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Topic: Slide air bladder repair info. (Read 489 times) previous topic - next topic

Slide air bladder repair info.

A few threads running now dealing with slide  air bladder repairs.
I didn't want to jack a thread or take it off topic, so I will ask this questions independent of others.

I don't have any slides but always think about the next coach, probably one with a slide, or two, or three, or four.
Replacement/repair prices are steep and the service life does not seem to be all that long. What options are available from different manufacturers for slides, the good and bad points to each design.

How has Foretravel historically installed slides.
Is the slide mechanism on the IH and Realm different than the older Foretravels with slides. Do they have a longer service life?

Just Curious.
1995 U320C SE 40'
Jeep 4x4 Commander - Limited - Hemi
"The Pack"  Yogi and Diesel our Airedales -  Charlie our Boxer/Akita mix. Gone but NEVER forgotten Jake our yellow Lab.
NRA Law Enforcement Firearms instructor - Handgun/shotgun
Regional Firearms instructor for national Armored Transp. Co.

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #1 –
That Sir is a big question.  :))
Scott & Carol Seibert
2001 42' double slide U320 - Sold
Previous - 2002 36' U320

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #2 –

Many SOB coaches (some other brand) do not use inflatable slide bladders.  The inflatable seals better in my opinion. 

 Many other brands just use a solid but flexible rubber seal.  I have camped next to some of them in heavy rainstorms, and they are more likely to get water intrusion. But, they probably do last longer.

I am wondering if I should be using 303 protectant on the bladder at bottom middle by the guide slot? Any opinions? It seems like if I deflate the bladders, then use a cloth to lightly apply 303 at bottom middle over about a 10" wide area it may enhance service life?
Dan - Full timing since 2009
2003 U320 40' Tag 2 slide

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #3 –
I've wondered that myself.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #4 –
Experience and even HWH suggest keeping the slide walls clean and polished is one of the best ways to keep things working well!
Ed
Ed Pan, M.D.
2002 U320 40'

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #5 –
Quote from: AC7880 –
I am wondering if I should be using 303 protectant on the bladder at bottom middle by the guide slot? Any opinions? It seems like if I deflate the bladders, then use a cloth to lightly apply 303 at bottom middle over about a 10" wide area it may enhance service life?

While you're at it why not put 303 on the entire bladder for UV protection?  It's black, it's rubber and it's in the sun.

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #6 –
Sounds like a good question for HWH.
Jim

2002 U320
Jim Frerichs
2002 U320 42'

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #7 –
The first generation slides the entire room has to be removed to replace the bladder.  The second generation on I believe can be set up so they push in about three extra inches to allow slide bladder repair.  I know that if I ever buy another big coach it will not have any slides. I had two none slide FTs and one double slide. Now I am in 29.5 feet and no slide and love the simplicity.
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 air bladder repair info.

Reply #8 –
First slides (99-01) have a timer on the light to show when it is OK to move the slide.  Sometimes it will take longer to deflate.  It is best to do a visual check on the bladder spacing as much as you can see, to verify that it is open.  A clean, polished slide room helps.  There should be no squealing when moving the room.  Use a spray of water and a bit of soap as a lube if it does.  We are at 16+ years on the original bladder seal and have fingers crossed.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #9 –
Roger, you think 15 yrs on the same Bladder is good, well I have almost 74 on mine and I too am keeping my legs crossed (just in case)!!
JohnH
Coachless, now use aircraft. 2003 Ford Travelair TC280 class C. Super shape. Just for 1 yr .
1994 Ford E350 ClassC,total renovation inside and out. Now sold.
2000 U295  36' Cummins 350 c/w Banks Stinger, Resonator upgrade,Solar, LED lites.Residential fridge with slide out pantry. Build 5674. Sold
ex 92 GV 022C ored Cummins. Sold
ex 95 GV240 cat 3116. Sold
2017 Mini cooper s & 2016 land Rover LR2 HSE  LUX.
jhaygarth@aol.com    SKP #130098
treat everyone as you would like to be.

Re: Slide air bladder repair info.

Reply #10 –
That is another subject altogether.  But since humans cells replace themselves on average every seven years or so you are probably on your seventh one by now.  Somehow this process hasn't worked for the hair on my head.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN