Schwintek Slide Failure and Complete Replacement 

I don’t even own a RV and I’ve watched every video you’ve released. You are an excellent creator and teacher.

As an RV Technician myself, I can appreciate the hard work that goes into these jobs. Thanks for the content, you are very enjoyable to watch!!

We replaced our schwintek on our 2018 jayco Seneca 37fs with the vroom version and (Thank God) it has been working good ever since. Schwintek replaced 3 times.

I always enjoy watching your videos, I am truly amazed how poorly constructed modern RVs are.

James = Honest , good quality RV tech , engineer , coach builder .....and its refreshing today in 2024 ....I'd not only buy from you ,but quit my job and work for/with you .... Excellent knowledge Sir

15:33 "Even though I call myself an expert, that's mostly marketing. I'm mostly a hack..." I never identified with any statement ever spoken on youtube or anywhere really more than I do with this. I love it and i will be using it. Appreciate ya. Subbed

I bet that plexi shim was put in there because the slide was an 1/8th to a 1/4 off on dimensions and the factory knew they'd have to shim it to get it to work until the warranty expired. I also see a lot of people not holding the button to extend or retract for 5 seconds after the slide is done moving to "re sync" the motors. If you don't do that they continue to get more and more wacky until the slide comes out crooked and gets stuck.

Great video! It's criminal what Schwintek has does to the RV industry. It's the reason people look for RVs without slides. Unfortunately for this owner, he'll continue to have problems because the technology being installed here is not an upgrade, just a repair. I have the same full wall slide with the Jayco Melbourne 24 L and had the entire slide mechanism replaced with Vroom Slide Systems out of Tucson, AZ and never had a problem since.

I learn so much about my Class A by watching you tackle these jobs!

Oh man. Not that things can't go wrong with the older setups but... I'm kinda glad my slides have Steel rack and pinions. Seems like my 20 year old stuff seals just fine being driven from the bottom of the slide.

I feel so bad for the owner. Those units are not cheap. Thank you

I’m not sure why they would use schwintek vice a rack and pinion for such a long and heavy slide. As always, I’m glad you took us along the repair steps.

Lippert, the first word in RV heartaches...

Just my thoughts but I think the one you own James is way better than anything they build today I like RVs without slide outs less problems and leaks great video sir 👍👍

Another great video James! Thanks to your videos I’m becoming a better and better « hack » with my RV!!

After watching stuff like this, I miss the old tip-outs...no motors to fail, no gears to fail, it just worked. Don't think that system is strong rnuf for that big of a slide, but I did note one thing on this video...u actually gave winnebago credit for something, lol. Excellent tutorial, Sir...but in regards to ur comment about yourself, u may b a hack, but ur the best damn rv technition hack we have ever seen!

Excellent work James. Outstanding indeed. No doubts about your work, but I am skeptical of the engineering sustainability Hopefully, those Schwinteks will actually hold up that huge slide over time. I do 100% agree the engineers underspec'd the sliderails for such a heavy slide. Enjoy your upcoming vacation James. Well deserved!

I’m no rv tech, but had the pleasure of became somewhat of a schwinteck expert when I installed a new schwinteck slide system this past winter. My conclusion is my slide is too big / too heavy. Bed and laundry with washer & dryer. No telling how long it will last. I considered vroom, but $4,500. I removed the H frame before the tracks, but just the same, you got it done. My drive axle on one side was badly worn, seem like there should of been some sort of bushing. Just an overall poor design. Enjoyed the video!

The clear acrylic; I bet some hack RV tech recognized the gears weren't grabbing the aluminum track like they were supposed to, his/her fix was to add the acrylic behind the track, thereby forcing the track out slightly and - in theory - increasing the contact between the track and gears.

You look like an Expert in my book. Thanks!!

I'm about to pull my 13ft slide in the field. I had to replace the schwinteks and the floors on all my slides and that is exactly how I did it with the hydraulic table. They are just a horrible system. Everything really has to be square flat level and perfectly aligned for them to have a chance. It's a system that I'm sure works perfectly every time in AutoCAD but in the real world it's a mess of failure points. Like in sure the plastic shoe will definitely last the life of the coach! LOL And for a big heavy slide like that it's just a ticking time bomb. I'm having a problem where one side H column is torquing because they are only bolted on the front flange. Not to mention the water intrusion issues. Great work as always especially with nailing the top/bottom alignment. Have you seen the Vroom replacement system? They have a dumpster full of these and a new facility changing them out all day every day. Sure makes me miss my old hydraulic system..... Thanks for the awesome timely video!

