I was having problems with my large slide out retracting. When I retracted the unit it struggled to the point where the clutch inside the motor would start clicking and quit. I had the electric motor changed earlier this year because the original one quit all together. It started acting up again when I went to retract it because of a approaching snow storm. My conclusion was the motor was'nt strong enough,so I called pilgrim international to see if there was an upgrade,they said call Lippert,I did the tech I talked to said they had other motors he could sell me at 450.00 each but stated mine was fine. He said the problem was my battery!!it wasnt holding enough voltage to operate the motor,I was confused 12 volts is 12 volts right! the other slide out works just fine .He recommended using 2 6 volts in series,I was skeptical but it was cheaper than a new motor. I bought 2 DEka 6 volts installed them problem solved. I hope this helps someone else having similar problems!
I would not be without my 2 6 volts check the water level frequently at least once a month especially if you are plugged in a lot use distilled water only.
There are a couple of things to look for besides a battery problem.
1: Did you extend your rear stablizer legs after opening your slide. If so you could have the frame slightly twisted. I also retract the rear stablizer legs before putting in my slide.
2: Are the channels for the slide in the frame dirty. Once a year I clean and then put dry lube on mine, it made a big difference in the torque required to move the slide.
3: Check the voltage on your battery, it could be a bad cell.
I am the bearer of bad tidings I had a 2000 wwilderness that i put up with that problem for 7 years.
With four good bats on mine it would be real sluggish. I finally threw in the towe3ll and attributed it to the gear ration being too high in the pinion drive. It just did not seem to let the motor wind up to good puling rpm. Never got that cured. Called the factory, dealer, took the gearbox apart for lube and all that good stuff.
Now I have a Laredo with only one 12 volt battery aboard. It runs the big slide like there ain't no tomorrow. However I noticed the gear ratio is lower and the motor runs faster and not near as loaded up and the slide moves a little slower.
Keep in mind that if I have only had the trailer I do not and read your post, I wuld immediately come u with too little batts or amps going to the motor.
Additionally, I did run heavier wiring to the motor. Same oh, Same oh.
I certainly hope you find a cure. I can see where those that have not had the problem will find it difficult to comprehend.
First thing that came to my mind while reading your post was that the tracks are dirty causing binding. Possibly someone used the wrong lube for the tracks. Second thing that hit me square in the face was that the manufacturer is telling you to contact one of their suppliers to resolve a problem? I get the impression that they are passing the buck. Lippert made the frame yes, but they did not specify the design of it or any of it's components. That is Pilgrim's problem.
I think for now, as someone else suggested, you need to get under the trailer and clean all of the tracks, gear racks etc of dirt and grease and spray everything with a dry lube of some sort. Then with fully charged batteries, give it a try. OH and 12 volts equals a deal battery!
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I had a 2000 wwilderness that i put up with that problem for 7 years.
