck in. Mine the black cable was bad at the motor plug-in. Thanks!
you're welcome. I do find the system to be frustrating
Good fix, thank you very much for sharing this video James. Happy trails!
Thanks for watching!
Excellent Job AZ, you explain it well and showed some technical tricks of what-how-when and everything in between.
Thanks for the detailed description. 👍 to you for an excellent video of the madness of fixing these ever breaking toys😆. Hope your channel is growing because you definitely deserve it ✅.
Thank you very much. The channel is growing steadily...it just went over 1800 subscribers which I am very proud and thankful for. I am happy to know so many viewers like you learn something from them. Thanks!
I’ve been looking for this exact video! Manually way of powering the motor!! Now I know. My slide is stuck in just like this one.
Now that I’m accessing motors, may be a good time to solder a jumper for instances like this.
Glad I could help
This video has helped me understand this better than any thing I have found so far, and I've been researching, I have this slide in my 2018 Georgetown. If you couldnt solder the motor up enough to extend it far enough to access the motor retention screw, what do you think you would have had to do to get the motor out? My first thought, if I knew exactly where the srew was, is to drill a large enough hole from the outside to get to the screw. Can you think of a better, less destructive way?
Thanks again for sharing your knowledge and skills.
If the motor was dead, it would have had to be replaced anyway so I would have just pryed the motor until it broke free...in other words I would have destroyed the motor housing that the screw interlocks with. Definitely do not drill the hole from the outside. Now some report being able to push the slide out manually with great effort at slow speeds, but I think that tends to risk damaging the box, floor, fascia, and rack assembly too much. I am happy you enjoyed the video and found it helpful. Thanks for watching
My understanding is you can push a button on the slideout module 5 times then disconnect 2 wires at the module which releases the brake on the motor then you can push it out or in the plug the wires back in which will activate the brake. The module is usually found in one of the storage bays
To push the slide in or out the motor needs to be disconnected...which was done by the broken solder ....but it is still an incredibly difficult task on a big slide, by yourself and to extend from the inside without bracing against walls, cabinets, and trim that should not be braced against. Thanks!
Nice soldering job. Definitely saved some cash for the customer. Yeah as I watch your videos and do research, I’m not a fan of schwintech slides. Glad you didn’t have to destroy everything to remove the motor. 👍🏼
I really lucked out with just a broken wire. I am also not a fan of the mechanism either, but manufacturers and buyers don't listen to me. :) Thanks for watching!
The expense of the motor unit is the torque multiplier unit while the motor is much less to replace. Looks to be an inherent design problem that they make to prevision for strain release and wire support of the soldered wires. Hot glue or a rubberized glue/silicone may help support the wires on older revision unit. The new motor shows a header connector now soldered into the board which is a wire support mechanism.
for sure the new motors have a strain relief, I just can't imagine anyone designing a motor without one intially though
Enjoyed the vid. Two words to the industry Lords: ‘Service Ports’. Don’t just design for pretty, design so it can be serviced and maintained. Your customers will be happier with lower labor bills, customers won’t have to wait as long for service, techs will be happy because it won’t be a pain in the butt to fix things and you will sell more units because your customers will like what you sell. Pretty only lasts so long - ask any prom queen.
From the manufacturers point of view, it really only has to make it the first year
Great useful video. Might need this for my Thor Magnitude some day!
I saw or read somewhere that its not necessary to have that motor retention screw. I want to say that recommendation came from Lippert. When replacing the motor just do not re-install the screw.
I haven't heard of that, I always put it back
@@AZExpert It would be interesting to see if newer RV's using this motor have the screw. It really is a very poor design as you can attest it's almost impossible to access if the slide is in.
I'm a RV tech and you simply use the switch to move the side that works while pushing the other side out by hand once you disconnect the motor
Thanks my guy, I'd suggest making a video of the process you are descibing so we have a better understanding of the easier way.