You have a lot of patience and knowledge. I agree, a 2-year-old RV has this problem!! Horrible design and too much weight for that mechanism. You did a great job and super video captures on the hard-to-see angles. At first I thought you were going to install the new VAROOM system which would likely eliminate the typical Schwintek.

Very interesting video. I admire your skill to problem solve, most people would give up and try a desk job.

For some messed up reason Thor us that same slide out on full slides. I've talked to the west coastrep about that telling that system is great for bedroom slides not full slides. His reponse was well it makes money for you guys. I'm a mobile rv tech in Paso Robles, Ca. Now since you are in Airizon, in Tucson, there is a company called Vroom that makes a fantstic replacement for Symantecslides. I've told many of my customers about them and 4 are going for it. Check them out. Their slide systems will put us out of business! :). I have had to replace more sildes than I care to. Full box removeale and everthing. It's a major pia.

You helped me out with repairing the slide out on my Cruiser RV several years ago. This video is perfect! Many thanks!

James, I can’t tell you how much I love your channel. I watch every single video. My only issue is I get distracted by how tough it must be to do everything one handed while holding the camera in your other hand. 😂 Can’t you invest in a good head mounted camera? Thanks again for all the entertainment and education!

Plus Lippert likes to major tweaaks to it every few months which really add to the frustration level!

I am and RV Tech and I could keep agreeing with you about the OEM’s and Lippert! I heard something about a class action but I’m not sure

James, The two think that let the gears jump time was the broken wheel and plastic shim, and the clip not being on the roller. The roller is what keeps the gears engaged with the track. Most techs, have an old cable that connects to the motor on these. And cut off the control end and put clips on it. Plug it into the motor, and plug into their impact driver battery. Plug one touch the other. The motor will work. Change the wires to go the other direction. Also used to test if motor is bad or not. Best wishes, Kevin

Thanks James, excellent video. I had the Schwintec system in my 2014 Forest River. Always a problem for me. With all the information you and other pros put out on RU-vid, I’m hoping we push back enough on manufacturers so they start making changes. Years ago , we didn’t know any better. Now we are learning. I purchased a Winnebago two years ago because they DID NOT have this system. And with your videos I learned to constantly check my Winnebago roof. Thanks for your hard work.

As a mobile RV Tech I am always amazed at the effort it must take you to video as you go. Schwintek are tedious enough on their own but to do it one handed and video your way through it - WOW. I have been a fan for quite some time now and your videos have helped out in the field multiple times !! keep ‘em Coming - thank you

Of course there is nothing I can say that someone else has not said..... That being said, I thoroughly enjoy your videos! It is amazing to watch these! Thanks James!

May I suggest a head-mounted camera? You could use both hands that way. Excellent videos man, you certainly know your stuff. Learning a lot. I do know this much, the Schwintek system is not designed for a lot of weight. A full wall slide is too much for that system. The customer will unfortunately need this fixed again.

Thanks James for the video. If we ever trade I will certainly keep my "eyes" open for these Schwintek mechanisms. You are the best RV tech show on RU-vid. Great content from a long time subscriber. Thanks again.

On our prior Class A THOR POS, 5 motors and one complete Schwintek system was replaced in 5 years. We currently have a 22 Winnebago Vista 29V. My understanding is it has the "new, improved" narrow Schwintek system. One thing is certain.......if we have one, single, solitary problem with this Schwintek, I will immediately schedule installation of a new Vroom system. I cannot understand why Schwintek is still in business. Why Renegade still uses this system is mind boggling. If I were running Renegade, we would be using the system that Show Hauler uses, or possibly the system that Vroom uses. End of rant. THANK YOU, James, for all your very valuable advice and counsel.

I always learn a lot when watching your videos. The quality of your work is always impeccable. Your years of industry experience shows in the knowledge you display…..thanks as always.👍👍

Always a great learning experience, thank you James and enjoy your vacation

Nice work👍🏽 Congratulations!

Thank you James, you're the best in exploring , explaining and sharing all the infos you can find to help us all !!! Congrats! I really enjoy each videos you're sharing . Thank you. And i also appreciate your humble way of demonstrating your find. Great job man !

Great video, thank you. Regarding the spacers, the installation spec for the Schwintek is 2 1/2 inches from track face to rack edge, plus or minus 1/8 inch, measured at full extension and again at 6 inches of extension at each track. The spacers were probably needed to keep the clearance in spec due to the rough opening being cut too wide. Based on the damage it might be necessary to install even thicker spacers to keep the gears engaged in the track enough to avoid further slipping.

