Generator Slide Spring for Ultimate Freedom

[free2wander]

We have a 1999 Ultimate Freedom with a 7.5Kw Onan Genset. Beneath the carriage slide, there is a rather large gas spring that when working helps push the entire assembly out the front of the motorhome. Likewise, it makes retracting the slide much easier. At this time we can release the slide, then pull heavily to get the carriage out. To retract, we put our shoulders and back to push it back in. I can find nothing in our manuals to tell me or help me troubleshoot. Any suggestions?

[Ray,IN]

The generator slide and step cover are powered by air pressure(not a spring). The air pressure regulator(set at 45psi) and 12V electric solenoid to switch in/out air pressure to the cylinders are mounted on the firewall exterior in front of the driver area.
To begin diagnosing why your generator slide is not moving by air pressure; first, does the the step cover extend/retract when using the switch near the passenger armrest? If it does, you know the air pressure system is working.
Now concentrate on the generator slide, can you hear air when you use the joy-stick above the generator,mounted to the steel frame? If you can hear air moving, stop there. Remove the air lines from the joystick and put 4-6 drops of air tool oil into each one. Now, attempt to move the generator slide via the joystick. On mine up extends the slide, down retracts the slide. Keep hands away from pinching areas, air pressure can damage fingers.
Hope this is helpful, feel free to contact me if you think I might be of further assistance.
AFTERTHOUGHT: The generator slide mechanism has a locking pin attached to the frame with a small cable. This pin should be inserted into the matching holes in the frame, at the very front, mine is on the side nearest the driver(port-side). Without this locking pin, the generators weight can cause the slide to extend during an emergency stop.