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Topic: Slide Problems and Questions (Read 1239 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide Problems and Questions

Well it was 4pm Saturday, I was watching TV and all of a sudden there was a loud boom :o . It sounded like a tire blowing out. It appeared to come from under my living room slide around the electronics bay. I checked the bay and all appeared normal. The auxiliary compressor was running but nothing seemed wrong. I checked everything I could think of and every thing seemed OK. I returned to the electronics bay approximately 15 minutes later and the auxiliary compressor was still running. This is not good I thought. ???  The compressor was hotter than a firecracker. I pulled the fuse to the compressor to shut it down. I thought I had ruptured an airline or maybe the seal/acc. tank ruptured. After the compressor cooled down I reinserted the fuse and turned off each manual shut off valve that led to each air seal slide manifold assembly (3). The auxiliary compressor ran a short time and when it reached the preset air pressure it shut off. I then opened each manual shut off air valve starting with the rear, two bedroom slides. Everything appeared OK until I opened the living room manifold slide valve. Then you could hear the air rushing through the air seal manifold like water through an open faucet. Well at least I have located the problem. :'(
Now this is my first motor coach, (2006 Nimbus) which I have now owned for just a couple of months. I am still learning how everything works. I knew that the auxiliary compressor would run several times a day but I thought that was normal. As I'm thinking back ::)  I remembered there might have been some warning signs that I didn't key on. Besides the auxiliary compressor running a little to often I started having trouble with the living room extension ready to operate (yellow) light. When I would turn the room extension key on the yellow light would start blinking (normal).  At the end of the cycle the light should stop blinking and illuminate in a steady glow. Sometimes at the end of this cycle the light would just stop glowing. I would then turn the key off and back on and the cycle would operate normal. I could then operate the slide. My thought was it might be a faulty switch or sensor. I happen to be at Foretravel several weeks ago and mentioned it to them. Like everything mechanical when you are at the shop everything works normal. I have no idea how the seals are installed and how they connect to the air supply. I will contact MOT Monday for an appointment.

Now my questions are:
*Do you think the seal ruptured or is there a connection to the seal that may have blown off?
*Since the seal will no longer retract to allow the slide to operate without rubbing the slide do I have to worry about the paint finish on the slide?
*Any other recommendations or comments are welcome.
 
2006 Nimbus 340'
Build #6353
Aug 2005
Motorcader #17139

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #1 –
Check the hose connection to the slide bladder (should be able to see it in the left front wheel area) it may have came apart there!!

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #2 –
With such a loud bang, it sounds as if the regulator failed allowing excessive pressure to the bladder causing it to rupture.
Attached is a schematic of the bladder.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #3 –
Thanks for all the information. I'll keep everyone updated.
2006 Nimbus 340'
Build #6353
Aug 2005
Motorcader #17139

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #4 –
Your slide might now want to come in. I do not have a newer slide but I thought they worked on vacuum pressure before they will let the slide in or out.  You might have to clamp off the vacuum line to fool the system that you have vacuum and then you might want to bring it in and tape up the edges to keep water and dirt out on the trip.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #5 –
I talked with MOT and the earliest date they can see me is Sept. 10th. In the mean time I attempted to close the slide and of course it doesn't work. I located the connecting hose (located in the drivers wheel well) which runs from the air seal manifold assembly to the air slide seal. Thank you Crazy J for that tip. There is a brass fitting located there that connects the slide air seal to the air seal manifold. I unscrewed the connection and capped off the airline leading to the air seal manifold assembly. When I turn the manual shut off air valve (located on the air seal manifold) to the on position, I no longer heard air rushing through the manifold like water through a faucet. That leads me to believe that the air leak is in the slide seal.

Now I just need to get the slide to work. Thank you Tom Endres for the air seal diagram. When the key on the "Room Extension Operators Panel" is turned on the air seal manifold assembly will vacuum air from the air seal causing it to deflate and pull away from the slide. The amber light on the room extension operator's panel will blink as this is occurring. When the amber light glows solid the vacuum cycle is complete and the vacuum switch has been tripped. The amber light on my slide would not glow solid because of the leak. The vacuum switch is located on the air seal manifold assembly and must be activated by a preset vacuum before the hydraulic pump, which operates the slide, will be activated. Since I capped off that airline I was able to fool the vacuum switch causing it to activate the hydraulic pump. The slide closed, Halleluiah. Thank you John S.

