Results for "retraction problems"

General Medium Varies by issue 101 👍 0

How to Fix RV Slide Out Topper Awning Problems: Common Issues and Solutions for Smooth Operation

Before buying our first RV, I never even knew slide topper awnings existed, and now ours is acting up and I'm completely lost. We're having all three slide toppers professionally replaced next week, but I'm honestly worried we'll end up with the same problems all over again if they're not installed properly.

I've been reading horror stories about misaligned toppers, wrong spring tension, and fabric bunching up during slide operation. Since this is costing us a pretty penny, I really need to know what specific things I should insist the installer check and test before they leave. What are the critical adjustments that need to be made during installation to prevent these common topper problems from happening again? …more

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Slideouts Hard 4-8 hours 94 👍 0

How to Lift RV Slideout for Floor Repair - Safe Methods

Apparently my 2000 Allegro Bus slideout only starts sagging and needing floor repair when it hits 85 degrees outside — works perfectly fine otherwise. We discovered water damage under the slideout and need to replace some plywood subflooring, but there are screws I can only access if I lift the slide somehow.

I'm worried about damaging the slideout mechanism or worse, having it fall and hurt someone. The hydraulic system seems to work fine, but I've heard you shouldn't trust it alone for this kind of work. What's the safest method to lift and support a slideout while doing floor repairs underneath? I want to make sure I'm not making a dangerous mistake here. …more

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Exterior Medium 2-4 hours 92 👍 0

RV Awning Repair vs Replacement: When to Fix Torn Fabric

Apparently my RV manual says to replace the entire awning when the fabric tears, but everyone online seems to just patch or swap the fabric instead. My 2020 motorhome's awning fabric has developed a few tears - some small ones that are maybe 4-5 inches, but also a couple larger rips. The fabric also feels kind of stiff and brittle in places, especially where it's been exposed to the most sun.

I'm trying to figure out if I should attempt repairs or just bite the bullet and replace the fabric entirely. The frame itself seems to be in decent shape, so I think I'd only need new fabric rather than a whole new awning system. I've seen repair tapes advertised but I'm not sure if they actually work or how long they last.

What's the general rule of thumb for when awning fabric can be repaired versus when replacement makes more sense? And if I do need to replace just the fabric, what should I expect to pay for something decent? Thanks for any advice - I really don't want to make the wrong choice here! …more

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Best RV Leveling Blocks & Jacks

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Slideouts Hard Varies 83 👍 0

HWH Leveling Jacks Won't Retract: Motor and Solenoid Valve Troubleshooting Guide

Every time I walk over to my HWH leveling jacks they extend perfectly but won't retract, leaving me clueless whether it's the motor, solenoid valve, or something else. But when I try to retract them using Store mode, absolutely nothing happens. I can hear the motor trying to run, but the jacks just sit there extended.

I recently replaced the springs on these jacks and I'm wondering if I somehow messed up the hydraulic system in the process. The spring replacement was a pain and I had to disconnect some things to get to them. My main question is: should I be hearing the motor run when I press Store mode, just like when extending? And if the motor runs but jacks don't retract, what's the most likely culprit?

I'm really hoping this is something I can troubleshoot myself before having to call in expensive service. Any guidance on what to check first would be a lifesaver! …more

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Exterior Medium 45 minutes 81 👍 0

RV Electric Awning Won't Retract Fully: Fix Bunching and Alignment Issues with Easy Steps

Woke up to my electric awning stuck 2 feet short of fully retracting, now I'm standing in the RV parts store staring at motors and alignment tools with zero clue which one I need. During the retraction process, I've observed the fabric bunching up significantly on one side while the opposite side appears to retract normally.

The motor continues to run when this occurs, suggesting it's not a power issue. I suspect this may be related to fabric tension irregularities or potential misalignment in the awning arm mechanism, but I need to confirm the root cause and understand the proper correction procedure.