I just had one with a short in it..as in this video it was the black wire but it was on the connector side not the motor side... unfortunately u have to pop the motor up and out to be able to manually push the slide...simply un hooking it won't let u push as the motor is what keeps it from moving on its own. Definitely could have been a better design for sure
I really enjoy watching all of your videos, thanks for sharing your knowledge. The sarcasm is classic, but I guess you need to have it when dealing with such shoddy equipment.
I am happy to hear you are enjoying the channel! Thanks!
Mind boggling Manuf keep using this slide mech. Someone is getting some backend payouts
it's a money point only
Our manual says to unplug the motor connections at the controller which releases the motor brakes which allows you to push the slide in or out by hand.
yeah, I know. It's not an easy process especially by yourself. I'd recommend trying it before relying on that method, but bracing inside the motorhome without breaking cabinets or flooring was my major concern. Thanks!
@@AZExpert My friend is having a problem with his Schwintec slide in His Grand Design. The Kitchen slide has extended fine but when retracting one side stops after about 3 inch's. There are no error codes. When observing the controller both green and red lights blink until the one side stops, then the red light goes solid red. All the lights go out when the wall switch is released. The slide sounds like it is binding on the one side but can't see anything. Not sure when or if the rails were ever lubricated so were going to do that next time we go out to the rv. We have tried the manual override and unplugging the motors at the controller but were unable to push it in.
Creative approach to a complex problem. Great video..
Glad you think so!
Well done! I'm learning loads! ☺
What about adding a access hole on the slides outer trim piece? Obviously you would have to locate this access hole in line with motor hold down screw. Then use a rubber hole plug to hide? Seems like a good idea for the manufacturers of the rv to add into there design
I have little luck drilling holes like that correct the first or third time. Likely the slide would settle a bit over time and the hole wouldn't line up. My fail safe was to destroy the motor casing. Thanks!
Did anyone else notice that the fuse box/ breaker panel is on The bathroom wall? So when the slide-out is in the breaker panel is blocked? What if the slide out fuse blew and you can’t access it lol.
Oh the things manufacturers never think of...or don't care about. You are very correct!
Great informative video,I have same mh. Were you able to locate the control panel?
Great video! Do you make house calls!? :). We have a 2018 Thor 24FE with the full-wall slide-out. And it "pops" like crazy on the lower right (facing out) and the track teeth are getting chipped at regular intervals - about 3" which is what I figure is the circumference of the gear attached to the motor. And now it's skipped a track-tooth so that when the top is fully retracted the bottom is out about 1/2". Got any ideas? Want to do another video? I'll bring you the RV!
We can, but we're booked out for about three weeks right now. If the rack is chipped and damaged, you will likely need replacement units. On a 2018 it may still be under Lippert warranty. Have you had this looked at yet?
I have swintek slide and when I tried to locate control box for it, I found it on the opposite side of trailer, on the floor, behind a drawer under the oven! The worst location possible! You would have to lay down on your side and try to reach it . Who thought that this was a great location! Sorry, venting a little.
Don't apologize, it's very reassuring to know we're not alone.
But like the old VW beetle you have to take it half way apart to get to anything but the head or tail lights.
LOL
I had the same type of problem when I worked on machine tools.
Another great video and job. I have the same type of slide in my Thor and I’ve had some night mares about this. The friggn manuf and engineers don’t care about how you have to fixed it just give them your money. I know if I have to call someone to come fixed mine I’m sure the hell not going to bitch about the Bill 🥴 too much. Thanks for assisting in my RV Education 👍😎
you're welcome
It looks like when repairing these RV's, you must encompass all the trades. Electrical, mechanical, plumbing, and inventor lol. If the builders of the things would spend a little more time and money it would be a much better product. To learn this craft, is it a hands on education or are there facilities that you can attend to get trained? Awesome repair. Love your videos.
Yes. RV repair includes every trade of home building, including standard automotive, diesel, construction equipment, a/v, electronic/computers, HVAC, on of course appliance repair of all types. But I think sometimes, knowing how to do almost everything means I'm not great at anything. But variety does make work interesting. There are a handful of RV trade "schools", but in general RV techs are made at dealerships and the customer pays for their training! LOL! After 7 years, I thought I knew everything, after 15 years I thought I understood somethings after 20 years I can't believe how little I knew. Thanks for watching.
