RV Slide Motor Runs but the Slide Does Not Move[What to Do]

If you’ve ever experienced an issue with your RV slide motor, you know how frustrating it can be. You try to move the slide and nothing happens – the motor runs but the slide doesn’t move.

When this happens, it’s usually because something is wrong with the drive gear or track assembly. In this blog post, we’ll explain what might be causing your slide not to move and provide some tips for fixing the problem. Let’s get started!

Possible causes of RV slide motor runs but the slide does not move

– Blown fuse

– Motor

– Gearbox

– Slide itself

If the fuse is not the issue, then you will need to determine whether it is the motor, the gearbox, or the slide itself that is causing the problem. Once you have determined which component is not working properly, you can then begin to troubleshoot that specific issue. 

Checking if the Fuse has Blown

The first step is to check if the fuse has blown. This can be done by testing the continuity of the fuse with a multimeter. If the fuse is not the issue, then you will need to determine whether it is the motor, the gearbox, or the slide itself that is causing the problem.

Determining if the Motor is the Issue

If the fuse is not the issue, then you will need to determine whether it is the motor, the gearbox, or the slide itself that is causing the problem. One way to test whether the motor is working properly is to disconnect it from the power source and attempt to rotate the shaft by hand. If the shaft is difficult to rotate or if it does not rotate at all, then the motor may be the issue.

Determining if the Gearbox is the Issue

Another way to test whether the gearbox is working properly is to remove the cover and attempt to rotate the gears by hand. If the gears are jammed or if they do not rotate smoothly, then the gearbox may be the issue.

Determining if the Slide itself is the Issue

If the fuse is not the issue, and both the motor and gearbox seem to be working properly, then the slide itself may be the issue. One way to test this is to try to move the slide by hand. If the slide is difficult to move or if it does not move at all, then the slide may be the issue.

How to Troubleshoot RV slide Out Problems

Here are a few tips and insights on what you can do to diagnose your RV slide-out problems. This will help you determine if it’s a problem you can tackle on your own or if you should call for help.

Whether you have a class A, class B, class C, fifth wheel, or travel trailer, let’s look at some of the most common RV slide-out problems.

RV Slideout Switch Has Failed

RV slideouts are a great convenience when travelling and can make your RV feel much more spacious. However, if the slideout switch fails, it can be a very frustrating experience. Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem.

• First, check to make sure that the slideout is properly lubricated. 

• If it is not, you may need to apply some lubricant to the tracks.

• You can also try manually moving the slideout in and out to see if the problem is with the switch or with the slideout itself. 

If neither of these solutions works, you may need to consult a professional RV mechanic. But with a little troubleshooting, you should be able to get your slideout working again in no time.

Power Issues

Make sure your battery is in good condition and has enough power to operate your slide. If it doesn’t, you may need to purchase a new battery or have your current one serviced.

If you’ve ever been RVing, you know that one of the most convenient features is the slide-outs. With the touch of a button, you can expand your living space by creating more room inside your RV. 

However, operating the slide-outs can be a power-intensive activity, and if you’re not careful, you can easily overload your RV’s electrical system. If you find yourself with slide-out power issues, there are a few things you can do to troubleshoot the problem. 

• First, check to see if any other appliances are drawing power from the same circuit.

• If so, turn them off and try operating the slide-outs again. 

If you’re plugged into shore power or a generator, check the voltage at the outlet to make sure it is within the correct range. Most slides require between 108 and 132 volts to operate properly. If the voltage is too low, the slide may not extend fully or may retract on its own. If the voltage is too high, this could damage the slide motor.

If the problem persists, you may need to upgrade your RV’s electrical system to accommodate the additional power needs of the slide-outs. In either case, it’s always best to consult with a qualified RV technician to ensure that your RV is safe and operating properly.

Slideout Electric Motor Has Failed

You’re all set up at your campsite, and you go to put your RV’s slideout out, only to find that the electric motor has failed. What do you do? If you’re lucky, you may be able to find a replacement motor at a nearby RV parts store. 

