Problem Round 2. ding ding

[lostinfla]

So while cleaning up rat droppings and taking everything apart that I can to vacuum up debris, I find the bedroom slide gear box broken on one boss. I checked the other 3 nuts and they were loose, even though I had installed hardened studs with locktite and self locking nuts. Called Newmar and the unit is over 1k$$. I tightened the other 3 mounting nuts and it isn't moving when using the slide.

My questions are: Should I just check the bolts every month or so and hope for the best so I don't have to part with that much cash? (maybe JB Weld)
Is there another source for that box besides Newmar?
If I do replace it, how much of a job is it?
Again, Thanks for any help and info on this.

 

[Richpatty]

Besides a probable repair, I would put on Stage8 fastners. I did last year and have been happy with them.

 

[RKins]

Those are cool fasteners - based on the price they are making good money selling them.
I think that torque is breaking the pot metal of those motor mounts. The fact that @lostinfla said the other 3 were loose compounds the torque problem. Not sure how large the BR slide is but I would definitely be checking the full wall slide brackets.

 

[Neal]

Besides a probable repair, I would put on Stage8 fastners. I did last year and have been happy with them.
View attachment 16202

Link please? Maybe a thread on how to perform this mod with links, etc.?

 

[Rustymayes]

So while cleaning up rat droppings and taking everything apart that I can to vacuum up debris, I find the bedroom slide gear box broken on one boss. I checked the other 3 nuts and they were loose, even though I had installed hardened studs with locktite and self locking nuts. Called Newmar and the unit is over 1k$$. I tightened the other 3 mounting nuts and it isn't moving when using the slide.

My questions are: Should I just check the bolts every month or so and hope for the best so I don't have to part with that much cash? (maybe JB Weld)
Is there another source for that box besides Newmar?
If I do replace it, how much of a job is it?
Again, Thanks for any help and info on this.

View attachment 16200

What is the access for the drives? are there removable panels under the bed? I assume this is accessed from inside the bedroom as opposed to basement access? I am just getting to know the coach and would like to start doing a little QA on things like this. I now have 120 hours on the rig and I want to do 100 hr inspection and service on it just like I maintain aircraft. Thanks for any info you are willing to share.
EDIT I just poked around on You Tube and found the access as well as procedure for annual inspection and torque of mounting hardware. I like the idea of using the stage 8 hardware as well.

 

[redbaron]

I installed stage8 on both slides. Did this the first week of ownership. Install on the kitchen slide was easy. Bedroom slide gave me a back and neck ache that lasted forever.

 

[Rustycoach]

So is there a stage 8 kit with the straps shown, or are those custom made for you? I see lots of different applications available online but not those straps for the gear box mounts.
Thanks

 

[redbaron]

ABRV103 RV Slideout Motor Locking Fastener Kit

ABRV103 RV Slideout Motor Locking Fastener Kit <strong>Unsure which kit is right for your RV?</strong> <ul> <li>If the wrench size is 9/16” – use part #ABRV101</li> <li>If the wrench size is 1/2” – use part #ABRV103</li> </ul>

www.stage8.com

You need to verify the size required, as there are 2 options.

 

[Rustymayes]

Thanks for the fast reply, I found them as well and then erased my posted question. I will check mine in the morning and make sure that they are not already installed. I wonder if the late modle (2022 23) have Stage 8 hardware installed by Newmar?

 

[redbaron]

Thanks for the fast reply, I found them as well and then erased my posted question. I will check mine in the morning and make sure that they are not already installed. I wonder if the late modle (2022 23) have Stage 8 hardware installed by Newmar?

No, Newmar does not install these at the factory. They don't even use loctite on all builds. My 2019 had loctite, but my 2022 didn't.

 

[lostinfla]

Think I'm going to clean that up and try JB Weld along with the Stage8 hardware. If it won't work, I'll have to pay the price. Has anyone here replaced that gearbox? I'd like to know what I'm getting into.

 

[Chargerman]

It’s an easy replacement. Be sure to torque the thrust bushing to the proper manufacturers spec. though. Torque wrench with a stubby open end wrench adapter needed.

 

[lostinfla]

It’s an easy replacement. Be sure to torque the thrust bushing to the proper manufacturers spec. though. Torque wrench with a stubby open end wrench adapter needed.

Looking at mine, I'm guessing it disconnects at the two bushings either side of the gear box, but it would need to have enough room to slide and have the coupling on the left in the picture clear the bracket. How does that happen when it's also in line with the other end of the shaft? Looks to me like it's captured between the two output shafts, and I don't see them moving. Also, does anyone know the torque and (I'm assuming crows foot adapter) size?

 

[Neal]

That is an interesting setup that I haven't seen. The motors I've seen including @Richpatty's photo above typically there are bolts going INTO the motor.

 

[lostinfla]

I had replaced the bolts with studs and locking nuts thinking it would make the assembly stronger. They can be removed which I will do when the Stage8 hardware gets here. I think I'm going to try JB Weld first and see how it goes. Hopefully 3 good bolts and one repair will suffice. I need to adjust the amp/shutoff setting for the slide. Anyone know how to do that?

 

[Rustycoach]

I just check my bolts today. Coach was built in February of 2022, purchased in October. All bolts had lost their torque, not loose but they easily took a 1/4 turn to tighten. I did not remove to put red LT on yet as I will be ordering three sets of the stage 8 bolts first.
As to the amperage adjustment, I have not done it but you should be able to find the procedure in the owner manual for the system in your records bag somewhere. I saw a you tube video as well last night where a guy goes thru several trouble shooting scenarios. A Newmar dealer service guy does the video.
Good luck

 

[lostinfla]

I left the covers off the motors in the bins just to make them easier to check. The bedroom one is the one I neglected to check as it's a little harder to get to especially if there's a lot of things stored under the bed, so it's getting the Stage8 setup. Actually, if it weren't for cleaning up after the rat problem, I would have continued using it until it completely destroyed itself. So, "Every curse has a blessing and every blessing has a curse".

And, THANK YOU @Richpatty and @redbaron for the Stage8 info.

 

[Richpatty]

Glad to help. I know @Neal asked about installation, but it is really pretty straightforward.

1) I started by inching out the slide in question a bit to take any tension off the motor.
2) I then removed and replaced ONE screw at a time with the special screws from Stage8.
3) You will have to be a bit forgiving with the torque of each one...as the heads need to be in specific positions to accept the locking bar. I "torqued" each one to the approx. correct amount and then advanced or backed off to align the heads.
4) Each end of the bar has different "teeth". You put the end with more teeth on first on the furthest end and then move the second bolt to mate up to the bar. It take a little finesse.

5) Once the bar is in place you slide the clips over the bolt head. They are a bit tight, so you may want to use a metal tool to help push it on... The clips are mounted correctly when they spin freely.

I hope this helps. It is not that bad. I had to do all slides since the Ventana has the motors on the FWS as well.

@redbaron - Let me know if I have missed or misstated anything.

Rich

 

[redbaron]

@Richpatty the only thing you forgot is how to find that dang clip when it Flys away instead of sliding into place.

About 20% of my time was spent searching for the sprung spring clip.

 

[Chargerman]

The crows foot that is needed is 11/2” and the torque spec is 135lbs. You wont have an issue removing the motor. Once you loosen the trans torque bushings you can slide them on the shaft. Make sure the shaft if very clean before reinstalling the bushing. I use fine sand paper and sand along the shaft instead of around it to help provide some additional grip.