Interesting. In nearly two decades of RV repair, I've rarely had to deal with the issues you listed. The most common catastrophic issue I've dealt with in an Accuslide is the gear box failing, and even that has been relatively rare. I've performed far more repairs on, and dealt with far more frustrated customers in relation to, Lippert's Schwintek system. It is by far the least reliable slide out system on market, and it's not even close.

I would take a cable over shwintek any day of the week everyday all the time...they are very easy DIY to adjust IMO

This is exactly the kind if information I need, not only do you identify the problem, you state how to fix it, and even maintain it so as to prevent it. Keep them coming!

I can’t understand why in the Sam Hell they don’t vinyl coat the wire rope/cables like the weight machines in gyms!! Some of these weight machines move hundreds of pounds 100 times plus a day and don’t fail. They have a robust vinyl coating on the cables with a robust pulley system as well. Also, a bit bigger cable would help tremendously as well.

Thank you for educating rver's and future rver's!

My Keystone Passport has the BAL system and it did leak oil on my slide out roof. The bubble was simple to cut out and repair with a metal patch which should prevent any further problems. I also keep the cables adjusted properly to avoid any binding problems.

Even better advise is NOT to buy an RV with a slide and kiss those problems good bye. RV's are very poorly built to begin with so you will always be fixing something. They are not built to withstand the force going up and down the bumpy roads. They are a hugh money pit. After doing a lot of research, I took the time to build my own with no wood structures using a cargo trailer which has a solid frame and has the strenght of a tank. I do all my own maintenance never having to call a tech and never has to deal with the inconvienence of waiting for a repair person. I have watched over 100 videos of people who are dependent of traveling way accross the country to find a repair facility and the nightmare finding someone local to repair their RV. It was enough motivation to keep me far away from factory built RV's forever!

I totally agree with your points on the cable slides. I had one trailer that had this type of system and was constantly in the shop as the wires would break at the connection point. After being in the shop three times we sold it and replaced the trailer. this all occurred within the first year of ownership.

Being a RV Tech myself , you are 100 % correct !!! Great information for people to study & look at when purchasing an RV 👍👍🇨🇦✌️🇨🇦✌️🔧🔧

I have 2015 camper with two huge cable slides and one small cable slide. As soon as I tell you I’ve had no problems in the years of using it, something will go wrong. I do keep an eye on cable alignment. Many owners of these models actually carry a spare slide motor/gearbox, which will usually prevent them from ever failing, because you have a spare!

I have this system, and repaired the previous issues from the previous owner. It’s good and reliable now, with no more issues. I think you are overhyping the issue a bit. You are trying to sell maintenance as part of your business, but say this Accu Slide is a lousy system. Yet none of the issues you stated are the fault of the system, they are a result of LACK OF MAINTENANCE! Customers need to learn it is far less costly to maintain an RV/Vehicle/truck than it is to repair the breakdown after it occurs. Proven time and time again in Automotive industry studies! Good message in your video though, it’s just a tiny bit unclear- that’s my 2 cents!

Yes. My RV has this system. Yes, I have purchased some spare parts for it. No, I never thought about the gear box having a oil leak. Big thanks for that. I will keep my eye out for it. Since the BAL system is common, why not put together a video on inspecting it and doing proper adjustments to it?

My 5th wheel has this system and the main problems have been with the gear box wearing out. I've replaced 3 and doing the 4th next week before it stops working. I was lucky that a mobile repair tech was able to fix and replace the others in the same day without too many issues. Planning on replacing them about every two or three years.

I would take my cable slides back in an instant over the crappy schwintek slide. We had 4 cable slides on our 2021 lemon. I had 2 cables break (replaced myself) in the first 4 months. Then a learned that the brackets were improperly positioned so I repositioned 10 of the 16 brackets and never had a problem. Checked the tension every few weeks and they worked great. Have 1 schwintek on our 2023 lemon and it's trash. 1 motor popped loose and tore itself apart after 7 months. Replaced it and then the entire slide started jamming. Fought with Keystone and got the entire slide mechanism replaced and it worked for a total of 3 months before it started jamming again. Cables are cheap and easy to fix, they just require a bit of maintenance. Schwinteks are extremely complex and very costly to repair.