Now I reconnected the air seal line to the air seal manifold and again turned on the manifold air seal shut off valve. Again air rushed through the system like water through a faucet. I sprayed soapy water on the slide seal in an attempt to locate the leak but was unable to locate anything. I guess I won't know anymore until I get to MOT in Sept.

Thanks to everyone for their help.
2006 Nimbus 340'
Build #6353
Aug 2005
Motorcader #17139

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #6 –
Glad we could be of some assistance. You might see about having them preorder your bladder for you if you think it is the actual bladder. There is a wait for those.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #7 –
Recently I tried a slide seal repair on my 2002 and so far it has worked - seriously. It consists of applying layers of Shoe Goo diluted with toluene to a consistency of sticky paint and a cloth patch of silk or bridal veil. My tear was small, about 1/3", but I'm told it works on far bigger areas too. The trick is to have access to the damaged area and to clean everything well with alcohol first. It is technique sensitive. It might be easier to call me for the detailed steps involved at 308-440-5154. It's certainly worth a try before you spring for a new bladder and lots of labor.
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #8 –
Hi Jim,

Your materials and technique have certainly piqued my interest. The HWH seal is made from neoprene. The seal I developed for Blue Bird Wanderldoges and for anyone else using HWH slide technology is made from EPDM. I wonder if your technique would also work for EPDM. In any case, I'd like to hear more about how you managed to mend a puncture.

David Brady
'02 Blue Bird, Wanderlodge, LXi
Asheville, NC
David Brady
Asheville, NC
2004 Prevost H3 Vantare
2002 Wanderlodge LXi (sold)

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #9 –
Does anyone know how to retract the slide into the coach so the air seal is exposed. I probably could then find the tear or rupture and see how bad it is. Maybe then I could try your patch Jim.

Thanks
2006 Nimbus 340'
Build #6353
Aug 2005
Motorcader #17139

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #10 –
I have the procedure for replacing the bladder from HWH. In the instructions they recommend you contact the coach builder for method of retracting slide into coach for bladder exposure. You can contact James Tirana at Foretravel I'm sure he will assist you if if possible.
Having watched MOT replace the bladder in my motor home, I can tell you it  is a 12 man-hour labor intense job.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #11 –
Quote from: atom6 –
Does anyone know how to retract the slide into the coach so the air seal is exposed.

Barry has collected some info on his site Slide Bladder Replacement

Michelle
Learn every day, but especially from the experiences of others. It's cheaper!  - John C. Bogle

2000 U320 36' non-slide / WildEBeest Rescue
2003 U320

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #12 –
Worse with version one like in my coach , slide totally removed via fork lift, 16 man hours min., plus very expensive bladder.

Love the slide, but when bladder is damaged, it can hurt the pocketbook. DW would not go back........
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #13 –
Tim,

Would you share with us the cost of the bladder and labor?
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #14 –
Not sure what mot current labor is, but I recall the bladder being about $1K. Do I recall an option for an aftermarket bladder discussed on this forum?

As I have said before, I think that the business's that specialize in repairing inflatable boats could effect a reliable repair.

I do get discount on parts and labor at MOT, parts 10%, sometimes more on labor if MOT has a labor special going on and I can take advantage of it.
Tim Fiedler    2025 LTV Unity MBL on Order
2000 Chevy Tracker 2 Door Convertible 4WD Now lifted 4.5"
1985 Citroen 2CV6 Charleston
Murphy Rebel on wheels with 175HP Titan
Cessna P337
1980 48' Westport MY (!/4 Share)

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #15 –
Thanks for all the support and information. I believe I'll just let the experts tackle this one. I'll watch, learn and pay. I'm told the large slide seal alone runs $1500.00. Tot cost may be under $3000.00.
2006 Nimbus 340'
Build #6353
Aug 2005
Motorcader #17139

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #16 –
Check with FT to see if they are going to use the EPDM seal that Dave Brady has talked about.
The selected media item is not currently available.Bill&Doris 97 U270 36'
University of Parris Island Class of 66
Semper Fi  Build# 5174 MC#17094
 

Re: Slide Problems and Questions

Reply #17 –
I was at Xtreme and they said the HWH has a new style bladder too. Should work better as well.Too bad I already replaced mine with the old one.
2025 Wanderbox Outpost 32 on F600 Expedition Motorhome
2015 Born Free Royal Splendor on Ford 550 nonslide version  for sale
Former Coaches  covering. 360,000 miles
1999 34 U270
2000 36 U320
2001 42' double slide U320
2018 Jeep Rubicon