fiddlinrver
Northwest WA
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Joined: 11/21/2003
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Has anyone looked at the new RV technology with 4 cables on each slide out to bring them in and out? We just looked at the new Cougar 5th wheels yesterday. They are the silver/tan fiberglass and 2000# lighter than previous Cougars.
The salesman tells us that this new cable slide system is going to be "the thing" and is alreay used on some high end RVs. He also said Cougar has a new system for the sidewalls that make them lighter plus changes in the frame to make them lighter.
We are always wondering about "new and improved" stuff until it has some experience under it.
I'd appreciate comments from anyone who has checked into this stuff.
Dianne
19 years-Tioga Class C
8 years-Prowler TT
2006 Dodge RAM 3500 Quad Cab 4x4 short box with SuperGlide hitch
2006 Hitchhiker 34RLTG as of June 14, 2006
2010 Cougar 278RKS as of May 2010
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past-MIdirector
Michigan
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Open Range and some of the light weight units are using the cables. They are not being used on any high end that I've heard of. It's not new and has been around for years since it's cheaper than the hydraulic or gear system to install but can not handle the weight those systems can move.
I was not impressed since if any cable breaks or comes off track you could have a real problem on your hands.
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troll3193
SouthWest, MI USA
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MI Director wrote:Open Range and some of the light weight units are using the cables. They are not being used on any high end that I've heard of. It's not new and has been around for years since it's cheaper than the hydraulic or gear system to install but can not handle the weight those systems can move.
I was not impressed since if any cable breaks or comes off track you could have a real problem on your hands.
agreed on open range. was looking at their product brochure a few weeks ago and they made a big deal about how it is a better system...
not sure if there is proof behind that or just marketing hype...
bryan
2006 RAM 3500 MegaCab w/Cummins Turbo Diesel
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2004 Dutchemen 31BK
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Ram4Sam
Redlands, Calif
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My 2002 Keystone Sprinter(may it rest in peace) had the cable system, so I don't think it is anything new. It worked fine, no issues with it.
Sam
2001.5 Dodge QC2500 coal burner, 6spd,BD brake,a pile of other stuff!
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kmbelt
Owensboro,Ky
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My previous camper, a popup with electric lift, had the cable system to pop it up. I never had a problem with it, but have heard and read about horror stories about the cables breaking and the PITA it is to replace/repair them. I assume it is the same technology. Seems to me that there would be more room for issues vs the electric screw type motor ones or even hydraulic. I can imaging one of the cables falling off of a pulley and getting hung. Then you wouldn't be able to use the electric motor or even crank it manually.
2009 GMC Sierra 2500HD 6.0L CC 4x4
2010 Puma 259RBSS
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sandyhillbill
Louisiana
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I have a Open Range that I bought in Nov. 08 with 3 slides and have had no problems with the cable system. There is a web site that you can view that allows you to watch a video and download a service manual that covers in detail how to replace a broken cable if necessary. They are also set up so if you lose battery power you can drive them in or out using a cordless drill and a flexible adapter that they furnish(1 for each slide that you have) The slide is made by BAL and is named Accu-Slide. Google it for more info.
you can also go to openrangerv.com
2009 Open Range 335BHS
Me and Her 50yrs
2002 F250 7.3 PSD CC Lariat 2WD
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41yrs papermill/ Louisiana
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wittmeba
Virginia
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Joined: 02/02/2001
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It is called the BAL system. Our Open Range salesman told us they could save about 200# per slide with the cable system. Not sure how. He also said they were easier to repair than the Elec/Mech/Hyd units.
Here is a PDF file showing a repair and other details.
http://www.tada-rv.com/scripts/pdfretail/get.php?id=361
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fordsooperdooty
Southern California
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The BAL/Norco Acu-Slide Cable System has been the subject of some controversy, as they cable system has to be adjusted periodically. You have to use a special purpose tool to make adjustments (flex shaft)...and it comes with it. The cables can detach, the chain can jump the sprocket, the chain can "catch" on the bracket, the cable can break or gain slack, etc. It is touted as being silent, but I have heard them at work and question that! And usually (so far) they are used on smaller slideouts.
On the positive side, the Accu-Slide Repair Kit is only $25.00!
plootsa wrote:This is just some info on replacing the Accu Slide cables which break because of improper bracket alignment ,the cable shoud be level and not tilting down or up when the slide is extended, i had 3 of 4 break because of this misalignment.I was Quoted about $400 to replace one cable,I did all 3 for $85 and took about an half hour to do each one.There website shows a great video on doing this cable replacement,the cables are $25 a piece,the only tools you have to purchase is a stainless steel cable cutter and a 5/32 crimping tool if you dont have them.Here is the link to the video which saved me $1200
HERE
Greg
"Nothing in the world is more dangerous than sincere ignorance and consciencious stupidity."
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bstark
Ontario, Canada
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A lot of rigs these days have slideouts that are over 20 feet long and saving the weight of a hydraulic system with the gear rack alignment mechanism when you're talking slideouts that large seems oxymoronic to me. The reason why some builders will be using them is because they are simply cheaper! JMHO.
As per the second part of the post of a lighter wall construct, that's another one that's been around for years. It's simply the vacumn bonded sandwich system that allows for thinner wall construction but the sacrifice will be the "R" factors, along with much lighter cabinets being hung from those flimsier walls.
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