pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse manually close slide out

Manually Retracting a Pilgrim 29 ft Bunkhouse Slide-Out

This article will guide you through the process of manually retracting a slide-out on a Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse travel trailer. We’ll cover various slide-out systems and provide step-by-step instructions for each type. By following these procedures, you can safely retract your slide-out and prevent any further damage to your RV.

Introduction

Slide-outs are a fantastic feature in RVs, offering extra living space for cooking, dining, and relaxing. But what happens when your slide-out gets stuck? Whether you’re experiencing a power outage or a mechanical issue, knowing how to manually retract your slide-out is essential for safe travel and continued enjoyment of your RV. This guide focuses on the Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse, a popular travel trailer model, and provides step-by-step instructions for manually retracting its slide-out system. We’ll explore different types of slide-out systems and their specific manual override procedures, ensuring you have the knowledge to handle any unexpected situation.

This guide is designed to empower RV owners with the confidence to address a stuck slide-out on their Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse; We’ll cover essential safety precautions, troubleshooting tips, and the necessary tools for each type of system. Our aim is to provide you with the knowledge and skills to safely retract your slide-out, allowing you to continue your adventures without interruption.

Remember, this guide is for informational purposes only. If you encounter any difficulties or have concerns about your slide-out system, it’s always best to consult with a qualified RV technician for professional assistance and repairs.

Types of Slide-Out Systems

Understanding the type of slide-out system installed in your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse is crucial for knowing how to manually retract it. Several common slide-out systems are used in RVs, each with its unique operating mechanism and manual override procedure.

Here’s a breakdown of the most prevalent slide-out systems⁚

• Electric Slide-Outs⁚ These are the most common type, utilizing an electric motor to extend and retract the slide-out room. They often feature a rack and pinion system, where a motor drives a gear that engages with a rack, causing the slide-out to move.
• Schwintek Slide-Outs⁚ Known for their compact design, Schwintek slide-outs use a worm gear system, where a motor rotates a worm gear that engages with a gear on the slide-out, moving it in or out.
• Rack and Pinion Slide-Outs⁚ These systems are similar to electric slide-outs but rely on a manual crank to operate the slide-out. A crank attached to the slide-out motor allows you to manually turn the rack and pinion system, extending or retracting the room.
• Hydraulic Slide-Outs⁚ These systems use hydraulic cylinders to move the slide-out room. They typically have a hydraulic pump that drives the cylinders, and manual override may involve using a hand pump to operate the hydraulic system.

To determine the specific slide-out system in your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse, consult your owner’s manual or contact the RV manufacturer or dealer. This information is vital for choosing the correct manual override procedure for your particular setup.

Manual Override for Electric Slide-Outs

If your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse has electric slide-outs, a manual override system is typically in place for emergency situations, such as power outages or malfunctioning motors. These systems allow you to retract the slide-out room manually, enabling you to safely transport your RV. The manual override procedure for electric slide-outs usually involves a crank or a similar tool that engages with the slide-out motor.

Here’s a general guide for manually retracting electric slide-outs, though specific steps may vary depending on your RV’s model and year⁚

1. Locate the Manual Override Crank⁚ The manual override crank is usually located near the slide-out motor, either inside the RV or underneath the slide-out. Consult your owner’s manual for its exact location.
2. Disengage the Electric Motor⁚ Before using the manual override, you may need to disengage the electric motor to prevent it from interfering with the manual operation. This might involve disconnecting the motor’s power supply or using a switch to disable the motor.
3. Attach the Crank to the Motor⁚ Once the motor is disengaged, attach the manual override crank to the motor shaft. The crank should have a fitting that securely connects to the shaft.
4. Turn the Crank Clockwise⁚ Rotate the crank clockwise to retract the slide-out. As you turn the crank, you’ll feel resistance as the slide-out moves inwards. Continue turning until the slide-out is fully retracted and flush with the RV’s exterior wall.
5. Secure the Crank⁚ Once the slide-out is retracted, detach the crank and store it safely. Ensure the crank is properly secured to prevent it from becoming a tripping hazard.

Remember, always refer to your RV’s owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions related to manually retracting your slide-out. If you’re unsure about the process, consult a qualified RV technician.

Manual Override for Schwintek Slide-Outs

Schwintek slide-outs, also known as worm gear slides, are a popular choice for RVs due to their compact design and relatively simple operation. However, in the event of a power failure or a malfunctioning motor, you might need to manually retract your Schwintek slide-out. The manual override procedure for Schwintek slides typically involves bypassing the electronic control box and using a simple tool like a pen to reset the system;

Here’s a step-by-step guide to manually retracting a Schwintek slide-out⁚

1. Locate the Control Box⁚ The Schwintek electronic control box is usually located inside the RV or underneath a storage compartment. Check your owner’s manual for the specific location in your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse.
2. Bypass the Control Box⁚ Consult your owner’s manual for instructions on bypassing the control box. This might involve disconnecting the control box from the power supply or using a specific switch to disable it.
3. Reset the System⁚ Once the control box is bypassed, use a standard writing pen to press the reset button on the control box six times. On the seventh press, hold the button down. Red and green lights should start flashing, indicating the system has been reset.
4. Test the Slide-Out⁚ After resetting the system, press the normal slide-out switch. The slide-out should begin to retract. If it doesn’t, try pressing the switch again or consult your owner’s manual for further troubleshooting.

Remember that this procedure is primarily designed for emergency situations to retract the slide-out. It should not be used for extending the slide-out. If you encounter persistent issues with your Schwintek slide-out, consult a qualified RV technician for diagnosis and repair.

