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Topic: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs (Read 835 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Arrived at this RV park outside Desert Hot Springs (a few miles from Palm Springs), heard an ominous hiss while hooking up. Have a small hole in the slide seal bladder.
Planning a trip to Nac anyway, so called FOT. They can probably get me in but not before Jan 8. Joshua estimated about $3k to replace. Will call MOT this week and check their timing and estimate. We have other, smaller issues also.

Has anybody had a good experience with slide bladder repair, quality and cost, anywhere near Palm Springs?

Warnings about traveling with this leak? One problem is the bad check valve in line 57 that isolates the slide seal system. So far the engine compressor has had no problem maintaining pressure for the air bags. If the leak worsens can I use a set of vise grips to clamp off line 57? Better to install a valve? I don't want to repair/replace the check valve because I like to be able to use the engine compressor to air up the slide bladder and create vacuum to deflate the slide bladder.

Thanks
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #1 –
Mike,
So sad to hear of the seal leaking.  This has been my big concern, why when I deflate the seal, I wait an extra 10-15 seconds and make certain I can see a good air space between the bladder and the slide before I move the it.  Have noticed that when the amber light comes on, the opening is not always a full clearence, why I wait a few seconds.  Knock on wood, so far no issue with the seal.  I also spray a dry silicone around the area also, not sure it helps, but it does make me feel better  ;D
I am wondering what / why happened to the seal.
Good luck.
Dave M

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #2 –
While at FOT one owner showed me his popcycle stick leak stopper just jammed into the crack against the leak hole.  It was a longer stick going into the crack and another working as a wedge, and then a small piece of tape holding it all together.  Worked for him to get to NAC.

Might work for your trip east.  Good luck.
Dave Cobb
Buckhorn Lake Resort The Club, #6202, Kerrville TX
check the map.  I do rent it out when I am traveling!
2001, U320, 36' #5887, in Kerrville, FT Club #17006, (7/23 to present)
2024 Jeep Grand Cherokee L, Summit, white
EX: 98 U295, 36' #5219, (mid door), (4/13-10/23)
EX: 93 U225, 36' (4/11 to 4/13)

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #3 –
Sorry I can't recommend anyone out that way, but here is the limp home strategy I used when my seal failed this year. Rain water leaked in when parked with the slide extended as the seal would slowly deflate without the 12v compressor or engine (my 57 check valve is kaput too). Decided the best thing to do was to leave the slide in, disconnect the slide bladder line from the manifold block and put a plug in the block. I sealed the slide outside with blue painters tape from Home Depot and that tape job lasted over 2 months.

MOT did the replacement for $2800 and it took one (full) day. Have them check to make sure you have the steel brace on your slide - Mike will know what you are talking about. It was apparently not put on early production units and over time the slide top will sag and the new bladder will not seal properly with a sag as the bladder is slightly different in shape and stiffness. They had to install the brace on mine - my build date was Oct 2000.

You definitely do not want your 12v compressor to run a lot due to leaks - will cost you $1700 for a new one. Fortunately the floor plan on these coaches is so good we never minded living with the slide in for two months. Did feel like a new coach when we were able to use it again :)

Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #4 –
Dave - We also check the slide for daylight front and back, top to bottom, before we extend or retract the slide. Haven't tried the lubricant but will check with HWH. Don't want to replace this twice.

Dave and Dolly - I like the popsicle stick repair. So far the seal seems inflated except for a 1/4" gap about 4" long at the top rear corner. Staying in the desert until we leave for Nac will hopefully avoid water intrusion.

Jeff and Patricia - Many thanks for the details about your experience. Our build date was Aug 2000 so I assume we also lack the brace you describe. Will be sure this is addressed. The 12v compressor is not working but will try to profit from Steve and Michelle's experience and watch for one on ebay. Looks like a $1k difference in cost.
Have never worked on the air lines. Did you get the plug you used at Home Depot? Size? Just a threaded plug? Best/easiest way to dump the air before disconnecting the line from the manifold?

Many thanks

Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #5 –
Actually all you need is a brass compression fitting cap when you remove the line on the manifold block which is located just above the door in the first compartment after the battery compartment on the driver's side. No need to bleed down the air first as it is regulated to 12psi. Can't remember if it is 1/8 or 1/4 size cap but that's all you will need aside from some teflon pipe tape. The hose you want to disconnect is on the right as shown on this photo.
Jeff & Patricia
Rescue dog Molly
Previous Foretravel owner

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #6 –
Quote from: morninghill –
The 12v compressor is not working but will try to profit from Steve and Michelle's experience and watch for one on ebay. Looks like a $1k difference in cost.

For those in an urgent-replacement situation, here's an option cheaper than Grainger (we have not bought from them, but just want to pass along the research):

Thomas Compressor TA-4101-DC (12v DC)

If you find one on eBay, be sure it's the right model.  I have seen one relisted multiple times that's a 120V AC version - we need 12V DC for our coaches.
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 seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #7 –
I found the OEM compressor at MOT for about half the Granger price, It fits exactly no modifying to install.  Why I have a used spare.

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #8 –
Hi Mike & Molly,
Dave & Dolly were talking about us, with the red neck Popsicle patch; it worked!.
We will be in Desert Hot Springs this coming Friday. If the leak in your seal is somewhere along a straight edge, our patch might work. We would look forward to meeting you and can be contacted at five oh three, five 10, four six six one.
We talked to Temecula RV (Temecula RV Service, RV repair, RV Parts, RV rental and rent RV storage) about repairing/replacing our slide seal 2 years ago. They claimed to have experience, but could not work with our extended service contract company. I think it would be worth a call (951) 894-2347 to talk with them. I think they enjoy a fairly good reputation locally.
Because of their problems with out extended warranty company, we choose to drive to Nac.
One year later the rear seal developed a leak. We took it to Oregon Motor Coach in Eugene, OR. They too said they had done them before. They did a good job changing the seal for us.
It is worth noting that on some early FT models with slides that the slide room has to be removed to replace the seal. On ours, the room can be pushed in abut 4 to 6 inches and the seal can be replaced.
R&R in Spokane, WA also has experience replacing slide seals. If I remember correctly, Keith there has FT experience.
So, there are options.
Give us a call.
Dick
Dick, '03 U320 40' Tag, 2 slides, Coach #6075
Full Timers
2009 Honda CR-V

Re: Slide seal repair near Desert Hot Springs

Reply #9 –
Michelle - thanks for the link. The existing compressor is not the same as yours, not sure which make or model but it's smaller. Talked to Mark at FOT about it, he said HWH supplied different compressors at different times, FOT just installed whatever they sent.

Dave - thanks for the info about MOT pricing.

Dick - will give you a call tomorrow. Look forward to meeting you.
Mike & Molly Patronick
2001 U320 40'
2011 Forester