Schwintek Bed Tilt

[Masonlake1]

We have a 2014 Itasca Sunova 35g that we’ve owned for a year. A few months ago our tilt bed started having difficulty when trying to retract. We discovered that the tilt gear mechanism is stripped out and a couple of the gear wheels were broken. We ordered new gear rails and Lippert sent us 3 new gear wheels. However, we found out that the gear wheels cannot be unscrewed and changed out. Now Lippert is telling us that we need to order the entire slide assembly because they don’t sell parts separately. The cost is outrageous and we don’t need most of the parts. Anyone had an experience or have suggestions?

[creativepart]

Are the gear wheels riveted to the rails? Is that why they can't be removed?

If so, could the existing rivets be drilled out and the new wheels re-rivited in place or even replaced with bolts instead of the rivits?

I once had an awning fail and the rails were all riveted and the only way to fix the issue was to buy all new rails. But instead I drilled out the rivets, and reassembled everything with stainless steel bolts and locking cap nuts. This held up for years until we sold the trailer.

I realize not everything can be fixed this way - but many times the OEM manufacturer is doing everything to minimize warranty claims down the road without regard to fixability in the field.

[rjlong38Q]

The Lippert Tilt Bed Service Manual, available on their website, has instructions to change the spur gear on page 4. I just had mine apart to change the motor.