Genius! You really know your stuff!
That slide seems far too big for a Schwintek mechanism.
This slide was installed and built well. It's an average size, when compared to the full sidewall versions that are made. I didn't show it, but the slide could be pushed out very easily when the motor was removed. This is a sign the slide was built correctly with enough roller support underneath. Thanks!
Question. The screw that holds the motor in place - does it screw in to the motor anywhere or just tightened up against the motor casing. One of my motors (that I replaced) popped up on its own out of position.
Can these motors be replaced from the outside if the slide is out? I have to remove all that trim as well and I would like to save all that work and just get it from the outside
Thanks you so much! This video was gold!!
Glad it was helpful!
I am impressed with your obvious diagnostic and repair skills. Where are you located?
Thank you very much. I am located in Apache Junction, AZ.
Manual overriding the motor by pressing the board button and holding the seventh push will allow you to open the slide
I have seen holes drilled to access the screw. Overriding the control board by pushing and holding the button on seventh push allows you to use wall switch to open the slide.
@@bryanmontgomery4050 the motor has to work for that method
Great detail of your work! Excellent troubleshooting and repair! I hope mine never breaks but if it does, you saved the day. I have a slide question I know you could answer. Is there a way to contact you? Mark
Glad to help azrvexpert@gmail.com
Great video. I like to use a hot glue gun for making a strain relief or to stabilize wiring. Ready in 2-3 minutes. Man, I'm thankful our 2003 Newmar Dutch Star doesn't have that slide out system on it. You don't give up. Thanks for all the videos you post. They are very informative.
I had thought about it, but as these units can get 160 degrees in the summer storage I have seen hot glue spread and didnt want it to jam the motor
They are my favorite systems to work on. Full rail replacement is never fun especially when you have to cut and build from start.
I do not care to work on them, it always seems like an engineering failure that causes problems so I never know how long my repairs will last. Thanks!
@@AZExpert Some people might call that "engineered job security". :)
You don't have to take all that apart to get to motor. Just disconnect at electrical to controller and push out slide. Takes a little muscle to push but you can get it out enough to get screw out on outside with angle drill.
Guess i wasn't strong enough
I understand HaHa! Especially if 500:1 motor. I appreciate your videos, they have provided many great ideas!
Don’t see how this is true. Living it right now. I pushed hard as heck, didn’t budge.
I want to have words with the "smart people" who cooked up that idea.
I would not even harbour the idea building something like that without an manual option (handcrank) and the motors placed in a way they are accessible no matter what position the slide is in.
At least an easy to reach disconnect so the slide can be moved in and out by muscle.
Awesome your a true engineer
At 7mins, 27 secs...what size screw is that? My RV has been in the shop 10 weeks because they said the motor was shipped with no screws! Please tell me what it is and hopefully I can get it tonight at Lowes!
There's nothing special about it. I'd just take the other one out and match it up at at hardware store. I'm baffled that the shop is waiting for that screw, a self-tapping screw will work
Funny had a motor go bad, the dealer wanted $550 but said would give me a deal on it. Amazon had one delivered to my door for $90 + tax.
Oh my, we are currently having this same issue. We can’t get our slide out. I am glade I watched this, but I don’t know how to get it out enough to get to that screw. What do we do? Is there a way to just manually, physically, push it out enough?
if you cannot get access to the motor or hook up power to the red and black wires to drive the motor out, then you need to unplug the motor at the controller or motor and get strong people to push the slide....it is very difficult to push
AZ Expert ok, thank you
First off great job! Next, I have a question regarding one of the slides on my fifthwheel. The slide recently had a motor replaced at Camping World and when I got it back the side where the motor was replaced is out of sync with the bottom of the same side by roughly a 1.5". How would I fix the synchronization issue? And no, I do not plan on taking it back to Camping World. Originally it took them four months to diagnose and replace one motor, after listening to excuse after excuse. Extremely disappointed with the service writer's lack of knowledge and the technician's lack of knowledge and craftsmanship.
Furthermore, what can be done to fix this? Thank you.
if it is out of sync sidetoside. jsut use the wall switch to either fully close or open it. you can get about 1" of sync with each cycle. once one side hits fully open or closed hold the switch down until it stops itself. quickly cycle the switch the opposite direction but stop once you hear the whine of the motor. then reverse the switch again and hold it until it stop. repeat until back in sync. good luck
couldnt you just manually push the slide out to get access to the motor from the outside?
I see so many youtube videos saying they pushed it out "off camera" but without the motor removed it is very difficult, especially for one person pushing it out. I'd have to brace against cabinetry or flooring inside and likely cause much more damage. Thanks!
I’m just curious, why didn’t you just unplug both motors and manually push the slide out?
It is a very difficult task to push manually a large slide
motors are mostly all the same, its the gear box on the end that def . most of the time just swap motors on the gear box its self and you can find them motors on like for like 20$ on ebay , its takes some work but saves alot of money 2ed if the motor is bad you can spin the wheel on the top under the black cover to make the slide move ,, its every every slow doing it that way but you can
I didn't have an option to put power to the motor and manually move it out. So I found out it takes about a 300lb man to push out a slide, one per side to get it moving, Since I am not that big (about your size) a helper and myself in close quarters pushed the none functioning side (it was a bedroom slide) . Note.. you have to brace your selves and it takes a lot of pressure to get it to move, even a couple of inches.
I'm glad to know I'm not the only one to have a difficult time pushing it manually. Everyone says its so easy. Thanks for sharing!!!
One we had a hole where you could crank the slide out
There are definitely many slides that can be cranked by hand, unfortunately, these are not one of those. To manually retract it, both motors have to be lifted and then the slide should just push in. The motors are also the brakes of the slide. Thanks!
Great vid. Have a Sunseeker with the full slide as you were working on. I have an issue where the motors are out of synch. The front slide is touching the sidewall whereas the back sticks out similar to your vid. I have tried what i think is all combinations to synch and get the back end flush, but nothing seems to work. Any ideas. Thanks
if the front is touching the wall when extended, start the retract cycle for a split second. as soon as the motor begins to move stop the slide and extend it holding the switch down. This should for ce the slide to sense the stall at the front and allow the rear motor to "catch up" for .5 to 1" then the slide will stop. Repeat the process until the slide is in sync and then watch the slide as it fully retracts and hold the switch until the slide turns off. Good luck!
@@AZExpert Hi. Was finally able to try your fix. Wasn't able to get to RV because of the closure of the RV Storage due to the Pandemic. Your solution worked like a charm. The key was your "Catch Up" for .5 to 1". Then repeat. Awesome advice. Thanks for this advice and all your very informative videos. Cheers
Was leaving the RV site and the slide would not go in. A repair man came, took out the motors and pushed the slide in so we can get on our way, but he took the screws. Now the local repair facility says the motor arrived with no screws and they don’t know which ones to use. I called Lippert and they said they don’t sell the screw and cannot tell me the size! Can u help?
almost any screw will work, its just keeping the motor from lifting out
@@AZExpert Thanks alot... Much appreciated! Ironically, today, they called telling me my RV motors were installed! (guess I just got the runaround for no reason...)
How about somehow putting the set screw on the inside ...so next time it won't be so difficult to remove the motor ?...
Murphy would make the slide fail with it stuck out then. His law cannot be challenged ;)
AZ Expert yes...but better to work from the inside where it can be air conditioned rather than outside in the rain...hahahah
Sorry we just sat here and watched it almost fall of without assisting. 11:36 We'll do better next time.
Got to show one of the inflatable seals. A whole nother level of pain.