Another great video. It looks good, runs smooth as well.

Amazing how you can find the problem and repair......another when I do get a rv or trailer no slide out

Thank you very very much for all these videos , RV wether new or old 😮 have a lot of issues , the problem with the new is that in less than two years you already have big problems and am pretty sure you have a bunch of years of payments left 😢😢 , these machines are a mountain of money 🤑 rolling down the road, I will pray 🙏 🙏 for all you good people who have one 😮 🙏....

Another informative video. Enjoy your vacation!

Your the Ace ! Thanks for letting me come alone .

I have same exact issues going on. Thanks for detailed explanations. I was worried bout how to get top back in square but looks like once bottom track is off the jack will recenter the slideout

Slides too big for a schwintech. It’s gonna fail again. Nice job as usual 👍🏼

Thanks for that excellent channel content. My 5th wheel is scheduled this Friday to have the Schwintek repaired. It is still under warranty. Not even a year old and the slide got stuck and wouldn't come in. A tech walked me through how to pop the motor out so I could push the slide in manually. Not a good experience at all.

A Schwintek slide would be a deal breaker for me when RV shopping.

James, you showing two year old rv problems makes my 2002 Beaver Marquis go up in value. Thanks

Great job as usual James you are the man when it comes to RV repairs. I wish you were located in Alabama we need a top notch RV man. I do most of my own repairs but every once in a while I could use a real RV expert. Keep the videos coming you are interesting and entertaining.

Great video, again James. I had a cringe moment when you supported the slide with the boards vertical. Stacked boards can't tip like when they are vertical. Not much to add but a box tipping out the hole might cause people to ask a few questions.

Excellent job, I would like to see you work on a cable slide repair, you're the best to explain in detail.

Thank you the detailed "hack included" video!! Much better than the lippert video. I am about to do the same on my sli

Thank you James. Great video!!

Great video. Just reassures me of why I pass on RVs with that slide mechanism. People complain with cable slides also. Atleast I can just replace the cable when it breaks.

Excellent tutorial my 2022 grand design is having some slide crackling issues also this is such a common problem on all RVs I'm just blown away that a better design or more robust system of the same isn't being manufactured. It's very disheartening to spend hard earned money and have catastrophic failures like this on basically brand new units. What happened to quality and craftsmanship?? It's all about sending these rigs off the production line as quick as possible and attention to detail has long been disregarded with no action to rectify these common issues

After only 2 years having these problems I would not be happy if I purchased this RV

Very informative! Always entertaining watching you work and hearing your comments. Makes me wonder, do you see many repairs on Airstreams?

you do a great job with one hand.

What a awesome job

This Schwintek system they use on full wall side slides out hold me from purchasing 4x4 Super C I was looking on. Wroom instaler is far from me to go and replace that to have peace of mind. I do have Schwintek on my 5th TH , but slide in bedroom is small and so far works.

You are the only technician I would want working on my campers! If you are ever passing through Indiana please let me know.

The way the newer RVs are built makes me so glad I bought a 2000 Monaco dynasty. Yes I’ve had to fix things and change a couple things to my liking but overall it is built very well.

James I now you are good - but wow - to R&R this schwintek slide in 51.22 is next level :)

One of your best videos

Only two years and having slide issues? Reinforces my preference for non slide RV.

WOW..... what a pain!!!! Thanks for fighting the good fight.....

Awesome video; very informative. When I upgraded from a 1996 nonslide class A to a new slide out class A I avoided Schwintek at all costs. I almost bought a 2014 Suncruiser 32H with a Schwintek full wall slide out, glade I went with something else. Not only are they a failure waiting to happen... the repair is a nightmare. My mobile tech that I use will not repair or service slide outs - too much trouble and cannot warranty the repair of a mostly defective design. Keep up the great videos.

Interesting indeed! Thanks

You are a stud! Nice work!

James, I'm always impressed by your videos and your abilities but I've never been impressed with that brand of slide out mechanism. Our electric slide out on our 2003 Newmar Dutch Star DP has never failed in 20 years. It does take up more room underneath the floor in the bays but is way easier to work on, if and when it fails, which I'm sure it will do one day. Safe travels.

I wouldn't even put my name on this your name is gold. This Might tarnish your name but I realize you're helping a friend reputation is everything. I would've sent this right back to the manufacture.

I was with you the whole way. An extra set of hands and a few cuss words and I think I would of had it done. Good video thank you. Don,t think the gear teeth fit close enough

Can’t believe it only lasted 2 years! Great quality I’d say….😢

I’ve the same setup on my 2021 gulfstream 6320 class C bedroom and for dinette and theater seats. I keep them synced constantly and the coach leveled real good, plus lubed with a dry silicone. Coach is 2 years old.

