Resolved Getting slides to work when engine is running

[lostinfla]

Don't know if anyone has done this, but on the older DS models (2016, I know the newer ones are able to do this) the hydraulic slide does work when the engine is running but the two electric slides won't until the key is off. I'm in the process of trying to find the cutout so I can run all the slides while idling, but thought I'd ask here to see if anyone has found it. I would assume it's located in an electrical 4" sq box somewhere like the cutout for the front TV that makes it inoperable when the key is on. I have defeated that by unplugging the control wire on the box. I did see one in the half bath that I unplugged, but it didn't affect the slides. Anyone?

 

[Scotttkd2]

Contact Newmar for specific to your coach instructions. If there is a lockout they probably have a reason (albeit it may be a dumb one). My Kountry Star instructions are to run slides out at ride height and before leveling. I keep the engine running until all slides are out. I have heard other instructions though for other Newmar models though.

 

[lostinfla]

I just called Newmar and the lady that answered didn't seem to understand my question and said it's a safety issue. (?) I asked her why the newer models are able to do this and she couldn't answer. Just kept saying it's a safety issue so they aren't able to deploy while driving. After trying to reason with her about the change in new models and the fact that the largest slide will actuate while running, I gave up.

 

[lostinfla]

OK, after a little digging on google, I found the fix. The KIB controllers for the slides have the lockout feature. By cutting the "ign" wires going to the controllers, (pink with green tracer) both slides now work while the engine is running.

 

[GypsyR]

Nice! I might look into this myself. It lightly annoys me that I can't run my slide with the engine running like I do the jacks. In my case I have manual slide locks to be engaged while the coach is in motion. As long as those are on properly there's no way possible the little slide motor could overcome them. Plus with the switch being up high and inside a cabinet, I can't really imagine how someone could accidentally try to deploy the slide while in motion.

 

[lostinfla]

I agree it's kind of strange they would just lock out the electric slides and not the hydraulic slide (on Dutch Star) when the controls are in a cabinet. Our previous coach was a Baystar with manual locks. I would caution in your case, don't underestimate the torque of the slide drive system. If the manual locks are on and the button gets pushed, I'm thinking something expensive is going to break.

 

[GypsyR]

Well.....ummm....when someone once pushed the "out" button but forgot to unlock the slide first nothing exploded. The motor voiced its unhappiness while the side creaked and popped a bit but thankfully nothing came apart. There was a bit of delay before what was happening was figured out and the switched stabbed to cancel.

Though am admitting nothing, it's seems like every time there was a screwup during setup or takedown it ended with me thinking "OMG, why don't you read and follow your own checklists?"

 

[Richpatty]

Interesting …. I might give this a try as it always made me roll my eyes as I had to start the engine to air up and pull up the jacks, then shut it down to pull in the slides, then turn it back on to leave...

Was there one wire for each slide?

 

[TheLooks]

Did you play music from Mission Impossible while cutting that wire? Inquiring minds want to know....

 

[lostinfla]

Interesting …. I might give this a try as it always made me roll my eyes as I had to start the engine to air up and pull up the jacks, then shut it down to pull in the slides, then turn it back on to leave...

Was there one wire for each slide?

Yes, one for the kitchen and one for the bedroom.