Still waiting for slide out fix

Ptbranson · 11-27-2014, 05:03 PM

In September 2013 we purchased a 2014 Cougar X-lite 5th wheel. Before we took it off the lot the slide outs would not go in. The service center took a charge board from another one and put it in ours. That was charge board #2. We used it two days and it happened again. We could not get it into the service center then until late October. We then had to wait 4 weeks for the part to come. We then had charge board #3 put in.

While using it this July it went out again. Another month before we could get into a service center. They ordered the part which took another 4 weeks to get. Now we are into September and the end of our warranty. Before putting it in the service department person called Keystone about it and was told NOT to put it in because it would just go out again. They were going to send a different type of board. Another 4 weeks so we are now into October and then the service center was told that they should not have been sent that board but one that was like the original. now we are at the end of November and after 5 weeks this time it is finally here. We will go in on December 9 to have board #4 put in.

We don't know if that will work or for how long. Even Keystone won't say for sure it will work. The remote also quit so could not use that. We have been sitting here since July not being able to use our camper. Has anyone else had this problem? We are very disappointed in the time it takes to get a part. After this many times shouldn't they be looking for a problem other than just sending a new board each time? Out of 14 months we have had it in or waiting for parts and repair for 7 months. Not happy campers!

**JRTJH** · 11-27-2014, 05:46 PM

By "charge board" do you mean the remote control board mounted in the forward bulkhead of the trailer or some other board?

Ptbranson · 11-27-2014, 06:53 PM

It is the electrical terminal board that is located in the front ditch side of the camper in the same compartment as the house battery. This runs the slide outs and we are having board #4 put in. Anything you can shed some light on for this ongoing problem is appreciated.

**JRTJH** · 11-27-2014, 07:08 PM

That is (I believe) the remote control panel. If there are several black and white wires connected to it in pairs, it IS the remote control panel. Unless there's a short or a ground in one of the component wiring connections, there's really no reason for the board to keep malfunctioning. With 3 having failed already, I'd say that something "outside the panel" is causing the panel to malfunction. Replacing another panel will probably not "fix the problem" and in a few weeks/months, you'll be installing #5. The dealer needs to troubleshoot your wiring and find the cause, not keep replacing the "burned out component" There's something making it "burn out" and finding/repairing that issue is the only way to prevent the next failure.

I'd push the dealer to dig a LOT deeper than replacing the failed component. He needs to find out "WHY" the component has failed so many times.

Good Luck

mcsearch1 · 11-27-2014, 07:17 PM

Push Keystone and the dealer for a real diagnosis and fix of the root cause of the repeated board failures. To keep replacing boards is a waste of everybody's time. Sadly, I've seen this behavior many times from equipment suppliers servicing equipment in the plants I have managed through the years. It never works and I end up contacting someone up the chain at the supplier to express my "frustration." Keep the pressure on for the real fix and keep a detailed timeline of the issue from day one so Keystone doesn't use warranty expiration to walk away before the real issue is fixed. Good luck.

Ptbranson · 11-27-2014, 07:30 PM

Thanks for the input and advice. We have asked Keystone why it keeps burning out and their response is that they do not know and keep sending new boards. We have a file of all correspondense with them and Keystone also has all details with dates.

**chuckster57** · 11-27-2014, 07:45 PM

You should also ask for and in my opinion receive an extension on the warranty. I've seen other manufacturers extend them.

theeyres · 11-27-2014, 07:53 PM

Just a thought...is there another dealer in the area? It sounds like somebody else needs to dig into the problem and find the answer. It obviously isn't the board. And your dealer isn't getting the job done. If not, I would insist on talking to the supervisor or next one up the chain of command at Keystone. Do it on the phone and don't take "no" until you talk to a higher up. They hate to get involved so will usually handle the problem.

notanlines · 11-28-2014, 05:32 AM

I'm sure you don't need me to tell you this, but just be absolutely sure to continue with the note-keeping. You are probably very close to "lawyering up" and your notes will be very important.

jsmith948 · 11-28-2014, 07:12 AM

First and foremost, ANYTHING you try to do on your own could affect your warranty. Having said that, you might try to do a forum search for 'remote control' or 'control board'. There was a thread on here that talked about bypassing the remote's board to solve a similar problem. I know the remote is important to some, but, we never use our's. Don't like the delayed response and the resultant 'ratcheting' of the slide motors. I also agree that you need to find out why there is so much current draw that the board keeps failing.

GaryWT · 11-28-2014, 09:07 AM

As others have said, the reason the boards are failing needs to be found and fixed. It must be some type of short in the system. Hope they take the time to do this for you.

**sourdough** · 11-28-2014, 04:13 PM

I hate to sound like a broken record but, there is something outside the board causing the problem.

I have a remote that won't work. In working with Lippert (it's under warranty but was told to call them by the dealer) trying to determine the problem I got involved with the control board - I believe it is probably the one that you are dealing with. There are a few different models but they all have outputs to the various mechanical "things" (slides/stabilizers etc) if I recall. I would imagine they could unwire the outputs from the board and re-connect them one at a time and see if there is a slide or something causing a large draw thru the board that burns it out. Below are the directions I was given to find the info on the remotes and boards;

"You can also go to our website: WWW.LCI1.COM and click on customer service at the top of page. Scroll down to ELECTRONICS and from there you will find all we have on our wireless remote systems. Under Lip Sheets (drop down menu) you will find all trouble shooting info and Manuals under the Manual drop down menu."

I have a TT, not a 5th wheel, and my board is located on the forward wall of the trailer in the pass thru compartment. It is just a black plastic box the, when removed, has all the wiring and the board. It is just above the batteries inside the trailer.

Don't know if it will help but at least it will kind of give you an idea of what might be going on and possibly give you some info to pass to the service manager at the dealership. Having put 5 different boards in, the service dept. is barking up the wrong tree. There are different kinds of boards and maybe a different kind would be beneficial? Good luck.

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