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Topic: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320 (Read 812 times) previous topic - next topic

How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

I will will be performing a PDI on a (maybe) new to me 2002 U320 Foretravel with 2 slides.  I feel comfortable doing a PDI on the other systems, as they are very similar to my 2000 model.  I need help on how to check for bladder/slide issues. 

Is there a test I can do to verify the bladders are not leaking? 

Besides checking for delam on the slide units themselves what other items do I need to check?

I was planning to extend the slides and then do my PDI on the coach.  Then verify within the 4 or five hours see if the aux compressor comes on.  I thought about turning off the aux compressor and verify air tank pressure, but it seems to me that would only verify the entire system has leaks.  On my non- slide unit it may come on once a week, but I have spent a few hours on my back fixing leaks.

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

Brad

2000 U320 4000

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #1 –
Just off the top of my head, I'd recommend inspecting the aux compressor filters/desiccant bowl for corrosion, etc.  Many of us with that era coach seem to have needed to replace the bowls due to age and temperature-related cracking and corrosion (one of the bowls is over $100).  It may also give you an impression of how attentive the PO was to maintaining the desiccant charge.

In an '02-era, if it has a Zip Dee powered/air awning, talk with Tom (txforetravel) and Jeff and Carol about their experiences with said awning and what to check. 

Also in that year, operation/rattle of the locking pins on the slide.  Again Tom can be a good reference for issues to check for (sorry Tom, guess I owe you some vino for volunteering you ;)  ).

I will say in our slide bladder leak experience, the bladder itself failed with a pretty substantial leak and you could hear the air escaping (and the aux compressor ran continuously).  Same thing with a consignment coach at FOT we walked past a couple of years ago - the HWH compressor was running continuously and you could hear air leaking from the slide.

Good luck with the PDI!

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: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #2 –
Quote from: Brad –
Is there a test I can do to verify the bladders are not leaking? 

Any help would be most appreciated!

Thanks,

I would start with a spray bottle of soapy water and soak the bladder looking for bubbles.
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #3 –
Just a note tech that replace the rear slide bladder on ours last week said the new ones supplied are much heavier / thicker than originals
Jimmy
2003 U295 3620

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #4 –
Quote
Also in that year, operation/rattle of the locking pins on the slide.  Again Tom can be a good reference for issues to check for (sorry Tom, guess I owe you some vino for volunteering you  ).


Michelle,
I will furnish the bottle of wine to Tom.  I plan a West Coast trip this summer to spend two or three months in wine country.  I might not even make back to Fredericksburg.

Does anyone know the life span of a bladder?

Thanks,
Brad

2000 U320 4000

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #5 –
Quote
I would start with a spray bottle of soapy water and soak the bladder looking for bubbles.


Thanks Barry!  I will make sure to bring the spray bottle with me.  My bags are pretty heavy already with the safety blocks packed along with everything else.
Brad

2000 U320 4000

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #6 –
Quote from: Brad –

Michelle,
I will furnish the bottle of wine to Tom.  I plan a West Coast trip this summer to spend two or three months in wine country.  I might not even make back to Fredericksburg.

Does anyone know the life span of a bladder?

Mine is 60 years old this year :)  Can't believe my liver is still working!  :giggle:

Try and visit Gainy Winery in ( Gainey Vineyard)  in Santa Ynez!  Their Limited Syrah is the best I've had!

Thanks,

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #7 –
I'm curious, why are the slide bladder's failing?  Ours did not fail but the tape that HWH provided is what failed on our 02 livingroom Slide.  Our bladder works just fine.  Even after a few beers! 

Do the Bluebirds have the same issues? I did see where one BB owner had replaced his bladder and actually came up with an alternate bladder. 

Do the Prevost slides have bladder issues as well? 

Just curious! 
Tom & Bill

2013 Jeep Grand Cherokee

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #8 –
On my '02 320 the front, top locking pin receiver block on the slide was slightly loose. It squeaked when driving - drove me nuts. You get to it by removing the outside (back wall) of the slide's front, upper cabinet (Velcro) then use an extension with the socket to tightened the two bolts that hold it to the slide frame. No more squeak.

You might also check the tightness of the pin mechanism. It is above the header of the slide, bolted to the frame of the coach side wall. The slide has to be in so it's a hard to see, long reach.

When you do this be careful to not disturb the exact positions of the magnet or electromagnet switch.

Also look into the 4 holes on the slide where the pins enter (two on top, two on the bottom) ...there probably should be rubber bushings there to take up the vibration of the smaller pin in the larger socket. There was some discussion as to whether these bushings (from parts dept.) were really needed, but their use made sense to me.

Another important concern - check to see if there are any countersunk screws in the two silver-appearing glide strips on the bottom of the slide room. On my coach a pair of screws were on the outer end of each glide strip - presumably to hold the glide in place until the adhesive set. These screws may project slightly over time, becoming unscrewed literally to rip the slide seal when cycled. Been there, done that. If present, remove these screws to save huge amounts of money. The newer seals are of a different design, better rubber and should last longer than the estimated 8-10 years for the original slide seals.

Just my two cents, 
Jim

2002 U320 42'.
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #9 –
Brad, consider this.  Use the spray with soapy water as Barry said.  Beyond that, there is a valve whereby you can turn off the air supply to the bladder.  Turn that off and monitor the bladder for loss of inflation.  How long?  I left mine overnight, no loss.

I have seen also a technician use a credit card to gently search for spots not sealed.  I guess there is some chance to damage doing so, so your judgement.

I also found technicians looked for evenness of the slide spacing, that one area not jammed tight.

If you want to talk, send me a pm and a number.  Good luck, and be sure to check the presence of delamination as you noted

Mike
Mike
2001 U320 4010 Build 5878 (Gus)
Wrangle Unlimited Toad
Nacogdoches

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #10 –
Check with factory to see if it has had the front and rear cap repairs done, you will need the vin#
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: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #11 –
My living room slide bladder lasted for twelve years!  New one appears to be heavier!
Jack Cuppen 
2000 U320 36'
Completely Renovated
2012

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #12 –
Quote from: txforetravel –
I'm curious, why are the slide bladder's failing?  Ours did not fail but the tape that HWH provided is what failed on our 02 livingroom Slide. 

Our BR one failed in 2010 (almost 8 years from the original delivery date) because the slide was missing a bracket/guide and the repeated over-expansion of the bladder in that one small area eventually weakened the bladder seam. 
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: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #13 –
Quote from: Michelle –
Our BR one failed in 2010 (almost 8 years from the original delivery date) because the slide was missing a bracket/guide and the repeated over-expansion of the bladder in that one small area eventually weakened the bladder seam. 

Our L/R bladder was replaced in Aug 2007 @ 83,455 Mi. (4 years) & the B/R bladder was replaced Aug 2009 @ 108,000 mi.(6 years)
The selected media item is not currently available.Barry BEAM #16014
2003 U320 40' AGDS
Beamalarm, Foretravel technical help and specifications
"Whatever the mind can conceive and believe, it can achieve"
 

Re: How to PDI Slides Needed 2002 U320

Reply #14 –
Hate to talk about a sleeping dog, but my 01 slide air seal has not given any indication of a problem YET!, Have had it since Jan 2008, I only extend it when I am a place I will spend more that 2 days, traveling alone there is little need for more  space.  Guess there is a wear issue with the slide air seal, I also wait an additional minute or so after it has depleated all air and has vacuumed down and do spray a dry silicone on it every year or so.
Dave M