Your RV slide-out switch helps you optimize your living space while traveling on the road. However, when things go wrong with the switch, it can cause trouble because you can’t access necessary items.
Every piece of technology has something go wrong with it eventually, and these slide-out switches are included in this situation.
Many RVers also use these secret stowaway areas to keep their item safe from children and pets. If your switches get severely damaged, you can replace them.
Fortunately, you can use plenty of troubleshooting methods for common RV slide-out switch problems. Please continue reading to learn the best troubleshooting methods to optimize your living space without trouble.
What is an RV Slide Out Switch?
An RV slide-out switch is a device you can use to make the most of your RV space. One of the biggest challenges people who travel often face is having a space to live comfortably.
When you have a slide-out switch in your RV, you can stow away miscellaneous items without thinking about it.
You can expand you’re living space by activating the switch and allowing the sides of your RV to push out. When your switch doesn’t work, you won’t have as much living space as you’re used to in a fully functioning RV.
These RV slide-out switches also make travel easier because they make your vehicle more compact. A full-size RV is harder to drive than a smaller option.
RV Slide Out Switch Problems
1. Poor or No Power Supply
Another huge problem RV owners face power supply issues. People who drive RVs often need to use shore or battery power to keep the appliances in their RV working. Investing in a generator for on-the-go support would be best to keep yourself safe.
If your RV lacks enough power, your slide-out switch could stop working. These power switches use electricity to operate, so if you don’t have enough electricity, there’s no way to expand your RV.
This situation can occur if you have no or insufficient power supply. Look at the wattage requirements on your RV manual For more information.
How To Identify This Problem
The easiest way to identify whether or not your RV has enough power is to plug in appliances and attempt to use them. If your appliances don’t work and you can’t use the slide-out switch on your RV, you likely have insufficient power.
Resolution
The easiest fix for this problem is to purchase a generator that your RV can run off when you have unreliable power.
For example, if your RV uses shore power, it would be best to keep a generator handy to protect your appliances. You can also add solar power to your RV for a consistent power supply.
2. There is a Jam In The Slider
Dirt and debris can get trapped in your slider door, making it get stuck and have difficulty operating. When this happens, it’s common for the slider door to work partially but not all the way.
This will limit your expansion and make it difficult to reverse your slider when it’s time to pack up and leave.
How To Identify This Problem
The easiest way to identify whether or not you have a jam in your slider is to attempt to open or close the door. If it opens partially, you most likely have a jam because if the slider were broken, it wouldn’t open up at all.
You can also manually move the slider to detect any dirt or debris trapped on the tracks.
Resolution
If you have a jam in your RV slider, you need someone to help you push the slider open. This can be a two-person job.
One of you can stand inside the RV and push while the other person pulls from the other side. Look at the track while pushing and pulling to dislodge any trapped materials from your slider track.
After you expand your RV slider all the way, it’ll be easier for you to remove any dirt or debris. You can wash the slider track and lubricate it, so it’s easier to open and close moving forward.
3. RV Isn’t On a Level Surface
Another reason your slide-out switch won’t work is because your RV isn’t on a level surface. When people go camping, they’re on a hill or rocky ground. The surface your RV rests on greatly impacts how well the sides pull out.
How To Identify This Problem
The easiest way to identify this problem is to look at the spot your RV is on. For example, if your RV is on a hill that slopes downward, then this is likely why your RV switch won’t work.
It won’t let you pull out the sides because it doesn’t want you to damage the vehicle. This is an automatic safety precaution in modern RVs.
Resolution
The only way to fix this problem is to find a steady ground for your RV to rest on. If you’re at a campsite and there’s no study spot to put your RV, you’ll have to cope with the smaller size until you find a better spot.
Sometimes, you can drive your RV forward to resolve this issue, so it’s worth a shot.
4. Slider Motor Issues
Sometimes your RV slide-out switch doesn’t work because there’s an issue with the slider motor. These motor problems are common for full-time RV drivers, and they can get frustrating. Your RV motor always stops working when you least expect it and need the expansion most.
How To Identify This Problem
Sometimes this issue is mixed up with a power supply issue. The easiest way to tell the difference between these problems is to attempt to use your RV appliances.
If you have a power supply issue, your RV appliances won’t work. However, if your RV appliances work fine, you likely have something wrong with your slide-out switch motor.
Resolution
Unless you’re a vehicle mechanic, you should bring your RV to a professional for maintenance. You don’t want to permanently ruin your slide-out switch motor, so you need to take your RV to someone with experience working on these devices.
Fortunately, fixing a slide-out switch motor is more affordable than other RV issues you’ll encounter as a full-time driver.
Sometimes the slide-out switch motor needs basic maintenance, but other times you’ll need to replace the motor entirely. Your vehicle maintenance professional will guide you to the correct choice so that you don’t have to encounter this issue again.
5. User Error
If you sort through our list of slide-out switch problems and nothing works, you may consider reading your RV manual. Sometimes, the problem is user error, whether you’re using the switch wrong or not connected to a power supply.
There will be a section in your RV manual that teaches you how to use your slide-out switch. Each RV model works differently, so we can’t put the how-to list in this article.
You can also look on YouTube for visual assistance using your RV slide-out switch by searching for your exact model. Watching someone else operate the switch will make things easier for visual learners.
How To Identify This Problem
This is a hard problem to identify because it’s difficult to acknowledge when you don’t know what you’re doing. If you’re new to driving an RV, it’s common to encounter these user error problems.
The easiest way to identify this problem is to sort through our list and see if anything else is applicable. If not, your slide-out switch doesn’t work because you’re not operating it correctly.
Resolution
To fix the user error problem, you should read your RV manual. This task can be tedious, but it benefits new RV drivers. This is also beneficial for experienced drivers that are using a new vehicle.
It can be difficult to keep up with all the RV industry upgrades, so that these user manuals can be essential.
You can typically find your RV user manual in your glove box. Manufacturers try to make this manual as easy to find as possible for customers.
When To Visit a Mechanic
When you have trouble with your RV slide-out switch, you may want to avoid visiting a mechanic because you’re worried about the cost. It’s no secret that RV repairs can cost a pretty penny.
However, you’ll be delighted to find out that slide-out switch repairs are one of the more affordable repairs you can get as an RV owner.
If you’ve attempted all the solutions on our list and still have slide-out switch problems, it would be best to visit a mechanic.
Something seriously wrong with your RV might need a resolution, and a professional can help you. However, waiting too long to visit a mechanic can cost you more money when you inevitably visit.
Final Thoughts
When your RV slide-out switch experiences issues, it can be frustrating. Fortunately, you can use plenty of troubleshooting methods to resolve these problems.
In addition, your slide-out switch gives you as much space as possible in your RV, so going without this feature can make you feel crowded when trying to relax.
