RV Repair: slideout repair, foot travel trailer, volt battery

Question
I'm considering buying a 27 foot travel trailer with electric slideout(sofa only)that is not working electrically.  It has to be extended and retracted manually.  What could be the problem and can you give an idea of how much it might cost to repair?


Answer
Phil,
    The electric slide-outs are fairly basic systems on most RV's.  If the system is getting voltage, then the fault is most likely either the motor, switch, or a controller.  Some motors are quite expensive, exceeding $500.  If you can access the motor you can hook a 12 volt battery directly to the two wires that are coming from it.  You will need to disconnect them from the rest of the system first.  It should start trying to move in one direction or the other.  Just reverse the wires to change direction.  This is the easiest way to check the motor.  If it works this way you have eliminated it as a possible fault and you will just have to follow the path of the voltage to see where it stops.  I hope this helps.

Darren