However, if you’re in a remote location, you may need to get resourceful.

• One option is to use a come-along or ratchet strap to extend the slide manually. This can be a time-consuming and labour-intensive process, but it will get the job done. 

• Another option is to use your RV’s hydraulic system if it has one. Most RVs with hydraulic slideouts have a hand pump that can be used to extend the slide in an emergency. 

Of course, this method should only be used as a last resort, as it can damage your RV’s hydraulic system. In any case, with a little effort, you should be able to get your slideout extended even if your electric motor has failed.

Troubleshooting the Slide

If the slide is the issue, then there are a few things that you can try in order to troubleshoot the problem. One thing that you can try is to lubricate the rails. Another thing that you can do is to check the alignment of the slide. Finally, you may need to replace the slide itself if it is damaged.

Troubleshooting the Gearbox

If the gearbox is the issue, then there are a few things that you can try in order to troubleshoot the problem. One thing that you can try is to clean the gears. Another thing that you can try is to check the bearings. Finally, you can also try to replace the gearbox.

Tips for preventing this problem from happening in the future

Here are some tips to prevent RV slide-out problems:

• Regularly check the seals around your slide-outs and make sure they are free of dirt, debris, and water. If you notice any cracks or gaps, seal them with caulk or weather stripping.

• Inspect the tracks that your slide-outs travel on and make sure they are clear of any buildup. Lubricate the tracks with a silicone-based lubricant to help keep them moving smoothly.

• Make sure the weight of your RV is evenly distributed. This will help to prevent strain on the motors and tracks, and make it easier for the slide-outs to deploy and retract.

By following these simple tips, you can help to prevent RV slide-out problems from happening in the future.

How do I know if my slide-out motor is bad?

There are a few things you can check to determine if your RV slide-out motor is bad.

First, check the fuses. If they are all intact and not blown, then check the circuit breaker. If the breaker is not tripped, then check for power at the motor itself. If there is no power at the motor, then the motor is bad and will need to be replaced.

Another way to tell if the RV slide-out motor is bad is by trying to move the slide manually. If it moves easily and smoothly, then the motor is most likely not the problem. If it is hard to move or does not move at all, then the motor may be the problem.

Another way to tell if the RV slide-out motor is bad is by listening for a clicking sound when you try to move the slide. If you hear a clicking sound, then that is an indication that the motor is not working properly.

If you have checked all of these things and are still unsure if the motor is bad.

Conclusion

RV slideouts are a great way to add extra living space to your vehicle, but they can also be a source of problems if not properly maintained. In this article, we have talked about some ways to troubleshoot common RV slide-out problems.

We have also provided tips for preventing these problems from happening in the future. By following these simple tips, you can help to keep your RV slide-outs in good working order for years to come.

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can you drive an RV with the slide-out?

You can’t drive an RV with the slide-out extended. The slide-out is for extra living space while parked and should be retracted when driving. If the RV slide motor runs but the slide does not move, it could be because the gears are stripped or there is something blocking the slide from fully retracting.

If your RV slide-out won’t retract, it’s important to find the cause of the problem before driving the RV. If the slide is just stuck, you may be able to use a palm sander or belt sander to help loosen it up. But if the gears are stripped, you’ll need to have them replaced.

How do you reset a camper slide?

If your RV slide motor is running but the slide does not move, there are a few things you can try to reset it. First, check to see if the slide is properly aligned and that there is nothing blocking it from moving.

If everything appears to be in order, then you can try disconnecting and reconnecting the power to the motor. If that doesn’t work, you can try manually moving the slide with a wrench or other tool.

Can you manually push in an RV slide out?

Yes, you can manually push in an RV slide out. If the motor is running but the slide does not move, you may need to check the gears and ensure that they are properly aligned. If they are not, you can try to realign them yourself or take the RV to a mechanic.

Will my slide-out work without a battery?

Yes, the slide-out will work without a battery as long as it is plugged into shore power. The battery is only used as a backup in case of a power outage.