What are the most likely causes of this partial retraction with uneven fabric bunching, and what systematic troubleshooting steps should I follow to resolve this issue? …more

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General Easy 1-2 hours 80 👍 0

How to Replace Kwikee Super Slide II Drive Wheels - Step-by-Step DIY Repair Guide

Planning to tackle my Kwikee Super Slide II drive wheel replacement myself versus paying a shop $300+ after they started making that awful metal-on-metal chattering noise. I've found pieces of old rubber near the slides where it's completely broken off the wheel cores.

I've looked into replacement OEM parts which cost around $75 per wheel, and I would need 8 wheels replaced. I've discovered a DIY repair method using a PMC-790 urethane rubber kit that could potentially fix this for much less. The total repair materials cost me about $134, compared to $600 for new wheels.

My repair process involved creating custom molds using 2-inch PVC test caps, 2.5-inch and 5/8-inch hole saws, and mixing urethane rubber in a specific 2:1 ratio. I even added blue colorant for fun. Has anyone else tried a similar approach to restoring these drive wheels? …more

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Exterior Medium 1-2 hours 77 👍 0

Kwikee Steps Won't Extend: Complete Troubleshooting & Repair Guide

Every time I open my RV door these Kwikee steps stay stuck at 90% retracted — should I drop $300+ on replacements or try fixing first?

I'm pretty sure this is either a motor that's given up the ghost or something's binding up in the linkage, but I'd love some confirmation before I start throwing parts at it. Should I be checking for 12V at the motor first, or am I overthinking this? And while we're at it, any preventive maintenance I should do to keep this from happening again? Because apparently my RV has commitment issues with working components. …more

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Electrical Medium 45 minutes 70 👍 0

RV Electric Steps Won't Retract - Sensor Location & Fix

Before I could even get out of the campground, my RV's electric steps won't auto-retract when starting the engine, they're stuck extended, AND only the manual button works. The steps still work fine otherwise - they extend and retract when I use the switch.

I'm thinking it's probably a sensor issue since the motor and mechanism work fine. Where is the ignition sensor located and how do I check if it's working? Is there a specific wire I should be looking at? …more

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Appliances Medium 2-4 hours 67 👍 0

Lippert 10540 Controller Replacement: Complete Guide & Alternatives for RV Owners

Nobody warned me that my Lippert 10540 controller would go rogue and start randomly cycling through all the slide positions without me touching anything. My 2006 Damon Tuscany's Lippert 10540 controller has officially given up the ghost, and of course it's been discontinued because why would anything in RV life be simple, right?

I'm staring at this dead piece of technology wondering if I'm supposed to perform some sort of RV séance to bring it back to life, or if there are actually some real-world solutions out there. Are there compatible aftermarket controllers that won't cost me my firstborn? Can I upgrade to something newer that'll actually work with my ancient leveling system? I'm even desperate enough to consider salvage yard hunting at this point - because nothing says "living the dream" like dumpster diving for RV parts!

Anyone else survived this particular brand of RV karma and lived to tell the tale? …more

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Slideouts Medium 2-4 hours 59 👍 0

Fix Power Gear Leveling Jack Alarm That Won't Stop

Power Gear leveling jack alarm started screaming at 3 AM in the campground and won't stop no matter what I press. Jacks are fully retracted, nothing is obstructed, and the control panel just keeps beeping. Disconnected the battery to shut it up but need an actual fix. …more

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Electrical Easy 45 minutes 40 👍 0

RV Entry Steps Motor Won't Stop Running - Quick Fix Guide

Every fix I've tried — replaced the relay, cleaned the limit switches, checked the wiring harness — but my 2016 Coachman Mirada 35BH entry steps motor still won't stop running. Everything works perfectly when the engine is running - steps extend smoothly when I open the door and retract properly when closed. But now when the engine is off and I'm leaving the RV, the step motor won't stop running. The steps extend to full position but the motor keeps grinding away. Same thing happens in reverse - they retract fully but the motor continues operating. This just started after our recent camping trip. While we were plugged into shore power at the campground, no problems at all. But as soon as I got home, parked in the driveway and shut off the engine, this continuous motor issue began. I'm still learning about RV systems as a new owner, so any guidance would be much appreciated. …more

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