4 Ways To Fix Jayco Slide Out Problems

Jayco is a famous brand that is known for its amazing line-up of recreational vehicles and trailers. The company is a subsidiary of Thor Industries, which is responsible for manufacturing some of the best vehicles.

Jayco has a huge vehicle line-up that one can choose from. There are also multiple features that come along with their products. One of the best features offered is having slide-outs in your vehicle.

Slide-outs are basically small rooms that one can retract or extend based on the need. They allow one to get tons of more space inside the vehicle so moving around is more comfortable and convenient.

Slide-outs are an amazing feature to have but some people have been experiencing a few issues with the functioning of these slide-outs. However, there are a few easy steps one can take to fix such common problems with the Jayco slide-outs.

Ways to Fix Jayco Slide Out Problems

The problems that people experience are generally the same and are most easily fixable.

1. Slide Out Not Opening

The first and most common issue that many people face is that the slide-outs in their vehicles do not open up or extend. This might be because of the security feature that Jayco has in regards to the slide-outs. The feature stops the slide-outs from extending while driving so that the driver does not open them while on the road.

This is helpful in avoiding any serious accidents while someone is on a trip. This security feature is usually connected with the gearbox and its key.

So, in case the slide-out is not working, checking the gearbox could be the solution. The gearbox should be parked while the engine on your vehicle should be running so that it has the electric power to slide the compartments out.

Sometimes, the slide-outs are connected to the vehicle’s battery for power. In such a case, one might not be required to start the engine on the vehicle in order for them to function.

However, never try to open the slide-outs while driving and never drive with extended slide-outs. This can disbalance the vehicle, causing it to run into issues.

2. Slide Out Not Working

Sometimes, even when everything is in order, the slide-outs just refuse to work. This can be quite annoying to deal with while you are out on a trip. The most common cause of such an issue might be loose or unconnected wire connections.

Although keep in mind that this is exactly why you must check all the parts in your vehicle before going out. Additionally, you should make a habit of maintaining all the equipment in your RV so that these issues can be prevented.

Therefore, it is important to carefully check all the wirings in case of a dysfunctional slide-out. If there are any loose ends in the wiring then the issue can be solved by connecting them back into place. In case, a wire seems to be damaged, it would have to be replaced for the slide to work.

If the slide-outs still do not work after reconnecting all the wires, then the motor on your slide-outs might have probably died. In this situation, the only option will be to purchase a new motor to replace the faulty one.

However, before investing in a new motor, it is better to take out the motor and test it with a voltmeter. There might also be something stuck inside the motor that is preventing it from working properly.

Sometimes removing clogged dust and then lubricating the device afterward can also fix the issue. Eventually, these motors do die and are required to be replaced regardless.

3. Slide Seals Leaking

Another common issue that people have reported with the slide-outs from Jayco is that they start to leak. However, this problem is not associated with the slides themselves but with the seals on them.

To fix the leaks, the seals on the slide-outs are required to be replaced with new ones. If only the rubber has come off from a few areas, one can get away by simply fixing it back in place. To do so, apply a little heat to the rubber which will help in softening it.

They are easier to reshape when they are softer. After putting it back in place, leave the seals to dry for some time and they should be able to get back to their perfect condition.

However, if the seals are cracked or broken, then just take the vehicle to Jayco and get the seals professionally replaced for efficient results. One can try and replace them at home too but make sure that all the seals are tightly shut off to prevent water from entering the vehicle.

4. Slide Out Getting Stuck Halfway

Sometimes the slide-out is unable to open or close as there are foreign objects obstructing its way. Therefore, when a slide-out is not opening or closing smoothly as it should, checking if something is in the way could help.

Simply removing the object from the way will solve the problem and allow the smooth functioning of the feature. This problem is the easiest to recognize and solve as well.

How To Use The Slide-Outs?

Once fixed, the slide-outs can be utilized in many ways and bring various benefits. Campers containing slide-outs are a better option for families or couples who need a little extra in terms of space. However, one should know how to use the slide-out in the right way to avoid any problems in the future.

Step 1

The first step is to make sure that the slide-out is connected to a 12V battery, as that is how much it needs to function. The battery needs to be switched on too.

Step 2

The next step would be to push and hold the switch to extend the slide-out. One must hold down the switch till the slide-out is fully extended and locks into place.

Step 3

In most cases, the button would need to be pressed down continuously for three seconds after the slide-out is fully extended. The same has to be done when bringing the slide back in. This is important as it helps reset the motors and allows the Jayco slide to function correctly in the future.

Step 4

After you are done using the extra space, make sure that everything is put back into its place and it is all out of the way. This ensures smooth functioning of the slide-out as there are no objects present in its way.

After reeling it back in, one can safely take the vehicle back out on the road.

Other Ways Of Preventing The Slide-Outs From Malfunctioning

There are a few things one should do to maintain the slide-outs. Regular maintenance will make sure that there is no issue on the actual trip.

The main thing to keep the functioning smooth is to use lubricants. Since slide-outs have a lot of moving parts; they may become rough and rusty over time. This might also cause them to become noisy. When regularly lubricated, the parts will remain in good shape and function quietly.

Conclusion

Slide-outs are an excellent feature that can prove to be quite useful, especially for families and couples. However, if not properly maintained, they can become frustrating to use.

There might be issues associated with the seals leaking or the slides not working due to a loose or broken connection. Nevertheless, most of the problems are fixable and do not require a lot of money either.

To avoid any problems in the first place, it’s wise to go through the operating manual and the proper steps to work a slide-out. Moreover, the parts of the vehicles should be regularly inspected and lubricated. In case you are unable to identify the issue, the best thing to do would be to take the vehicle to the company and get it serviced.