Newmar slide activation idiosyncrasies

[J&JD]

There have been several threads on different rv forums discussing the importance of running the engine while operating the slides to give you optimum voltage for the slide motors. This made sense to me so I decide to use this procedure when operating my slides. Well……Newmar has some weird stuff going on with my coach and I would like to hear how other’s slides work.
1. The HWH full wall slide will work in or out with the engine running or the ignition off, doesn’t matter. It does seem to work best with the engine running.
2. The kitchen slide will come in with the engine running but will not go out with the ignition on and/or engine running?? Go figure.
3. The bedroom slide will not go in or out with the ignition on or engine running.

Why would the slides be wired completely differently? Obviously running the engine while operating the slides will only work for the FWS on my coach. How are your slides set to work in relation to the ignition?

 

[Neal]

My coach inhibits slide movement with the ignition on, later models don't do this. However, I think the engine is insignificant, it doesn't add/remove anything I'm aware of. Instead what's important is probably being on shore power (or GEN). My slides are 12V (no hydraulics) so having the power strong is important, not relying on house batteries. You can park, connect, run slides. Air up, run slides, disconnect power. No reason power can't be hooked up when slides are run.

 

[J&JD]

My coach inhibits slide movement with the ignition on, later models don't do this. However, I think the engine is insignificant, it doesn't add/remove anything I'm aware of. Instead what's important is probably being on shore power (or GEN). My slides are 12V (no hydraulics) so having the power strong is important, not relying on house batteries. You can park, connect, run slides. Air up, run slides, disconnect power. No reason power can't be hooked up when slides are run.

I have always plugged into power or run the generator prior to slide operation. However, there is a contingent that feel that the best power source is when the engine is running for various reasons. You can definitely notice the difference with the HWH FWS. Also, there are those that feel the kitchen slide that has two motors benefits from the engine running. But my main question was why all the slides on my coach have different ignition lockout systems. How are other DS’s set up?

 

[MapNerd]

My slides (electric) work in all ignition states (on, running, off) but my levelers only work with engine on.

My slides definitely seem to operate better with the engine running though.

 

[Neemer]

All of mine work with engine running.

 

[Engleman]

Why wouldn't slides not open / or close with the engine running or just the ignition on. My rig is a fleetwood with 12v power gear and running or just ignition on, operates either way! Dont quite get it??

 

[lostinfla]

Our FWS will operate with the engine running and does run faster when done so, but neither the kitchen or bedroom will move with engine running. I had planned to find the offending solenoid/switch and disable, but it really hasn't bothered me enough yet to look for it.

 

[lostinfla]

Why wouldn't slides not open / or close with the engine running or just the ignition on. My rig is a fleetwood with 12v power gear and running or just ignition on, operates either way! Dont quite get it??

I'm thinking the manufacturer doesn't want stupidity to enter into the equation while driving down the road and having someone think, "I wonder what this switch does."

 

[NWIP]

Our 2017 wouldn’t go in/out with ignition on or running. There was a few times my heart stopped when nothing happened when I pushed the button to bring the slide in or out, only to find the key was on.

2020 is totally different, works in all configuration. My normally procedure is shore power connected, run engine to bring to ride height and leave running, bring slides in and then disconnect shore power. I do believe FWS operates more smoothly with engine running.

 

[Neal]

I'm thinking the manufacturer doesn't want stupidity to enter into the equation while driving down the road and having someone think, "I wonder what this switch does."

Or stupidity of the design and some failsafe fails, or a relay fails, and your slides extend while driving without user interaction. Kinda like Girard awnings...