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Topic: Vacuum generator for slide bladder (Read 808 times) previous topic - next topic

Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Does anyone have the part number for the front slide on a 2002 U295.
The last time I extended the slide it sounded as though the slide  was contacting the bladder. I had plenty of air pressure.
Thanks in advance.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #1 –
It is a venturi vacuum generator built into the slide manifold block.  Mine is located high on the right side wall in the driver side storage bay.  No moving parts on the vacuum generator but there are 2 solenoid valves.  One is the same as on a 6-pack and one is different.  Not sure which one controls the vacuum generator actuation.  I would try to contact HWH.  Can you see the bladder retract when you turn the key?

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #2 –
You should not hear any squealing when you extend or retract the slide.  When you turn the key in your coach to get ready to extend or retract compressed air makes a low pressure which deflates the bladder as Rich explained.  The yellow light comes on in the 2002 (maybe not all) and later coaches when the vacuum reaches a preset low pressure.  You should be able to see light between the slide and the retracted bladder. Check before you move the slide.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #3 –
The original manifold in my 2001 is part# AP20078.  I have it in my hands as it was removed last week after the slide bladder was replaced at MOT.  New bladder design needs a higher capacity manifold evidently but this one was working fine.  I kept it for a spare or a door stop.  Woody.
2001 4010 U320 build #5865 "Bluto-d-Bus" since 09/18
2006 Honda Element ESP Toad
Full timing since 2016 in Western MT
Copilot: Sitka
1975 GMC 260 Avion: sold

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #4 –
I kept my old manifold also, if anybody needs it.
Richard & Betty Bark & Keiko our Golden Doodle
2003 U320T 3820 PBDS
Build # 6215
MC # 16926
2016 Chevrolet Colorado 4X4 diesel

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #5 –
In the air line from the bladder manifold to the bladder add a quarter turn valve and a pressure gauge.  This lets you monitor the pressure in the bladder. If you suspect a leak, closing the valve with the bladder inflated will isolate the bladder.  If the pressure drops then something (likely the bladder) after the valve is leaking. If it does not then something before the valve (likely the manifold) is leaking.

If you think the bladder is dragging on the slide when the slide is moving try spraying the area with soapy water to reduce friction and minimize the possibility of damage to the bladder. This is a temporary fix, find out why the bladder is not fully retracted.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #6 –
Would it be possible to add a vacuum pump to each bladder manifold?
I'm not familiar with the Foretravel system but know a few Newell guys that have added an electric vacuum pump to theirs and it works nicely.  I can get the link to that info if anybody is interested.
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #7 –
Quote from: folivier –
Would it be possible to add a vacuum pump to each bladder manifold?
I'm not familiar with the Foretravel system but know a few Newell guys that have added an electric vacuum pump to theirs and it works nicely.  I can get the link to that info if anybody is interested.
I dont think it would hurt... I have both my old ones and maybe they can be modified?

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #8 –
Anybody should be able to see this post as a guest.  The poster is the same Tom who sells the HWH leveling kits. 
hwh slide seal vacuum pump installation
Forest & Cindy Olivier
1987 log cabin
2011 Roadtrek C210P
no longer 1999 36' U320 build #5522
2013 Rzr 570 & 2018 Ranger XP1000
2006 Lexus GX470
2011 Tahoe LT 4x4
Previous 1998 45' 2 slide Newell, 1993 39' Newell

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #9 –
I think that not all 2002 coaches have a sensor to turn the light on steady when the bladder is deflated.  Ours is an early 2002 (built Aug 2001) and appears to still just use a timer to activate the light.  We have to visually check for deflation.  It usually takes about 5-10 seconds after the light goes on steady.

I'd suggest that everyone check visually a few times to make sure they can trust their light to give a reliable indication of bladder deflation.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #10 –
We look every time to make sure the bladder is deflated before moving the slide. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #11 –
Thanks all, for the replies.
The parts listed are obsolete. Think I'll attempt a rebuild of the unit.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #12 –
We had our bladder manifold replaced at HWH with a rebuilt one.  About $250 vs 3-4x.  Same warranty.  It has worked fine for the last 6 years.  I think it is usually the solenoid valve that starts to leak.
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #14 –
I would think so although the 2003 version might be different from the 2001. 
Roger Engdahl and Susan Green
2001 U320 3610 #5879 (Home2) - 2014 Jeep Cherokee or 2018 F150
Hastings, MN

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #15 –
Wonder if anyone has been in there to see what parts, etc. are needed and if they are available?

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #16 –
It's been a couple of years since I worked on mine.  I think there are only two parts to rebuild, the solenoid valves.  See my earlier post.  The rest is basically the manifold block.  I'm sure any needed parts are available from HWH.

Rich
Rich and Peggy Bowman
2002 U270 3610 WTFS, build #5939--"Freedom"
2022 Jeep Grand Cherokee Summit 4xe
SMI AirForceOne brake system
PakCanoe 15

Re: Vacuum generator for slide bladder

Reply #17 –
I certainly appreciate everyone's
I'll pull the unit and check it out.
Thanks.
'02 U295 36'
Build #5937

 SKP#104358
Motorcade#17428