Manual Override for Rack and Pinion Slide-Outs

Rack and pinion slide-outs are a common type of system found in many RVs, including your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse. This system utilizes an electric motor to drive a rack and pinion gear mechanism, extending and retracting the slide-out room. While typically reliable, there might be instances where you need to manually retract the slide-out. This might occur due to a power failure, a malfunctioning motor, or a mechanical issue within the system.

The manual override for a rack and pinion slide-out usually involves using a hand crank connected to the extension rod of the electric actuator motor. Here’s how to manually retract a rack and pinion slide-out⁚

1. Locate the Extension Rod⁚ The extension rod is typically attached to the electric actuator motor. You might need to access it from inside the RV, underneath the slide-out, or through an access panel. Check your owner’s manual for the specific location in your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse.
2. Disconnect the Power⁚ Before attempting any manual operation, disconnect the power supply to the slide-out motor. This is crucial to prevent any accidental electric backfeed that could damage the system.
3. Connect the Crank⁚ Attach the manual override crank tool to the extension rod. This tool should have been included with your RV or can be purchased separately.
4. Turn the Crank⁚ Turn the crank handle clockwise to retract the slide-out. Continue turning until you feel resistance and the slide-out is flush with the exterior RV wall.
5. Stop When Flush⁚ Do not overcrank the handle as it can damage the slide-out system. Stop turning the crank as soon as the slide-out is fully retracted and flush with the RV wall.

If you encounter difficulties or have any doubts, consult your owner’s manual or contact a qualified RV technician for assistance.

Manual Override for Hydraulic Slide-Outs

Hydraulic slide-outs utilize a system of hydraulic cylinders and a pump to extend and retract the slide-out room. While generally robust, these systems can sometimes require manual intervention. This might become necessary in situations like a hydraulic fluid leak, a malfunctioning pump, or a power outage. If you encounter such a scenario, you’ll need to manually retract the slide-out to ensure safe travel.

The manual override for a hydraulic slide-out typically involves a hand crank or a wrench connected to a hex nut on the hydraulic actuator motor. This method allows you to directly control the movement of the hydraulic cylinder, retracting the slide-out.

1. Locate the Hex Nut⁚ The hex nut is usually found on the hydraulic actuator motor, often located underneath the RV, near the slide-out mechanism. You may need to access it through an access panel or by crawling underneath the RV.
2. Use a Ratchet⁚ Utilize a ratchet with an appropriately sized socket that fits the hex nut. Ensure the ratchet is securely attached to the hex nut before attempting to turn it.
3. Turn Clockwise⁚ Turn the ratchet clockwise to retract the slide-out. This motion will engage the hydraulic cylinder and retract the slide-out room.
4. Retract Slowly⁚ Retract the slide-out slowly and carefully, paying attention to the movement. Stop turning the ratchet as soon as the slide-out is fully retracted and flush with the RV wall.

Remember to consult your owner’s manual for specific instructions and safety precautions related to manually operating your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse’s hydraulic slide-out system. If you are unsure or encounter difficulties, seek assistance from a qualified RV technician.

Safety Precautions

Manually retracting a slide-out on your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse requires caution and attention to detail to ensure your safety and the integrity of your RV. Here are some essential safety precautions to keep in mind⁚

1. Level the RV⁚ Before attempting to manually retract the slide-out, ensure your RV is level. This is crucial for proper operation and to prevent any strain on the slide-out mechanism.
2. Battery Power⁚ Verify that your RV’s batteries are fully charged. While manual override procedures don’t always require electrical power, it’s best to have sufficient battery charge in case any auxiliary systems need to be activated during the process.
3. Clear the Area⁚ Make sure the area around the slide-out is clear of obstructions, such as furniture, tools, or anything that could impede the slide-out’s movement.
4. Engage Parking Brake⁚ Always engage your RV’s parking brake before initiating any manual retraction procedure. This will prevent the RV from moving unexpectedly.
5. Avoid Overcranking⁚ When using a crank or wrench, be careful not to overcrank the mechanism. Overcranking can damage the slide-out system or cause it to bind.
6. Seek Professional Help⁚ If you encounter resistance, unusual noises, or feel unsure about the process, stop and seek professional help from a qualified RV technician. Attempting to force the slide-out can lead to damage and costly repairs.

By adhering to these safety precautions, you can minimize the risk of injury or damage to your RV while manually retracting your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse’s slide-out.

Troubleshooting Tips

While the manual override procedures are generally straightforward, you may encounter some challenges or issues during the process. Here are some troubleshooting tips to help you address common problems⁚

1. Check for Obstructions⁚ Before attempting any manual retraction, inspect the slide-out area for any obstructions that might be preventing the slide-out from moving freely. Look for debris, loose items, or anything that could be interfering with the slide-out’s path.
2. Lubricate the Slide⁚ If you’re having trouble retracting the slide-out, lubricating the slide rails and mechanisms can help. Use a silicone-based lubricant specifically designed for RV slide-outs to reduce friction and ease movement.
3. Verify the Motor⁚ If you’re working with an electric slide-out, ensure the motor is properly connected and receiving power. Check for any loose wires or connections that might be causing a malfunction. If the motor is making unusual noises or isn’t engaging, you might have a motor issue requiring professional attention.
4. Test the Switch⁚ Inspect the slide-out’s control switch for any signs of damage or malfunction. Try cleaning the switch contacts or replacing it if necessary.
5. Inspect the Gears⁚ If you have a rack and pinion system, check the gears for any signs of wear, damage, or misalignment. If you notice any issues, it’s best to seek professional assistance to avoid further damage.
6. Check the Hydraulic System⁚ If you have a hydraulic system, make sure there’s enough hydraulic fluid in the reservoir. Also, inspect the hydraulic lines and hoses for any leaks or damage.

By addressing these common issues through troubleshooting, you can increase the chances of successfully retracting your Pilgrim 29 ft bunkhouse’s slide-out manually.