6 Easy Solutions For RV Slide-Out Motor Problems

Having a bad slide-out motor in your RV can cause significant problems for the slide-outs leading to expensive damage. However, by finding out the reason and fixing it right away, you can save a lot of money.

Some common problems an RV slide-out motor exhibits are damaged gears and shafts, internal motor damage, misalignment, and electrical issues. However, the list doesn’t end here. Some RV slide-out motor problems need proper attention and fixing by experts. 

Nevertheless, stick to this article until the end to learn about all causes and their potential fixes for uninterrupted adventures.

Troubleshooting RV Slide-Out Motor Problems:

Before you go to the dealership to diagnose your RV, you can try to fix the slide-out motor on your own. This will help you save some bucks if the problem is minimal and fixable at home only.

Solution 01: Replacing Broken Nylon Gears

After a certain amount of time, the gears inside the gearbox of the slideout system start to wear out. Some users have found various reasons for such occurrences. 

Importantly, nylon gears are used to save the motor from major damages such as slide-out jams and to release stress.

However, gears that are worn out may have irregular surfaces or damaged tooth edges, which increase friction between the gear teeth. Since you cannot repair the internal gears, you must replace them with the original parts. 

Replacing the gear is a simple job. Sometimes you might not have the original gear part. In such cases, you can look for the same part from a different brand. Ensure the gear ratio is identical to the previous one.

Simply look for the area where the slide-out motor system is installed. Retract the slide out manually if it has been stuck. Now, open up the cover and replace the damaged gear. Put some grease on it for better lubrication.

Read Also: Troubleshooting RV Slide Goes Out But Not In (8 Reasons)

Solution 02: Replacing the Entire Motor Kit

Slide-outs are quite heavy and require extreme torque to go out or retract. This requires a very powerful motor. However, no matter how powerful the slide out motor, it eventually wears out due to mishandling or putting intense stress.

RV campers have often found that the slide out motor itself is not working even though the power input system is working fine. This indicates that the problem itself resides within the motor assembly. which you must ensure by physically accessing the motor.

If the coil burns out or the shaft is worn out, you must replace it for better performance. You can get the original part or improvise the slide out system by installing a new motor from a different brand. 

Make sure that the torque and power output are similar to those of other motors if your slide out system involves multiple motors. Always align the motors using the controller module for a smooth retraction.

Read Also: How to Fix Jayco Slide-out Problems – Try These 4 Easy Ways

Solution 03: By Restoring the Electrical Connection

Driving your RV on rough terrain and mishandling it can cause failures in the electrical connection. Slide out motors are connected to the control modules, which act when you press the switch on board.

However, users have experienced sudden and erratic behavior, with the motor not working at all. Although it might freak you out, the cause of such an occurrence is pretty straightforward. 

If your slide-out motor is flashing red light eight times recurrently, it indicates that the electric connection is short between the motor and control module. 

First, inspect if the wire harness is stuck between the wall and slide. Secondly, you need to detach all eight connections from the controller, clean them, and reconnect them properly. 

Afterward, you must reset the control module to synchronize with other motors of the slide out. Press the reset button 6 times, then hold it for a few seconds. You’ll find the reset button inside the small black window of the controller.

Read Also: Why Bottom of Slide Bowing Out in My RV & How to Fix it?

Solution 04: Restoring Power to the Slide Out Motor

If you’ve been out for a while with your RV camping in the wilderness, you might have drained the battery. Since slide motors require a lot of power to drive the slide outs, they might not work properly connected to a battery without much charge left.

RV enthusiasts have experienced a similar phenomenon when they try to push or retract the slide. To ensure this, you need to bypass the main power connection from the slide out control module.

Connect the controller directly to a 30 amp electric line, and it will work fine as before. Hence, you need to recharge your RV battery to the fullest or replace it to restore slide out performance.

Solution 05: Resetting the Control Module

If your RV slide out motor is misaligned and has unsynchronized behavior, the controller might be the issue. Some RV users have easily fixed the issue by spending no money. 

All you need to do is reset the control to the default settings for the motors. However, before that, you need to keep the slide completely retracted. Locate the control module under the panels. 

Now, press the reset button inside the controller 6 times. For the 7th time, press and hold the button until all lights start flashing. This process would reset the control module.

Read Also: RV Slide Out Relay Location: Everything You Need to Know!

Solution 06: Leveling the RV

A misaligned RV can cause problems for the slide out motors. If you have parked your RV on an irregular surface, the motors will not perform nominally. Users have found that motors on both sides do not sync. 

Hence, one side of the slide goes out more than the other. A simple fix to this issue is that you must use a leveler before you take out the slide.

Tips and Tricks to Keep RV Slide Out Motor Problem Free

RVs are quite sensitive and require constant maintenance and observation. Here are some useful tips from the experts to keep your RV slide-out motor well-maintained.

• Level the RV before using the slideouts.
• Clean the rails of the slide from dirt and debris.
• Lubricate the moving parts regularly.
• Avoid putting excessive weight on the slide-outs.
• Be sure the battery has enough charge to power the slide-outs.

Read Also: Forest River Slide Out Seals: Types & Replacement Guideline

Can I Fix RV Slide Out Motor Problems Without a Professional’s Expertise?

Some RV slide out motor problems are simple and easily fixable. You can fix battery and electrical issues, worn-out gear, controller programming, etc. without any experts. 

However, for some major problems, such as motor repair or replacement, restoring electrical connections, etc., you would need an expert’s assistance to get the job done.

FAQs

Check out these answered questions from RV enthusiasts to learn more about fixing slide out motors.

What voltages and amps are in an RV slide out motor?

Most RV slide out motors use a 12 V and 30 amp electrical input. Hence, the RV slide out motors can have 360 watts of power.

What is the best RV slide out mechanism?

The rack and pinion slide out mechanism is the most popular, effective, and affordable system. However, electrically driven cable-based slide outs are also noteworthy.

How much does it cost to solve RV slide out motor problems?

The cost to fix RV slide out motors is variable. For replacing the motor and its parts, you can be charged around $150 or more, including the labor charge. 

Final Words

Taking your RV to a mechanic or dealership can be much more expensive compared to the actual slide out motor problem. Thus, it is recommended to look for the cause systematically by joining the dots. 

Cross-check the symptoms with the issues stated above. It can help you solve the RV slide motor problem by yourself for almost nothing.

Read Also: Forest River Slide Out Adjustment Guide | Follow These 9 Easy Steps