manual slide opeeration

[oldtrojan66]

Several threads from TT owners regarding replacement and problems with slide motors. I have a designer fifth wheel and have just replaced the dinnete slide motor, for failure. I did not see any means of manually operating this slide. I believe the lever on the rear end of the motor is a brake of some kind, allowing free movement of the gears, but I find no place to attach a socket or a drill attachment. Mine is a 07 Designer 36 RLTS. When the motor failed, the slide was in so I could tow to service facility. Access is an issue I would NOT want to tackle in the mud or on the road somewhere. At least fifteen square head screws to drop a panel down and sit right next to the axle while bumping my head on an electrical connection box. It would have been thoughtful for Jayco to have allowed some kind of access at least as easy as changing a tire. I could go on, but I would loose readers. Sorry for the rant. david

[Grumpy]

The "ratchet/socket" fitting is usually on one end of the long slide shaft not at the motor. You releaase the brake and then manually turn the shaft.