[orbit1957]

I posted the following in another thread but was not able to upload pictures. 

2005 #744 Three Valid Slides, Mid Entry 

I experienced a slide malfunction today. We had already parked, extended the slides, leveled the coach, and I failed to remove the waste tube from the bay under the left bedroom slide… time to retract the slide and undo everything I just did. Sorry happy campers, the big Cat 13 is firing back up. 

The Driver’s Side Rear Slide was being retracted by my wife while I was standing by outside to open the bay door when it stopped half way. The seals were deflated and vacuumed, it wouldn’t budge. There was no unusual sound, everything thing appeared normal. 

We had never experienced this before and started verifying the usual items, suspension in Travel Mode, ample air pressure, electrical power, and of course the engine was running. I flipped the slide switch in the cockpit (no for this issue)… Inspected the exterior of slide and of course the interior. Measured the front of the slide to the body and the aft side. They were within 1/8” of each other, 14” out. We tried to extend it without success. I pushed and pulled and jiggle the beast… everything was solid and not moving. 

Time to call the factory. It was a Wednesday afternoon, the team was still at work. Thank you Mark, you saved the day and quite possibly the trip. 105° out with a 1/2” gap all around the sliding hole in the coach. 

The issue is a blown fuse for the slide motor. The interior slide control screen did not indicate an error. 

In this coach, the Valid Slide electrical panel is located in the left basement bay opposite the entry door with the Spyder Wire electrical panels, window shades controls, and 120VAC electrical panel for select items. There is a fabric panel covering the fuse blocks. The panel is covered in the same material used in the bay sidewalls, ceiling, and floor. The cover is held to the aft side panel with Velcro. 
Once the cover is removed the fuse blocks can be identified. The pictures I’m posting should help understanding how the fuses are placed in the block. Gentle pull on the black tab releasing the fuse holder. Each fuse holder has two fuses, one in use and a spare. In this coach the driver’s forward slide is #1. Driver’s aft slide is #2. Aft curb is #3. If the slide has a raisable floor, there will be a fuse for it also. 

The blown fuse is a 4 amp Bussmann Series Fuse. The size is listed as 1 1/4”x1/4”.  I’ve ordered extra to add to my compliment a spare coach supplies. 











I hope you don’t find yourself in this position when the kids are in a hurry to hit the amusement park but if you do, it’s a quick fix to get back to normal ops! 

Take care!
Kristi & Jeff 
2005 45’ Newell   #744

FYI I installed slow blow 5 amp fuses instead of the 4 amp quick blow. Never had any problems since with the upgraded fuses. Slow blows should be used on most motors because of the high current demand on the initial starting draw.  I did validate that the slide was not the problem by removing the motor and manualy extending and retracitng it with a straight screwdriver bit on a cordless drill on the actuator input shaft. The wiring and other control circuits are robust enough to handle the extra current. Also make sure the seal is deflated when testing. I have replaced many 4 amp fuses in the past. Always fun because they always blow at the worst time arriving or departing the campsite! This is the fix, try it, you'll be much Happier!

Happy Travels!
Kevin
2004 698