Camper Slide Out Not Working: Causes and Replacement Cost

The camper slide out not working situation is faced by several camper van owners.

The reason can be as simple as the collection of dirt or failure of the hydraulic unit. Here we will discuss seven reasons, with specific repair methods and costs.

Why Is the Camper Slide-Out Not Working? 7 Reasons

The camper slide-out is not working because an electrical component such as a switch, fuse, or battery has failed. A defective electric motor or pump can also cause slide-out problems. Moreover, a leakage in the hydraulic system, lack of lubrication, or physical obstructions are some causes.

– Camper Slide-Out Switch Failure

In the case of an RV slide stuck on one side, a defective switch is the first suspect. You can confirm this issue if you do not hear the noise from the motor when you press the button. A defective slideout switch breaks the circuit and prevents the slide from moving in any direction.

You can carry out further tests to confirm the issue. If your camper or RV has multiple slideouts, check their switches to rule out the possibility of electrical problems. If all slideout switches have a common power control center, you can check the source to detect power issues.

The switch can fail due to many reasons, such as damaged wiring, corrosion, or rust. Dirt or other contaminants can also damage the switch and prevent the slide from moving. Moreover, some low-quality switches fail early.

– Blown Fuse or Dead Camper Battery

Once you eliminate the switch from the causes, your next suspect should be fuses or the battery. These components have a major role in power generation and transfer, so the slide-out might get stuck if they are failing.

The full electric diagnosis requires a reliable power supply, so first, connect the camper to shore power. You can also run the generator instead. Then check all the connections by seeing whether the power reaches each component.

You can visually observe the fuses, and if they look broken or burnt, the slide will not move. While checking for fuses, also have a look at the breakers. Sometimes adjusting them in the correct orientation fixes the electrical issues.

Moreover, check the battery visually and by using a multimeter. Look for corroded terminals as they lower the battery’s efficiency. The multimeter should ideally display a reading of more than 12 volts.

– Motor Receives Power, but Slide-Out Stays Put

A fault in the slide-out motor can also cause RV slide out problems. These motors stop working after a certain period because they have lived their lifespan. Like other components in your RV, the motor undergoes a lot of wear and tear over its life and only works for a limited period. Apart from aging, the motor can stop working properly if it has been used extensively or not at all.

Common problems include dirt, debris, or exposure to moisture. All these factors lead to corrosion and motor failure. Like the electrical issues we discussed earlier, the motor has tiny components that may fail. For instance, there might be a short circuit preventing the motor from powering the slide.

You can easily detect all these slide-out issues by observing the motor connections and using a multimeter. Find the slide out motors after consulting your RV’s manual. Usually, they are present under the RV close to the slide-out system. The position depends on the specific model. In some campers, the motor is located in a cabinet close to the system, while in others, it is present in a separate compartment.

Read the manual to know the acceptable voltage of your motor and then compare it to the multimeter reading. If the motor is receiving power but does not operate the slide-out, you must replace it.

– Damaged Camper Slide-Out Hydraulic Pump

A problem with the pump can also stop the slide-out from moving. You can test the pump if your RV slides run on a hydraulic system. The hydraulic system has different components that work together to move the slide in or out. It contains a reservoir filled with fluid, a pump, and cylinders that contain pistons.

When you push the switch, the pump sends the fluid from the reservoir to the cylinders. The fluid applies force to the pistons to displace them which makes the camper slide out. The fluid flows back into the reservoir when you close the hydraulic slides.

You can test the pump to detect the reason behind faulty slides. First, you need to locate it in your camper or RV. You might find it in a compartment or beneath the RV but close to the slide.

It will be surrounded by other hydraulic components, such as the control unit and fluid reservoir. However, the location may vary depending on the RV model you own. In some cases, it might be present near the center close to the battery, so you should consult the manual.

Once you find it, inspect the connecting wires. If the wires are burnt, corroded, or frayed they can prevent the pump from working. If the wires are in good condition, check the voltage using a multimeter.

An out-of-range reading means that the pump has failed. You should also look for leakage signs around the pump. In some cases, when the pump seems to be the culprit, the actual reason is low fluid in the hydraulic system. If not filled for a long time, it can cause the pump to overheat and die.

Sometimes dirt enters the hydraulic system and contaminates the fluid. When this fluid circulates through the components it gradually damages them. It is a very common cause of pump failure.

Moreover, aging and wear with time are imminent, so the pump loses its functions after it has lived its lifespan. The life span shortens if you overuse the pump or slides and ignore the maintenance. The hydraulic system requires regular maintenance, such as replacing the filters and fluid.

– Hydraulic System Leakage Causes Slide-Out Failure

Another reason for slide-out failure is a leakage in the hydraulic system. The leakage can occur in any part of the system.

The main reasons behind the leakage include:

• Overheated fluid or pump.
• Holes due to corroded parts in the hydraulic line.
• Loose connections between the pump, pipes, and hoses.
• Cracks or breakage of the hydraulic line due to impact or accident.
• Cracked or worn seals. The seals may dry up in high temperatures and crack.

You can detect a hydraulic system leakage by noticing the fluid levels in the reservoir. The reservoir empties when the slides move out and the leveling legs lower. In contrast, the reservoir fills to maximum when the slides move as the legs rise.