I have never owned this system (first RV was schwintek and currently rack and pinion) but I always wondered about reliability. I would love to see more information on how to find studs and run wiring. There are videos on youtube for how people have done it, but they all seem very specific to their RV. For me, I need to come up from the underbelly, through the wall, and out the back (I want to run a camera wire to connect a backup camera to my truck's camera system) which I know is likely multiple videos. Subscribed. =)

I had a Kit travel trailer with a manual crank-out slide. The nylon gears stripped out so every time I made a right turn in my mirror I watch my slide start sliding out on the highway. Couple times had to make additional sharp left to put it back- LOL. Finally fixed it and traded it in on a toy hauler.

I just do mobile repairs, and figured Schwintech would be the focus here. I have seen as many of those in my road rescues than all the others combined, but have not dealt with this funky cable system...yet. Thanks for the video.

Ive been doing search on buying my first RV. One thing I have learned is . I definitely don't want any slide outs. Just my Opinion . Great Video .

very informative. odd that to receive your checklist one must jump through so many hoops. and forcing us to sign up, though a common practice, does not command respect. I appreciate your sharing of information and knowledge. You do not need to resort to tactics for sign up information. I feel your clientele would be happy to share with you without trickery.

I have a lippar (don’t if that’s spelled correctly) but I say a little prayer every time I hit the button. I also researched how to manually close in case it fails while camping and have the tools to do it. Cheers

I had an owner of an RV dealership tell me what he will avoid. He said any RV with a side mounted A/C unit is begging for water penetration from A/C unit as well as incoming rain. In his words he “refuses to buy or sell one, because he can’t warranty them.” He had sold a unit new, customer bought extended warranty. The dealership had to buy camper from customer 3-4 years later due to it would cost too much to repair it.

I full time in one that has them, since I never close the slide outs, I should be good to go for a long time. My second weekender trailer has them, and they work fine but ill use your tips on the weekend.

I am almost ready to buy. I am amazed that there are a lot of these out there. I have removed several fifth wheels off my list that I seriously thinking about purchasing because of it.

#4 - Buy a spare cable and a few other parts to carry with you just in case the RV repair tech you call doesn't have the necessary parts in stock. That way you won't have to lose vacation days while waiting for parts to arrive,

We're wanting an RV but are so paranoid about getting the wrong one. But I KNOW I don't want slides at all. Just another thing to have to repair.

I have cable slides, never again!! I’m constantly adjusting them!!

YES! My trailer has one of these, an absolute nightmare! In 3 years I have replaced 2 cables and had to fix both pulley mounts. The prior owner didn't do any maintenance on it, wish I had seen this video before I bought it!

Very helpful, I'm taking notes!

I have a 2021 keystone montana high country 281ck and it has a cable system. How do I tell if t hi is is the bal system or a different system...is there a place to look up what was put in it. We have not had any issues as of yet but I am concerned for the future. If it is a Bal system...what can you have it replaced with and who would do that replacement...thanks

We are considering the new Vroom track mechanism to replace Schwintek. I have read on owner blogs and a couple KZfaq videos how great and heavy duty they are. Expensive but beefy and problem-free.

We had an Alliance Valor with that System and nothing but problems. After a month at the factory for repairs to the slides and still not fixed we traded it in for one without cables.

What is the very best slide out system? At this point in time are RV does not have slides. I have seen slides with rack and pinion, hydraulic, electric gear drive with two motors and cable. Some slides just slide on a plastic rail others have rollers and so on

Yuppers. I had a 2018 Premiere that ripped the pulley bracket right off the wall on the livingroom slide. The dealer "fixed" it and when I went to pick it up I decided to check it before leaving... the bracket on the other side was now hanging off! Thankfully a tree fell on it and wiped it out before the warranty was up! Ohh and yeah all 3 slide motors were leaking.

