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Generator slideout stuck

Yahoo Message Number: 118169
Out of the blue, my generator slideout is binding and won't come out more than about a third of the way. We were running the genset so we could run the roof A/C and the generator shut down due to high temp. I stopped at a rest stop on I-80, undid the bus armor on the front of the coach, and attempted to run the generator out in order to see what was wrong and take the appropriate action. The generator started coming out as usual but then seemed to stick on the left side. The right side seemed to want to come out, but the left just stuck wouldn't allow further travel. I didn't want to force things, so I just added coolant to the overflow tank (which did not good), since I couldn't remove the generator cover to get to the radiator cap with the unit only that far out. Has anyone experienced this problem? We are not full-timers and only make one or two trips a year, but the last time I ran the generator out (approx. one year ago) the slideout mechanism functioned perfectly, and the rig has not been in any accidents which might have damaged it, or been lifted, towed, or anything else. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Thanks in advance,

D. Jarrett
2003 Magna Resort #6240

Re: Generator slideout stuck

Reply #1 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118170
Roller bearings carry the load for the generator as it moves. One has probably frozen. Not too difficult to remove and replace.

Mark
07 Inspire

Re: Generator slideout stuck

Reply #3 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118178
You can undo the bolt and nut holding the arm that moves the slide (near front of coach), this might work for you to at least service the generator. Check the tracks for rocks as one in the track can jam it up (the bearings rollers can go bad too). There are also stop switches for full open and full close that will kill the slide motor, make sure they are good. The motors for the slides do go bad, make sure you do all of this above on level ground and jack stands wouldn't hurt either.

Sincerely

Alex Ritchey 2000 Affinity

Re: Generator slideout stuck

Reply #4 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118179
What Alex said. Based on your observation that the slide worked OK the last time it was used, it's more likely that something is obstructing the movement. If it were a bearing it's unlikely that it would travel part way then suddenly stop.

Parts are available if you need them from Knudtson Manufacturing in Junction City.

FWIW

Dave M. 2002 Affinity #6103
Dave & Cathy M, 2002 Affinity #6103, 2018 GMC Acadia, Linux Mint 19.2

Re: Generator slideout stuck

Reply #5 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118180
Thanks for all the suggestions, but I found the source of the problem.
The panel that covers the side of the generator had come loose and fallen down beside and partially to the rear of the unit, blocking the travel on the left side. I couldn't see it the first time I looked because I was in a rest stop, the sun was in my eyes and it was about 100 degrees outside, and my wife & I were both frazzled. However, when we finally got into a park where I could do a more thorough examination,

I ran the genset partially out until it stopped, and then I could see the edge of the cover stuck next to the generator. After running it back in a couple inches, I could get it out. One of the "ears" that slot into the rear end of the generator housing and align the cover properly was bent and had gone unnoticed by me last year when I serviced the generator, and it was probably this that caused the cover to be dislodged by vibration from bumpy roads. That puts the blame solely on ME! Another thing -- I should have noticed the first time I looked that the side cover was missing, and THAT'S why the generator was overheating in the first place. The radiator is on the bottom, and the unit HAS TO BE SEALED in order for it to draw cooling air from underneath. With the side cover off, it isn't sealed and therefore can't pull in the air.

Another knock on ME! It just goes to show you how you think you know your motor home, but in the heat of a perceived emergency, you don't always think straight. I've had this rig for fourteen years, gone all over the USA with it, have done many DIY repairs, and yet in this instance, I couldn't see something this obvious the first time around.

Talk about not seeing for forest for the trees!

Again, thanks to all for your concern and advice,

D. Jarrett

2003 Magna Resort #6240

Re: Generator slideout stuck

Reply #6 –
Yahoo Message Number: 118181
Thank you for the great recap. I'm sure you will save many of us. And I totally get how one thinks they know their rig, yet in heat of battle, things get cloudy. That is a good reminder too. We have all been there. Thanks again.

Greg
06 Magna

2006 Magna Rembrandt C13
2016 Jeep GC toad