6 Most Common Forest River RV Slide Out Problems
If you’re a Forest River RV owner, you know that one of the most frustrating issues you can encounter is a malfunctioning slide out. Unfortunately, Forest River RV slide out problems are all too common and can put a damper on your travel plans. But don’t let these issues get in the way of your adventures!
In this article, we’ll take a closer look at all of the most common Forest River slide out problems and provide you with the best fixes for each one. From water damage to bad wiring, we’ve got you covered. Plus, we’ll discuss lemon laws and how they can help you get the compensation you deserve. So sit back, relax, and let us help you get your RV back on the road.
Irritated with your malfunctioning Forest River RV? The experienced RV lemon law attorneys at our firm work hard to get you the lemon law compensation you deserve. Reach out for a free consultation today!
What are Common Camper Slide Out Problems?
Forest River slideouts provide more room when you are parked in your RV. Yet, they are also a common frustration source when they don’t work. Among the most common issues with slide outs, owners continue to complain about electrical issues, lubrication problems and hydraulic leaks. Many of these problems are going to require an RV technician for diagnostics and repair.
Yet, understanding the RV slideouts and the problems often provides some peace of mind. Here are the six most common issues to know about.
1. Jammed Objects
As the slide comes in and out, dirt and contaminants can get trapped in the rails. If something jams itself in the rails, it can prevent the slide from coming in and out anymore.
Thankfully, this a jammed slide has an easy fix. You simply need to look in the rails to see what’s stuck and remove it.
2. Electrical System Malfunction
Today’s slide outs run on a sophisticated electrical system that’s prone to failure. This system begins at the switch. There’s a chance that the slide out switch itself has failed. You can test this by trying a switch to one of the other slide outs to see what happens. Make sure you are plugged into shore power, are running on a generator or the battery is fully charged.
Additionally, any part of the connectors or wiring may have become damaged. These parts need to be replaced to allow a solid electrical connection.
You may also be dealing with a blown fuse. Replace the blown fuse with a new one that has the same amperage rating.
Finally, you don’t want to overlook the importance of the RV battery. Test its charge with your multimeter to make sure it has 12 volts of power. If it doesn’t charge it up or replace it. Anything more complicated than these electrical matters should be dealt with by a professional RV mechanic.
3. Hydraulic Leaks
All hydraulic slides require fluid to run correctly. This fluid is the same that runs your Forest River automatic leveling system. If the fluid begins to leak, you may not have the pressure required to operate the slide.
Sometimes, the first sign of a leak is that the fluid level continues to get too low. Trace all of the lines to the slide out hydraulic system, starting at the pump and working to the slide. If you see fluid dripping from the hydraulic lines, you know what needs to be replaced.
Once you make the necessary slide out repairs, fill up the hydraulic fluid reservoir again.
4. Bad Hydraulic Pump
You already know that the Forest River RV slide uses a hydraulic system, but did you know that the pump can go bad? The pump is needed to retract and extend the slide. It is also needed for the leveling legs.
Here are a few diagnostic steps for the pump.
- Locate the RV pump. You can find its location by looking in the RV owner’s manual.
- Measure the voltage going to the pump to ensure it has enough power.
If the pump has enough voltage, the pump may need to be replaced.
5. Need for Lubrication
For the Forest River RV slides to run, there must be enough lubrication. This lubrication helps to keep everything operating smoothly. Yet, the lubrication can wear out over time, which hinders the slide out.
Use some WD-40 in the sticking areas. With the right amount of lubrication, the moving parts are going to run smoothly again. During this process, don’t ever force the slide outs to move or you can cause rail damage.
6. Failing Motor
The more complicated issue could be if the slide motors fail. You can get the location of the electric motors by looking in the manual. You need to check all of the wiring and connectors to the motor. If you see anything damaged, it needs to be replaced.
Your multimeter is the tool needed for checking the voltage output on the motor as well. Depending on what type of motor is in your RV, the voltage requirements could be different. Replace the motor if there’s power going to it, but it isn’t operating the slides.
How Do I Reset My Forest River RV Slide Out?
In your service manual, you will find the procedures for resetting the Forest River slide out mechanism. If you don’t have the service manual, perform an online search that includes the model name and year. You can find a lot of information in the Forest River forums.
Most resets involve both the slide controllers and the motor. After you reset these features, the slide should work normally once again.
How Do You Manually Open the Forest River Slide Out?
Putting the Forest River slide mechanism out requires the same steps as bringing it in, but in backward order. If you know how to manually retract a bedroom slide, you can put it out as well. Again, it’s important to reference the information in the owner’s manual to avoid causing more damage.
We also suggest following these tips if you want the slide in an out position.
- Look for the slide out motor. Typically, it’s located directly below the room that you want to extend.
- Unscrew the brake assembly that’s connected to the motor.
- With an extension applied to the crank handle, open the slide. This shouldn’t require a lot of force. However, if it doesn’t have a crank handle, you can default to a socket and ratchet or a standard wrench instead.
- Continue operating the crank until the room is fully extended.
Once you have the room where it needs to go, it’s time to attach the brake assembly to the electric motor. By doing this, you keep the slide from moving unexpectedly.
What Slide Out System Does Forest River Use?
Forest River has used a variety of slide out systems over the years. One that is found in many models is the Lippert Hydraulic Through Frame Slide-Out System. It’s meant for extending and retracting slide outs with ease.
This Lippert slide out controller is a rack-and-pinion guide system that uses a hydraulic cylinder to move the assembly. There’s also a power unit that drives the cylinder rod forward and backward as the slide moves.
Forest River RV Slide Outs Lemon Law
How will you know if you are using a Lemon RV? Many of the same lemon laws for RVs mimic those of automobiles. If you are using a recreational vehicle that meets these criteria, you want to talk to us about it being a lemon.
- The Forest River RV is under its factory warranty term.
- The problem or problems are keeping you from using the RV correctly. This issue may affect the value or the safe operation of the RV.
- The Forest River dealer hasn’t fixed the problem, even with multiple attempts. If you’ve worked with the dealer to get a resolution without success, you may be eligible.
Does your Forest River RV fit all of these aspects? If so, we want to talk to you. Let us provide you with lemon legal counsel that gets you the compensation you deserve.
Final Thoughts on Forest River RV Slide Out Problems
The Forest River slides are designed to give you the space you need while traveling. With a slide out room extended, there’s no lack of space for you and your loved ones. On the other hand, when slide out trouble occurs, the trip turns from enjoyable to a nightmare fast. There’s no reason to deal with unnecessary Forest River slide issues.
You can use our troubleshooting guide to repair the RV slide on your own. Some of the problems are simple enough to resolve. However, if you are unable to repair the slide, you must seek help from a professional. You don’t want to do anything that could lead to further RV slide out damage.
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