The 6 Different types of RV Slide technologies and how they work!

Summary

This informative video from CC RV in Corpus Christi, Texas, explores various RV slide systems, explaining their functionality and advantages. The Schwinn tech slide system is highlighted for its reliability and manual override feature. Traditional rack and pinion systems are praised for their durability but noted for their weight. The Accu slide system, utilizing cables, is suitable for small slides but has potential issues with larger ones. Hydraulic and hidden slide systems are also discussed, with the latter offering a clean exterior. The LCI slim rack system is a newer technology that combines elements of Schwinn tech and cable systems, promising robustness and user serviceability. The video concludes by mentioning an off-road style slide mechanism, emphasizing the diversity of RV slide technologies available.

Takeaways

• 😀 The Schwintech slide system is popular for its reliability and manual override feature, especially suitable for smaller slides.
• 🛠 The traditional rack and pinion system is heavy, requires frame reinforcements, but is very serviceable and common in older and high-end RVs.
• 🔧 The cable-driven Accu slide system from BL is suitable for small slides but may have issues with cable stretching or sagging, and lacks manual override in case of failure.
• 🔩 Hydraulic rack and pinion slides offer independent control but can be affected by system-wide failures, such as line ruptures.
• 🛌 The hidden slide system, or flat pancake style, uses internal rails and is reliable and user-serviceable, providing a clean exterior.
• 🆕 The LCI slim rack system is a newer technology that appears robust and user-serviceable, but its long-term reliability is yet to be seen.
• 🔄 There is also an off-road style slide mechanism that is less common and uses a unique channel mechanism for operation.
• 🔑 The video emphasizes the importance of understanding different slide systems when choosing an RV unit.
• 🔍 The presenter aims to simplify technical terms to make the information accessible to a broad audience.
• 👍 The video encourages viewers to subscribe and engage with the channel for more informative content.

Q & A

What is the Schwintech slide system and how does it work?

The Schwintech slide system is a popular aluminum channel-based system that uses a rack and pinion style mechanism. It is attached to the side of the slide with a motor inside that drives gears to pull the slide in and out using the track. It is reliable for smaller slides and has a manual override feature in case of motor failure.

What are the advantages of using the Schwintech slide system on smaller slides?

The Schwintech slide system is advantageous for smaller slides because it is reliable and has a manual override feature. This means that if the motor fails, the slide can still be pushed in, allowing it to be reset or used in a manual mode.

Can you explain the traditional rack and pinion system used in RV slides?

The traditional rack and pinion system consists of a long tube, or rack, with teeth on the bottom and a pinion, which is the gearing arm that crosses over the rack. The motor turns the gear, which either extends or retracts the slide. It is heavy, requires reinforced frame holes, and is the oldest and most tried-and-true technology used in RVs.

What are the drawbacks of the traditional rack and pinion system?

The drawbacks of the traditional rack and pinion system include its weight and the need for reinforced frame holes. It is also less common on units that prioritize weight reduction, where alternatives like Schwintech or cable-driven slide systems are used instead.

How does the Accu slide system from BL work and what are its limitations?

The Accu slide system uses cables and pulleys to extend and retract the slide. The mechanical components are located above the slide on the interior. The system can be problematic with larger slides, and there is a risk of sagging or failure if the connectors or parts are not perfectly installed. A cable failure renders the slide immobile until fixed.

What is the issue with cable-driven slide systems when a cable fails?

In cable-driven slide systems, if a cable fails, the slide cannot be manually retracted or extended until the issue is fixed. There is no immediate way to secure the slide in place, which can be problematic for travel.

What are the two versions of rack and pinion slides mentioned in the script?

The two versions of rack and pinion slides are those that use an electronic motor and those that use a hydraulic pump. The hydraulic version does not offer independent control of slides and operates in a set order based on how the hydraulic fluid is routed.

What is the main concern with hydraulic slide systems?

The main concern with hydraulic slide systems is that a failure, such as a ruptured line, can affect other parts of the system, including landing gear or other slides, and requires repair to restore functionality.

What is the 'hidden slide system' and how does it differ from other slide systems?

The 'hidden slide system' is a flat pancake-style slide system with rails underneath the slide on the inside. It uses a rack and pinion system mounted inside the coach, providing a clean exterior slide appearance and is user serviceable, although not designed for heavier slides.

What is the LCI slim rack system and how does it compare to other slide systems?

The LCI slim rack system is a newer type of rack and pinion system with a long channel and teeth or grooves for the gear to pull the slide in and out. It is mounted to the side of the slide and has a motor with gears that run down to the top and bottom. It feels robust and user serviceable but its longevity and reliability are yet to be fully determined.

Why might someone prefer the hidden slide system over other slide systems?

Some might prefer the hidden slide system because it provides a clean slide appearance with no exposed components on the exterior. It is also user serviceable, allowing for manual operation of the slide in case of a failure.

What is the off-road style motorhome slide mechanism mentioned in the script?

The off-road style motorhome slide mechanism is a channel-style mechanism that is used specifically for off-road motorhomes. It is not commonly encountered and is known for its unique method of pushing the slide in and out.