@howtonotbreakyourrv Montana the most popular 5th wheel for years has switched to the BAL ACCU SLIDE. I am considering getting one the dealer says they can install a drip tray to prevent the oil damage. Am I stupid for considering one?

One of the biggest reasons I will never buy another Keyston Cougar...

How do you replace the slide roller guides that guide the lower sides. I have a voltage 4205 where a screw busted the roller off. BAL part number 854599

I have a BAL Accuslide and am having problems. How much would it cost to replace it with the ExactSlide system

My R/V has these BAL units on 4 of the 5 slides and they do cause a lot of problems and although fairly simple concept and not complicated to adjust but mine are a PAIN in the ???. They are on the bottom of the slide and not on top. Its a nightmare to get in to adjust them. Other than that i love my R/V and cannot afford to trade up. Good informative videos. Thank you.

Good information

Hi Jacob, What units do you think where best all around in the 2004 to 2008 range for diesel pushers and remaining under $80000 in todays market? I would like to avoid the DEF system. Thanks

Do all rv's list they have this system and how do I know ehich have it? Thank you

Would love a video on the atc toy haulers.

Questions: Things we can do to avoid water problems in the RV beyond just the pipes you talked about? How to avoid emergencies on the side of the road (such as this)

Slide systems are, in general, a source of pain and frustration. I have always thought "more slides means more failures". Our current RV has a single full-length slide with a slimrack system that is so far, drama free. Fingers remain crossed.

I am getting a 44v14. Anything I should be considered about?

Unfortunately our 2017 Keystone Montana 305RL that has the cable slides. I carry 2 sets of cables and a new motor and gearbox plus all of the tools (cable cutters and crimper) to make a repair. I have watched every possible KZfaq video on how to fix this POS if it breaks. But you're correct. I'd never buy another one with cables or any Keystone Montana for that matter.

what are your thoughts on a 2003 Coach house platinum 270 xl with 60000 mi. with one slide? are they any better than the rest of the junk out there? TY!

What is your thoughts on life time roof. I'm talking about the kind you take to someone and they spray it on your roof like a bed liner.

Question: Is the Chevy 6.0 gas engine too small for a 2008 class C Winnebago 31 foot? Thanks in advance!

I would like your thoughts on the Thor Outlaw 29J? I am considering buying one in the next year I hope. Please

You said what not to buy but you did not mention which type of slide out that should be purchased.

It appears that Jayco went to the cable slide system in their 2024 models ( at least they did in the Jay Feather 21mml model I am considering buying). Why would Jayco go to this cable system if they are so problematic? I just watched Norco Industries Bal Accu-Slide (cable) system videos. The design is similar to the garage door system that uses cables, pulley's, chains and electric motors. At least they provide the functionality of their product to understand its operation, adjustment to the system, replacement and/or repairs that may be needed. Do you not recommend I go ahead and purchase the 2024 Jayco Jay Feather 21mml model because the unit has the cable system.

Do you have any information on the airstream base camp? Pros and cons thank you.

I had an Accuslide cable snap from it rubbing against the slideout frame. What a nightmare! Took me 20+ hours to fish the broken cable out of the almost inaccessible space behind the wall, one strand at a time using a dental pick. I'll never purchase another RV with an Accuslide.

Can you replace the cable with a schwinn tech

I just traded a 2016 Keystone Fuzion TH that had all three slides with this style of slide mechanism. Knock on wood, they never gave me an issue and the cab;es were still tight when traded. My new Montana has the bedroom slides with this same setup. I’ll knock on wood.

How do you know if the cable slide is a BAL Accue slide

Hello, do you have any experience with Leisure Travel Vans RV Canadian built unit which seems to have good reviews and high quality. Thanks

This Video is SO HELPFUL - What happens if the cable bracket tears out of the slide out? Is there ANY hope at all of drilling new holes & re-attaching that bracket is would it total the camper?

