RE: stuck slide
You'll need to access the dead motor from the outside, loosen a set screw, and lift the motor up to be able to push the slide in if it's a Schwintec.
RE: Waste water totes for fresh water
I picked up a 20 gallon rectangular fresh water tank from a boat. It's mounted on a wooden elevated stand I made and strapped in the truck bed. It's high enough to gravity feed into the fill port on the side of the camper.
RE: Disadvantages of flipping trailer axles?
If you flip the axles remember the brakes are now upside down. Won't make any difference in function but it sure looks funny when you service them.
RE: Do I need a better converter?
If it's a WFCO converter they're notorious for not going into bulk charging mode. I have 2 GC batteries and an IOTA-55 converter for faster charging off a generator.
RE: Schwintek (Lippert) Slideout Motors
I asked Grand Design this same question. Yes, you can go with 500:1 motors but you also need to upgrade to steel torque tubes instead of the aluminum ones.