2018 29 MVP Slideout Operation When Dry Camping

[30coupe]

We do mostly dry camping and without electrical hookup We cannot extend the two slide outs. Is it possible to use the generator to supply power to use the slide outs.

[Fr8Train]

You should be able to extend the slides off of battery power. My guess would be a bad ground if the generator operates the slides.

[Boudreaux]

Originally Posted by 30coupe

We do mostly dry camping and without electrical hookup We cannot extend the two slide outs. Is it possible to use the generator to supply power to use the slide outs.

Yes, the generator can be used to power the slides to an out position. First start the generator, slides out then (unless you still need the generator), turn it off.

Reverse the process as required. Start the generator then bring the slide in, then turn off the generator. If you have a good battery, the slides can be moved ones (in or out), but there may not be enough sufficient power left in the battery to bring them back in.

I learned that if the house battery is too weak to start the generator, start the engine. Then start the generator.

[gprapim]

Originally Posted by 30coupe

We do mostly dry camping and without electrical hookup We cannot extend the two slide outs. Is it possible to use the generator to supply power to use the slide outs.

I think I would check my battery voltage with a battery draw tester. There is no reason, if your battery is charged and in good order, that you should need shore power or generator power to extend or retract your slides. Sounds like it might be a bad house battery to me. Check it out !!

[1955farm]

X2 to what gprapim said. If voltage on battery is good there should be no problem extending or retracting slides.

[Fr8Train]

I’m assuming since the OP is boondocking and everything else works fine. That would lead me to believe that the batteries are fine. I would be looking for a bad ground.

[Grumpy]

Does running the engine help?

[cabinetmaker]

Yes, you should be connected to a 120 volt source so the converter is working to help boost the battery. It mentions this in the manual. This means either generator power or shore power needs to be connected. Look at first dark black sentence below second square box at bottom of this instructions page.

Low voltage can damage the slide motors. The battery alone is typically not enough power to operate 2 or more slides even when fully charged. Slide motors pull the battery down fast!

Running the chassis engine will not help...the slides use the coach battery. Only generator or shore power will work to boost the battery enough for smooth and reliable slide function.

[Shakedown St.]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Yes, you should be connected to a 120 volt source so the converter is working to help boost the battery. It mentions this in the manual. This means either generator power or shore power needs to be connected. Look at first dark black sentence below second square box at bottom of this instructions page.

Low voltage can damage the slide motors. The battery alone is typically not enough power to operate 2 or more slides even when fully charged. Slide motors pull the battery down fast!

Running the chassis engine will not help...the slides use the coach battery. Only generator or shore power will work to boost the battery enough for smooth and reliable slide function.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the engine also charge the house battery while running? Otherwise, during travel there would be no “charging” for all 12V powered things being used while underway.

We power the inverter while traveling, to keep the kids entertained on the TV. I’ve never had a drained battery even after hours of inverter use.

[30coupe]

Thanks for the help on this. I will try with the generator and then with just the motor running.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Shakedown St.

Correct me if I’m wrong, but doesn’t the engine also charge the house battery while running? Otherwise, during travel there would be no “charging” for all 12V powered things being used while underway.

Exactly...engine charges the house battery exactly the same way the converter does. Been there done that..started engine slides worked fine.

[cabinetmaker]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

Exactly...engine charges the house battery exactly the same way the converter does. Been there done that..started engine slides worked fine.

I haven't tried it in my Greyhawk but in previous Motorhomes the slides do not work with the ignition on and engine running...built-in safety to prevent accidental slide deployment while traveling down the road by passengers mistakenly pushing buttons.

Sorry...I assumed all motorhomes were like that I will need to check my Greyhawk...but if the slides work with ignition then I guess that would help boost the coach battery also.

Funny the Greyhawk book doesn't mention that? It specifically says to have 120 volts to converter when operating slides...nothing about ignition or running engine?

[Camper_bob]

My slides will not operate (in or out) with the ignition on. Kind of annoying really; it would be nice if you could at least run them IN with the ignition on. But I understand why that's the case, you REALLY don't want some kid playing with the buttons in transit and running a slide out while cruising down the freeway!

That being said, I ran one slide in and out yesterday off just the house battery (still the OEM one too). Granted, you don't want to make a habit of this, but in a pinch, you should be able to run the slides using just the house battery, assuming it is charged and in good condition. Full disclosure: I had just charged the battery using my 110V external battery charger from my garage that I use to maintain all my other batteries, so I know it was topped up.

[Grumpy]

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

you REALLY don't want some kid playing with the buttons in transit and running a slide out while cruising down the freeway!

They're supposed to be belted in..

Originally Posted by Camper_bob

My slides will not operate (in or out) with the ignition on. Kind of annoying really; it

Must be a recent change, our SENECA would operate no problem. I would start it in cold weather ahead of pulling the slides in.

When we had our DESIGNER I ran it to boost the battery numerous times when.operating the slide.

Mea culpa...Cabinetmaker

[Camper_bob]

Originally Posted by Grumpy

They're supposed to be belted in..


snip

Good point! LOL!!

[cabinetmaker]

Ha! No problem Grumpy...I’m not sure all motorhomes have that ignition block even today so I appreciate Bob for clearing that up for us on the Jayco Greyhawks.

I just assumed mine had it so never really tried the slides with motorhome running.

Another mystery solved! Thanks Guys!

[Shakedown St.]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

Ha! No problem Grumpy...I’m not sure all motorhomes have that ignition block even today so I appreciate Bob for clearing that up for us on the Jayco Greyhawks.

I just assumed mine had it so never really tried the slides with motorhome running.

Another mystery solved! Thanks Guys!

On my ‘15 Greyhawk the slides work with the engine running....my wife is always needing things in places we can’t get to. ��

[Jaytalk]

Originally Posted by cabinetmaker

I haven't tried it in my Greyhawk but in previous Motorhomes the slides do not work with the ignition on and engine running...built-in safety to prevent accidental slide deployment while traveling down the road by passengers mistakenly pushing buttons.

Sorry...I assumed all motorhomes were like that I will need to check my Greyhawk...but if the slides work with ignition then I guess that would help boost the coach battery also.

Funny the Greyhawk book doesn't mention that? It specifically says to have 120 volts to converter when operating slides...nothing about ignition or running engine?

Cabinetmaker you’re right. On my Grayhawk, the slides will not operate when the engine is on. They only operate when the engine is off.