Those jobs do not come up too often, but you never know...thanks
Nice job on that a lot of work
Thanks 👍
James, you need a headmounted GoPro. Trying to film with your phone while working is making me sweat.
gopro have let me down so many times I don't trust them
EVERYTIME I SEE THINGS LIKE THIS I WANT 2 DEVELOP MY OWN MOTOR BUT ESPECIALLY AN EASY ACCESSIBLE COMPARTMENT & AN EASY MANUAL LEVER ON BOTH ENDS, LIFT UP LEVER PULL OR PUSH SLIDE IN, BOOM IM HEADING HOME TO FIX OR REPLACE MOTOR. I JUST WISH TO GOD ALL MANUFACTURES BUILT THINGS LIKE THE OLD HYDRAULIC FACTORY HEAVY EQUIPMENT DAYS SHAFT DRIVE, HYDRO DRIVE STEEL IN STEEL TRACK DRIVES, I THINK BACK TO MY GRANDFATHER WORKING IN A NY CITY MACHINE COMPANY. AS A KID I SAW USA MADE WAR TYPE NEVER QUIT, NEVER BREAK, TAKE A POUNDING YEAR AFTER YEAR MOTORS & DRIVES, FANS, COMPRESSORS, LIFTS, EVEN THE SMELL WAS SOMETHING I REMEMBERED, WHEN IT WAS TURNED ON U COULD SMELL THE OIL, GEARS,SHAFTS WORKING LIKE A SWISS WATCH ..A BIG FAT SWISS WATCH
I'm a not a defender of manufacturers by any means, ,I do say that RV manufactures only respond to what sells and honestly price always wins over quality with buyers. Also, any product you make will ultimately be aquired by Lippert or Dometic....lol! Thanks for wathcing!
Seems like they never think them through when they build them at the manufacturer for them to be serviced always a pain.
yes...I rarely defend the factories. Rumor has it you can push the slide out manually with tremendous effort, but I'd be concerned about damaging the rack or interior and would rather just break the motor apart first. Thanks!
@@AZExpert yes I have heard that also
I received a replacement motor and it doesn't work either. I checked the wiring on the pigtail coming off of the motor and I'm getting cross continuity between the red and black wires. Is this supposed to be like that? if it is then that would mean my controller is bad i would think.
red and black are power and ground to the motor so there should be continuity through the motor windings. You can hook power to the leads and see if the motor turns. Thanks!
@@AZExpert thanks. Motor turns. It was the controller that was bad. Replaced controller and installed new motor and it all works fine now.
That's good news. Glad you're up and running again!
Mine is giving me a code 8 on the controller
Cant you Manualy crank the slide out?
.
I did technically manually crank it. The motor is the brake of the drive system. Once it's pulled up, you can really just push the slide in and out. Thank for watching
Can I get you to replace my motor in my palazzo?
Let me know. I am in goodyear
I'm not taking on any new work, but I appreciate the offer
Thanks again But wish ya showed the trick soldering your father showed you.
Well I can't give away all the secrets...also the footage was pretty boring I thought. Thanks
Where are you located? Like your videos.
The shop is located in Apache Junction, AZ which is in the far East Valley of Phoenix. Thanks for watching!
This is where we are. The park on Winchester and Broadway.
it a stupid design don't understand why they would put the small motors in such a way that its almost impossible to get to them A better design would be to have the motors upside down under the coach in a sealed compartment that is accessible All they would have to do is reverse the design
Thanks for watching! :)
Someone mentioned that the manufacturers should do a better job building these things. What would you do for work if they did?LOL
I think I'd like to find out. I also think it is fair to say, the best built house wouldn't last very long driving 80mph down the road either. We really do ask a lot of RVs. Thanks!
$500 for those motors 4 years ago
it's very insulting. They should be lifetime good at that price
Not real smart are you! Could have hooked up the power from the switch so both motors work. Or could have used front motor alone and pushed the back at the same time. Hay but your learning.
I don't think you watched and definitely have no knowledge on these systems. Thanks for taking time to insult a stranger on the internet, you are wrong about every suggestions.
Don't understand why they don't use linear actuators