Foretravel Owners' Forum For owners and Fans of Foretravel Motorcoaches September 07, 2025 ...

2001 Slide Rattle

December 22, 2015, 07:40:28 pm

The slide had been fairly quiet since replacing the (4) rubber bushings in the lock holes.  Now after  about 5-6 years the slide is rattling, the question is about the header becoming loose I have read, so wondering about opinions on repairing the header or
just replace the bushings ?
Thanks

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #1 – December 22, 2015, 09:12:22 pm

Hi Dave,

Is it rattling? Thunk Thunk Thunk?  Or creaking?  Erk Erk Erk? 

The header (top edge of the slide on the inside) is worth checking on to make sure the attachments are tight.  Mine seems like it is not real tight but it doesn't seem to be making noise.  Ours creaks especially after big temp swings or if the coach is getting twisted a bit like from going in and out of a campground.  I put on one of those nitrile exam gloves and got some silicone grease on the end of my finger and wiped it around in the 4 sockets.  Made a difference.  MOT checked the bushings last Feb for wear and fit and they said they were good.  My creaking always seems to be in the upper rear corner.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #2 – December 22, 2015, 10:17:37 pm

Roger,
 Would Guess it's more of a metallic rattle, am leaving Thursday will be listening if the, metal to metal, thud, speak, pop, bang or what ever. I only extend the slide when in my garage, got stuck once at FOT $360 to get it retract by hitting th elctrc motor.  Then another $600 for new pump and install. I don't trust it at all.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #3 – December 22, 2015, 11:00:02 pm

Dave, the sound for us more a simple rattle, the end of the slide toward the back of the coach.  Seemed most pronounced when turning or rough highway.  Did not sound like a sharp high pitched metal on metal sound but a lower pitched rattle.

Twas the bushings

mike

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #4 – December 23, 2015, 05:24:11 am

Mike,
Think your correct on the bushings, also the more I try to recall, it is not a metallic noise, more like two wood surfaces.
Am getting too old to chase this one if need to get into the overhead, Maybe Tenn RV, MOT or FOT. Next visit to Nac.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #5 – December 23, 2015, 09:57:28 am

Anyone replaced these bushings themselves?  With the slide out the sockets are easy to get at.  There are drain holes in there too.

Dave, maybe your slide needs to get exercised more.  Your coach and mine and Mikes are all within a dozen or so build numbers.
I never had a problem with mine going in or out other than forgetting to put on the parking brake or turn the ignition key on.  I do keep my fingers crossed though. But we use it almost every campground overnight and it works every time.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #6 – December 23, 2015, 10:35:42 am

Mike,

In my coach I had wood-scraping noises when one of the nylon glide pads on the floor was wearing out or dislodged. You could see that the outdoor alignment  was off - slightly too low in the wall opening  when retracted.
I would hope your '01 is easier to repair than my '02. The slide had to be removed to get to the problem. If you are lucky, your slide can be pushed in.
Jim

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #7 – December 23, 2015, 11:18:20 am

Jim, I think the slide mechanisms on the 01 are different from the 02,  not exactly sure when thry switched.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #8 – December 23, 2015, 01:49:27 pm

Roger,

You are right, the  train mechanism was used only in '02. However the glide pads probably have been used for several years.

Jim

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #9 – December 23, 2015, 04:50:07 pm

Dave, I think it is the bushing.  They wear out after a while.  Also they put a washer under it to raise it up a bit.  It is just cone of rubber that is partially hollow and the pin goes into it.  It is easy to replace with the slide room out. You can try it at home if you get MOT or FT to mail you the bushings.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #10 – December 23, 2015, 08:21:04 pm

Think your correct John,  I replaced the bottom rubber bumpers about 5-6 yrs ago, and per Mike MOT, I added two flat washers under each, think now need to do the top two also. Its not real bad, but when I think of it, it gets louder ..
Merry Christmas to all.
I'm off to Arcadia and the bus gang for our 26th new years party.

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Re: 2001 Slide Rattle

Reply #11 – December 23, 2015, 10:47:30 pm

Sorry late replying, but no, the slide was not removed.  The awning was taken loose as i recall.  I mainly recall it not a big expense.  David Whitehead as i recall did the fix (MOT).

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