emergency slide retract

oldford · 10-14-2020, 02:59 PM

Hello I'm new to the site but not rving. I just got a 04 30' brave. The only instructions I can find for bringing in your slide without power says to attach a strap and winch it in with a diagram. There is no strap or winch or handle and nowhere to insert in the carpet. Is there a ratcheting way that I've heard about? I haven't had any trouble just want to be prepared. Thanks for any help.

Winterbagoal · 10-14-2020, 03:18 PM

The procedure is in the 2004 Brave manual. It's available online for download at the Winnebagoind.com website.
Owners > Owner Tools > Operator Manuals > select 2010 manuals, then select "Back to Operator Manuals index" at the bottom of that page, and it will show a new list of manuals, including the older ones before 2010.
At least that's how I get them.....

oldford · 10-14-2020, 03:42 PM

Thanks for your reply. I've downloaded that. That's where I got the info and diagram to hand crank it in. Mine has none of that on the floor.

Winterbagoal · 10-14-2020, 04:00 PM

Perhaps your 2004 Brave isn't what you think it is?

Could you get one of those ratchet strap hand winches and some eylet bolts or hooks, and rig up something yourself?

oldford · 10-14-2020, 04:17 PM

I think I'll have to come up with something just in case. Thanks for your help.

oldford · 10-17-2020, 05:33 AM

I found my emergency cranks. Their outside in the compartments.

turbo ted · 10-18-2020, 09:48 PM

I had to manually retract my slides this morning. Not fun! Mine is a 2004 Adventurer 33 foot. To slides. The small slide the holds the bed has no way to retract. I backed off the release nuts on the hydraulic solenoid valves on the hydraulic manifold under the hood. Then three of us pushed the slide in until flush with the side of the motorhome. I found that I could put a vicegrip on the slide rail under the bed, to keep it from extending when going around a left-hand corner. The larger slide in the living room has two readyrods with 13/16 nuts welded on the end of the bolts. I backed off the two solenoid valve nuts and turned each bolt clockwise - one about 6 turns, then the other about 6 turns, until the slide was retracted. The readyrods will keep the slide in when you're driving. Will make an appointment with my RV repair guy tomorrow. I'm tired of chasing the problems in my HWS jack and slide system. Hope this helps you.

oldford · 10-19-2020, 01:09 PM

Thanks, I found how to bring in the big slide but didn't know about the small slide thanks.

turbo ted · 10-19-2020, 08:04 PM

Oh - Oldford - I read somewhere that if you have a slide that you have to retract manually - if your jacks work, jack up the side with the slide as far as possible. If the jacks don't work, drive up on blocks to raise the side with the slide. This makes the slide slide DOWNHILL. Makes it a lot easier on your back.

oldford · 10-19-2020, 08:10 PM

Good to know thanks.

NeilV · 10-21-2020, 07:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by oldford

I found my emergency cranks. Their outside in the compartments.

On the early 2000's models Its just a strap style boat winch that hooks to the top landing of the entry steps and to a hook or strap under the sofa. The bedroom slide can usually just be pushed in by hand since it does not have any bins hanging from it. There should have been a set of wrenches in the black bag for opening and closing the valves.

You may also want to carry a 3 or 4 foot long 2X4 with a bevel on one end of it in case one of the jacks gives you problems retracting. The beveled end makes it easier to slide under the foot plate on the jack.

oldford · 10-21-2020, 07:34 PM

Thanks for the info. Better to be prepared.

Rick 99037 · 10-22-2020, 09:13 AM

As I read your posts, you guys are unsettling me. I know my 2005 Sightseer has a couple small retraction tools in the bag along with the Dog House wrench; but I've never seriously looked over the mechanics to actually do so. Now I think I'll have to look into their use, to hopefully find peace of mind again. AAHHHH