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Topic: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac (Read 2447 times) previous topic - next topic

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #25 –
Wow, what does it do and why is it now suddenly required?

Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #26 –
Quote from: Jim Frerichs –
Wow, what does it do and why is it now suddenly required?

Jim

2002 U320


See the previous posts and pictures, and the link to another thread within this thread. 

 It is not "required" officially by anyone I have spoken with.  Purpose: It keeps the bladder from bulging in the slot at bottom center of the slide (visible only when slide is extended).

My opinion (not based on talking with FOT nor HWH):  Not having it "may" cause premature bladder failure.  Having it, and having it installed correctly past the edge of the bladder "may" increase bladder life.  Again, my opinion only, based on my own visual inspection, photos of others coaches "slot" and guide/lack thereof, and a previous thread linked above.

So far it seems some coaches have it and some don't.  And on some two slide coaches, one slide has and one does not.

Each person will have to decide the importance. 
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #27 –
I looked it over, and it looks to me like you can add this guide from the outside without removing or pushing in the slide.  It may take a flexible stalk on a drill motor for a pilot hole for screws or lag bolt, (if no hole already there, or even pre-threaded) then correct length socket extension to put in a lag bolt or bolt if already threaded.

It looks like a L shape (think L bracket, but padded) .  I "think" you can deflate the seal, push this into the slot, then secure it to back wall of the slot.

My cell camera doesn't quite fit into the slot for a good angle, but these pics may help envision it.  Ignore the blue painter tape in there - he likely used it to temp hold it while he secured it.

Edit: If you don't have this guide, do you have a single hole at the back where the silver bolt or lag is in the photo?  If so, perhaps one day when the slide was extended, it pulled the guide loose, and dropped it on the ground?

Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #28 –
Here is a picture of an older thinner guide, that may show the angle and view better. I makes me even more convinced this can be installed from the outside with slide extended and bladder deflated.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #29 –
Dan,

Can you please find out what that piece is called, and if it can be installed easily...........where I can buy one?

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #30 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Dan,

Can you please find out what that piece is called, and if it can be installed easily...........where I can buy one?


I am at Foretravel today.  Part is Slideout Slot Cover.  $35.13 list, $32.53 w discount.  Foretravel parts: 1-800-955-6226 or parts.texas@foretravel.com . 

At back of your slideout slot, bottom center, is there a predrilled hole? Is it threaded or non threaded?  Shine a flashlight in and you can probably tell.  Just wondering, as I don't know the answer on any of  the coaches.

Looks pretty easy to me overall to install from outside with bladder deflated. See pictures I just took minutes ago of the actual part.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #31 –
Would this part also be appropriate for 2002 slides?  Thanks
Gordon Cole
2002 U320 36'

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #32 –
Quote from: AC7880 –

I am at Foretravel today.  Part is Slideout Slot Cover.  $35.13 list, $32.53 w discount.  Foretravel parts: 1-800-955-6226 or parts.texas@foretravel.com . 

At back of your slideout slot, bottom center, is there a predrilled hole? Is it threaded or non threaded?  Shine a flashlight in and you can probably tell.  Just wondering, as I don't know the answer on any of  the coaches.

Looks pretty easy to me overall to install from outside with bladder deflated. See pictures I just took minutes ago of the actual part.
Is that foam? Or a hard plastic? looks to be 3/8" flat bar  or is it plastic?

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #33 –
Quote from: DavidS –
Is that foam? Or a hard plastic? looks to be 3/8" flat bar  or is it plastic?


Hard plastic outer shell, with chamfered edges where bladder rides.  Foam glued to hard outer shell - foam fits in the slot.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #34 –
Quote from: gordon cole –
Would this part also be appropriate for 2002 slides?  Thanks

I "think" so.  Verify with FOT or MOT.  MOT might also have this part in stock. They do have some slide bladders in stock now.
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #35 –
Don, 

Were you able to confirm that the slot cover can be installed easily?

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #36 –
Quote from: Travelin' Man –
Don, 

Were you able to confirm that the slot cover can be installed easily?

We were tied up all day waiting on various things, so have not spoken to a tech about the install (did get the pics at parts department though).  Waiting on MOT upholstery department to come to our coach right now.  However, visually, by looking at the part, looking at the slot, looking at the part in the slot, I would venture to say yes.    Sure looks doable to me.

I still have no answer back from anyone missing this guide whether or not there is a hole predrilled on the back wall of the slot, and if there is, is it threaded?  Shine a flashlight in and it should be apparent.

Can a few folks missing the guide shine a light in the slide slot externally and check if there is a pre-drilled hole, and if so does it appear threaded?  That would help others determine how doable self install is.  If I was missing the guide and out of the Nac area I personally would attempt the install myself.  Worst case $35 for the part, then carry it along.  (being extremely careful not to damage the bladder if drilling a hole in back wall of the slot - insert small piece of wood over bladder while drilling).

** If there is a pre-drilled hole on back wall of slide slot, yet no guide, I see several possibilities:
Guide not installed due to error at build.
Guide  removed then not reinstalled during bladder replacement.
Guide pulled out during slide extension one time, then fell on ground.


Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #37 –
Does anyone know if HWH sells the slot covers?

Re: "Normal service" and Slide Bladder replacement, Old Town MotorCoach Nac

Reply #38 –
I too had a wonderful experience with Old Town. My friend from Canada had his coach there on consignment. He decided to bring it home. I was free at the time and jumped at the chance to fly down and bring it back. I picked the coach up and made it a 100 miles north and the alternator failed. I parked for the night ran the generator with the boost switch on and recharged all the batteries, leaving in the AM for Old Town. They quickly and immediately diagnosed the problem. Joey drove me to a shop where they have their alternators rebuilt, the  alternator was rebuilt, we returned and it was immediately installed, tested, all was fine.
I might add that the price for the repair and the labour was more than reasonable.

I have been in the automotive business most of my life........I have never met anyone or any shop that would go that far out of their way to help a customer... I CAN not find the words to express my gratitude, and Joey was so helpful it was beyond belief. All I can say is if all people in Texas and as helpful as Joey was.... God Bless Texas !!!

Respectfully,
Dave from B.C. Canada 
2001 U320 40ft
Build #5867
2003 Tracker
VE7DOD