Love your videos

Plus I have the full Lippert spec for an install if you need need then or , hopefully, Lippert will email them to you. It is crictal for seamless operation.

I can't imagine how you manage to record with one hand and work with the other. Also, it scares me when you're on the roof!

My guess, based on the problem I've had with my Schwintec system, is that the cutout for the slideroom is not square. So, the spur gears at either top or bottom are fully engaging the rail, but on the opposite end of the transfer shaft they're barely engaging. (Someone knew that, too, and added the plexiglass spacers to try to account for the sloppy cutout.) And I'm betting a donut that it'll happen again in a few years. We had to have our slideroom completely removed, then have the wall opening shimmed. I think there's only plus-minus 1/8" for the spur-to-rail engagement; anything over that either causes binding (too tight), or chewed up rails (too loose). Our slideroom spurs completely disengaged at the top one evening while we were extending the room. This allowed the top of the slideroom to drop (using the rollers as a fulcrum). The top of the slideroom was all the way out, resting against the trim panel, while the bottom was still some 10" - 12" inside the coach. I'd been watching the slide rails for signs of abnormal wear and never seen any prior to that happening. The first time it it failed was 2018 (on a 2017 coach), and we obviously couldn't drive the coach with the slideroom hanging out. Lippert sent one of their reps up to where we were (after 2 weeks of heated calls between us, our manufacturer, and Lippert). He jacked the room up and rebuilt it in place. Two years later the same room failed again. This time we were able to get it to a service center where they completely removed the room, and properly shimmed the walls to ensure correct spur-to-rail fit. Knock on faux wood paneling, it hasn't given any trouble since. If it ever does, I'll replace the entire Schwintec system with a Vroom system. In fact, had I known about Vroom the last time it failed I would have done it then, since the entire conversion was only a few hundred dollars more that we paid to have the Schwintec fixed again.

good job.

The more I watch your videos the more amazed I get. You are the mechanic I wish I had around but, living in Miami ...oh, by the way, why dont you get a gopro and a head band to support it, you can free both hands then..

Had a problem with my 2012 Solara RV with a Murphy bed with the same type of mechanism. Horrible design, was a relief to get rid of it although I did replace the mechanism from schwintek and it did work properly when I sold it. I just couldn’t trust it to work very long.

Our slide-out is a total of 74 inches that includes our dinette. I asked my son, why is the slide-out moving so slowly? His reply was, It's Crushing the trash can.

I fell in love with that Concord parked next to you

My guess, the filler strips were an attempt to improve/ force better engaging of drive tooth to track, a day late, and a dollar short as the track was already damaged.......

I bet is hot in Arizona thanks for sharing the video my man

Great video! Hopefully I’ll never have this problem

Nice shoutout for the coddiwomple.

2017 Forest River with 4 slides , have replaced 4 motors to date with another not working on last trip. As soon as it’s fixed the RV is gone .😢The worst problem is it takes months to get it worked on and it’s always far from home when it breaks down.I’m guessing the engineer who decided it was appropriate for these slides was an affirmative action graduate.

Everything I own is Craftsman love them seem to outlast my buddies yellow tools.

I really appreciate your videos, I learned a lot about these slides. I have a newer RV with a similar slide setup. Is it normal to hear a little clicking noise from the top near the motor with the doubble tracks while extending or retracting the slide?

That would be a good one for the vroom replacement. Much more heavy-duty system.

"Great video! I'm curious if they used those shims because the slide-out box is too short from front to back. It seems like the spur gear didn't fully engage and caused damage to the track. Personally, as an owner of a Schwintek mechanism, Personally, when it comes to RVs with slide-outs, I actually prefer the ones that don't have any at all. No slide-outs, no problems

Excellent job as usual!! What brand of 25 to 28 foot Class C would you recommend for used for 2012 or OLDER that is built well with slide outs ? Please

thank you

It's on a lot more make than Winne coaches which is a royal pia. Slim rack is just another name for failure

I love watching your videos. I have a full slide with a Slimrack system. The bottom rear does not go in all the way, it stays out about 2 to 3 inches. When I ran it out, I heard it skip a couple of teeth. Can I pull the motor and push the bottom in?

I think the shim was placed to increase the engagement of the spur gear to the rack (move it closer together). If so, then not installing them again may make the rack wear faster.

My first observation is there was zero lubrication appearing on the tracks. Track that look dry indicate no one is maintaining them.