Question Best Trailer??

[wiscampsin]

Rockwood and it's twin sister brand Flagstaff are considered well built and a good value for the money. I would suggest avoiding anything with Schwintek slide mechanisms.

 

[sanda]

I agree with the schwintek issue. Everyone I know including myself have nothing but problems with them.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

This brings us to the other side of the equation—owners not understanding how the system works and proper operation. We have said this time and again: The unit must be level and secure before extending or retracting the room, otherwise the twisting and resistance on the gear and motor will create issues. Most trailer and 5th wheel owners pull into the campground and extend the rooms before doing this, as it requires them to go outside to extend the stabilizers or jacks. Even if the unit is level, the weight of the room extending can twist the sidewall at the opening just enough to put resistance to the fastening points such as the rivets. Once the rails are loose, it’s not long before there is a problem.

Also, one of the biggest issues according to the Schwintek technician is synchronizing the motors. In the owner’s manual, it states that when extending or retracting, keep the button pushed in even after the room touches the wall and until the motor stops. This allows the two motors to “sync” back together. Most RV manufacturers do not build a slide room with the same weight on each side of the room, so one motor may be required to work harder than the other. Plus, no RV owner packs their ”stuff” with weight distribution in mind, so the motors will get out of sync.

Most owners let go of the button when the room touches the side as the motors start to “whine” like they are going to burn up! So the more the room gets extended and retracted without the synchronizing procedure, the more the motors get out of sync or alignment and eventually stop working due to the resistance.

Bob

 

[sanda]

T

This brings us to the other side of the equation—owners not understanding how the system works and proper operation. We have said this time and again: The unit must be level and secure before extending or retracting the room, otherwise the twisting and resistance on the gear and motor will create issues. Most trailer and 5th wheel owners pull into the campground and extend the rooms before doing this, as it requires them to go outside to extend the stabilizers or jacks. Even if the unit is level, the weight of the room extending can twist the sidewall at the opening just enough to put resistance to the fastening points such as the rivets. Once the rails are loose, it’s not long before there is a problem.

Also, one of the biggest issues according to the Schwintek technician is synchronizing the motors. In the owner’s manual, it states that when extending or retracting, keep the button pushed in even after the room touches the wall and until the motor stops. This allows the two motors to “sync” back together. Most RV manufacturers do not build a slide room with the same weight on each side of the room, so one motor may be required to work harder than the other. Plus, no RV owner packs their ”stuff” with weight distribution in mind, so the motors will get out of sync.

Most owners let go of the button when the room touches the side as the motors start to “whine” like they are going to burn up! So the more the room gets extended and retracted without the synchronizing procedure, the more the motors get out of sync or alignment and eventually stop working due to the resistance.

Bob

Those are indeed the proper ways to keep from having Schwintek issues BUT I use all the proper procedures and still have problems. It's well known within the industry. I would add that you must have fully charged batteries before operating the slide.

 

[Bob K4TAX]

Of course, there is nothing indicating one way or the other that the slide was built and installed per Schwintek specs. I think we have all seen too many factory errors for one reason or another in the RV industry.

Regarding batteries and charging of same, I see too many posts where it is apparent folks do not understand the electrical systems on their RVs. No, we are not supposed to be an Electrical Engineer but a bit of study and common sense should prevail.

Bob

 

[Kevin D Pem]

I do like the K.I.S.S. method of reasoning. We always said it means something different depending on if it was directed towards the customer or the manufacturer.
For the customer it means (k)eep (i)t (s)tupid (s)imple!
For the manufacturer it means (k)eep (i)t (s)imple (s)tupid!!

The way a product is engineered determines the company's fate! It is therefore STUPID to engineer a product that leaves the companies reputation in question by a customer mistake. If the product requires customer training, the intelligence should be built-in the product before it is released on the customer! Plain and simple. If the only way a product can be operated reliably, or safely is customer to be trained on it's operation, then it has not finished the development cycle!!!

Three points (hitch,axle) corresponds to a untwisted frame. Stabilizer jacks take out the sag in the frame. If the TT manufacturer is told the slides won't function if the frame is not straight, the manufacturer of the trailer should not install slides on trailers not properly equipped with auto leveling. With a lock-out on the slide. Preferably with proximity detectors built-in to the slide,to keep the slides from operating when things aren't in the as built state!!!

I would guess, both trailer manufacturer and slide manufacturer are to blame!! And the blame game Is evidence neither has a clue about the KISS principle in engineering. Also the bean counters find a place in this formula! "it hurts the bottom line to take responsibility! So blame the customer " is well on its way to burry the product line!!!

Just my $2

 

[John&Andrea]

The best trailer is the one your wife likes. All will have some issues.