If your RV slide-outs are not moving, the reservoir should be filled with the fluid. If the fluid level drops, you have a leakage in the system. The next step is to trace the exact point of leakage in the hydraulic lines.

In some cases, there is no hole in the system, but an actuator fails. Actuators operate the hydraulic valves, and if they fail, the pump draws the fluid from the reservoir, but it does not reach the cylinders.

– Slide Outs Stick Due to Poor Lubrication

The RV slide outs move in and out due to some gliding parts such as bearings, gears, or rollers. These parts need lubrication for proper functioning, but if deprived, the slides stick.

Lack of lubrication increases friction, and the gliding components start to wear out. Moreover, these components are metallic, so poor lubrication will corrode them. It results in the slides sticking in one position.

– Obstructed Slide-Outs or Misaligned Track

Obstructed or misaligned slide or track can be a reason why your RV slide goes out but not in or vice versa. The obstructions include foreign objects such as collected debris, small rocks, petals, or leaves. The furniture you have placed inside the RV can also block the slides.

Moreover, if you park your camper on an uneven surface, the slide mechanism or track may misalign. Although the tracks become misaligned after a limited period due to everyday wear, early misalignment can be concerning.

It usually happens when you put a heavier load or weight on the tracks or travel trailer than they can bear. A physical impact, such as a road accident can have the same outcome.

How To Fix the Camper Slide-Out System That Does Not Work?

To fix a camper slide-out system that doesn’t work, you can remove the obstructions and lubricate the gliding parts. You can replace the worn hydraulic seal, electrical components, or the pump to repair the slide. Making changes to the slide and aligning the track can also solve the slide problem.

– Remove Obstructions and Lubricate

Removing the obstructions can retain the function of the slide and keep the motor intact for a long time. The motor has to apply great force to move a blocked slide, so if the track is clear, your motor will last longer.

Slide blockage is normal because it is always exposed to dirt or dust, but increases in some seasons. For example, in winter you should be extra careful because snow or ice can block the slides.

Similarly, you should clean the slide and track after a storm. Use a cloth and cleaning agent to remove the debris. You can get slide toppers to prevent contamination of the RV slide outs. In the end, apply good quality lube to the bearings and other rolling parts.

– Replace the Worn Hydraulic Seal

Changing a worn seal works as an RV slide repair mechanism. The seals are available in the market. You can either hire a mechanic or replace it yourself.

The seal costs around $20 to $100. You can save the labor cost if you have the necessary tools. These include wrenches, screwdrivers, a mallet, a pry bar, or a putty knife.

The replacement process varies with the RV models, but generally, it involves the following steps:

• Open the slide out to the fullest because you need to access the cylinders to remove the old seal.
• Gently use the pry bar and mallet to remove the old seal.
• You might find debris accumulated in the area. Clean it with a cloth or wipe it.
• Apply sealant to the lower side of the new seal, place it on the groove, and press.
• Test the system using the switch to ensure that the slide outs work.

– Replace Worn Switches and Fuses

If you have diagnosed an electrical issue, such as worn switches, you can replace them to fix the RV slide-out. Changing the switch will complete the circuit once again, and power will be available to the slide.
In case of a burnt fuse, you can buy a new fuse at a cheap price and replace it. To know the repair cost, you can use software like the RV damage repair estimator.

You will find great deals in stores or online shops. There is no need to spend on labor as long as you can perform the simple task. It only requires unscrewing the old fuse and screwing the new one.

– Replace Worn Slide-Out Components

In case there is a worn component, such as the motor or hydraulic unit, replacing it can solve the issue. The RV slide out water damage repair cost relies on the damaged part.

The cost of the motor depends on its size and type, brand, and RV model. You can find motors in the price range of $200 to $500, but some high-end expensive motors costing up to $1000 are also available.

Similarly, the cost of fixing the hydraulic failure also depends on the same factors. You can buy a pump for $300 or $1000 or above. It all depends on your requirements and the compatibility of the pump with the RV.
Replacing these parts is not easy, so you should search “RV repair near me” , reach out to the professionals and get a quote. The labor cost commonly goes from $100 to $300 per hour.

– Fix Issues With Slide-Out or Its Track

You can search for a professional, by typing “RV slide out repair near me” to inspect the slide and its track. Some slide-outs are not suitable for certain RVs. For instance, a slide can be narrow for your RV, so it will not move in and out because it binds.

A professional can guide you about the problems and suggest if you need to make changes to the slide or your RV. You might have to replace the slide with another type. Make sure your RV parks in a flat area.
In some cases, repairing the tracks can also fix the problem. The mechanic can also align the misaligned tracks. You should not try it yourself if you do not have prior experience otherwise, you may end up ruining the tracks.

Conclusion

After knowing the camper slide out not working, fixes replacement costs and methods, you do not have to compromise on your RV space.

The points mentioned below can help you to fix the problem:

• Failure of electrical parts, such as fuses, switches, batteries, and motors can create slide out issues.
• Worn hydraulic line parts, obstructions, and lack of lubrication can jam the slide.
• Fix the slide extensions by cleaning and lubricating the system, replacing worn parts, and aligning the tracks.

Implementing these methods will help you enjoy the extra space in your RV once again.