What brands used or use those systems? I've owned three rv's and they all had the worm drive units.

Slide systems do not seem to be something RV manufactureres place in their spec sheets. So one does not have to physically go to RV lots to check which mechanism they are using, can you supply which 5th Wheels RV brands should be avoided because they use BAL Accu Slide Systems?

So, if someone were to want to live in an RV full time, are there any older RVs that were really well made?

Now I know and knowing is Half the Battle!

So is there a better cabke slide?

There's one that's worse. The BAL Norco Exact Slide. Cables and chains and motors in the wall beside the slide.

Video starts at 0:37

Gave up on slide outs, etc.. Who do you think makes the best truck camper from a repair/maintenance stand point.?

Easy, no slides on my rig at all. Many hundreds if not thousands of miles on Yukon and NWT roads, and nothing to fail.

I'm a mechanic, I love today's rv and car crap, they make me a lot of money!!!! I have a '70s car and '80 Rv.

Great content. Tytyty

OP claiming it’s the worst system and other techs chiming in with never had to mess with it, unlike Shwintech. I’m not a tech but I read/watch a lot about RV’s and the S brand seems to always be the one you’re told to avoid.

Yeah, I got a question. Why would you inform people of these systems if avoiding them would ultimately lead to less need for your services, and increase competition in your [service] industry?

I'm considering a Class C motorhome. Are there any slideouts that are fraught with potential issues and problems? Or... is it just a bad idea to get a slideout in the first place?

How or where does one become a certified RV tech, and what credentials should we ask for, is there a school that one goes to?

Also it keeps thumping every couple of seconds till it's all the way open,but no noise when closing

Rigor RV Repair, We would like to extend an invitation for you to participate in a dedicated training session on our BAL cable-operated slide-out systems to address and correct the misinformation published in your KZfaq videos.

What about the Norco cable slide system? Is that Bad?

5 broken cables so far and they all break at the bracket outside. rubbing on the hole on the inside wall i think.

What camper would YOU buy?

Hydraulic slides with gear drive!! Schwintech is a total other story!!

checkmate, we bought our first RV and specifically decided we didn't want an RV with a slide. Also, the link to your checklist on your website isn't working. I can't get to the checklist

All slide outs are problematic.

This is why my next RV will have ZERO slides

I'm confused, shouldn't the title be " the worst RV slide to own "? I missed it, if you mentioned RV brands.

How do you tell if it's a balaccuslide?

I think the Schwintek are worse than BAL

You said you were interested in people who bought RVs to submit what they purchased. I bought a Sur Ron toy hauler by Travel Lite. It's all aluminum and has room for my Yamaha Wolverine Rmax4. Like you, I realize the whole industry is on the take. I wanted one that was big enough to haul my ATV, but small enough that I didn't have to buy dual wheeled diesel to pull it! Let me know what you think of it!

Glad my RV don't have slide outs.

Wow .. those are worse than the Schwintech 😂

Another reason we do not want slide outs

Slide outs have way more problems. System doesn't matter. They're all bad and not worth cost.

I just won't buy anything with a slide

Id avoid anything with the schwintek slide. Trash system.

Grey wolf travel trailer 23dbh

My reaction: I avoid slide-outs completely. I understand the desire for more space but the cost in maintenance alone is undesirable in my estimation.

The Schwintek system is every bit as bad as the BAL. Power Gear is better along with Hydraulic slide systems.

Well. Confirmed what I think of slide-outs. Well. I just didn't want to be bothered with them, in general. While I suspected maintenance would be extensive, and in general avoiding stupid accidents would be overly fussy, I didn't actually put that first. Bathroom door being blocked when the slide-out was in, that made me rule them out. Definitely nope. They Don't add THAT much room to be worth it to me!

Pincel art

I know more owners with Schwintek nightmares.

I would have figured he was going to say Thor was the worst rv.