Slide-Out Motor Replacement for WINNEBAGO MINNIE WINNIE
This comprehensive guide will walk you through repairing slide-out motor replacement on your WINNEBAGO MINNIE WINNIE. Follow each step carefully and gather all required parts before beginning.
Required Parts
- Lippert 368446 Slide-Out Motor Assembly (or equivalent for your specific slide system) – Part Number: LC368446, 130-1305, or 1010000188 (depending on year), Price Range: $200-$350
- Schwintek motor (alternative) – Part Number: LC368221 or LC368227
- Slide-out lubricant – Part Number: Lippert Slide-Out Lube, Price Range: $15-$25
- Phillips #2 square bit screwdriver set
- Wire connectors
- Slide-out seal (if damaged during repair) – RV-specific slide seal by length
- Rubber gaskets for motor housing
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Slide-Out Diagnosis and Safety
Before replacing a slide-out motor, start by diagnose whether the motor is actually the failed component, as slide-out issues can stem from multiple sources including electrical problems, misalignment, or obstruction. Begin by ensuring your RV is parked on level ground – operating a slide-out on an unlevel surface can cause binding and false diagnosis of motor failure. Check your 12-volt battery voltage with a multimeter, ensuring you have at least 12.5 volts available, as weak batteries often cause slide-outs to behave erratically. From your slide-out control panel (usually located near the entry door), attempt to operate the slide-out in both directions. Listen carefully for any sound from the motor – a humming with no movement suggests a mechanical jam or failed gear, while complete silence indicates an electrical or motor failure. If only one side of a dual-motor slide moves, you’ve likely identified a specific failed motor.
Step 2: Accessing the Slide-Out Motor
Slide-out motors in the Winnebago Minnie Winnie can be located either inside the RV behind wall panels or on the exterior of the slide-out mechanism depending on your specific model year and slide-out type. For Schwintek-style slides (most common in newer Winnebagos), the motors are typically accessible from inside by removing decorative trim molding along the top and side of the slide-out opening. This molding is usually held in place by square-drive #2 screws, which require a square-bit screwdriver rather than standard Phillips. Remove these screws carefully, keeping them organized by location as they may be different lengths. Behind the trim, you’ll find the slide-out mechanism housing and the motor mounted at one end. Take extensive photographs before proceeding – the slide-out mechanism has multiple components that must be reassembled in exact order. Clear the entire slide-out of furniture and personal items for safety.
Step 3: Electrical System Shutdown and Motor Removal
With the slide-out fully extended or retracted (whichever provides better motor access), turn off all 12-volt power to the slide-out system by removing the slide-out fuse from your distribution panel. This is a critical safety step as accidental activation of the slide-out during motor removal could cause serious injury. Locate the electrical connection to the motor – it’s typically a multi-pin connector that plugs directly into the motor housing. Press any release tabs on the connector and pull firmly but gently to disconnect. The motor itself is secured to the slide-out mechanism by a single set screw that passes through the motor shaft coupling into the drive shaft of the slide-out mechanism. Using a hex key (typically 3/16″), loosen this set screw by turning counterclockwise. In some cases, penetrating oil may be necessary if the screw is corroded.
Step 4: Motor Extraction and Inspection
Once the set screw is removed, the motor should lift straight up and out of its mounting position. If it’s stuck due to corrosion or debris, gentle tapping with a rubber mallet on the motor body (never on the shaft) can help break it free. As you remove the motor, pay close attention to any shims, spacers, or alignment washers that may be present between the motor and the slide-out mechanism – these are critical for proper operation and must be transferred to the new motor. Examine the drive shaft that the motor connected to, checking for any signs of damage, excessive wear, or debris buildup. Clean this shaft thoroughly with a lint-free cloth and light oil. Also inspect the rubber seal around the motor mounting area – if this seal is damaged or deteriorated, it must be replaced to prevent moisture and debris from entering the slide-out mechanism.
Step 5: New Motor Installation
Before installing the new motor, verify that it matches your old motor exactly in terms of shaft size, mounting configuration, and electrical connection type. Transfer any shims or spacers from the old motor to the new one in the exact same orientation. Apply a small amount of dielectric grease to the electrical connector pins on both the motor and wiring harness to prevent corrosion and ensure good electrical contact. Position the new motor over the drive shaft, ensuring the motor shaft coupling aligns perfectly with the drive shaft. Lower the motor into place, making sure any locating pins or alignment features engage properly with the slide-out mechanism housing. Thread the set screw back through the motor coupling into the drive shaft, but don’t fully tighten it yet – you’ll need to test operation first to ensure proper alignment.
Step 6: Testing and Final Adjustment
With the motor loosely installed, reconnect the electrical connector by pressing firmly until you hear or feel it click into place. Reinstall the slide-out fuse in your distribution panel and prepare to test the system. Have an assistant stand outside the RV to watch the slide-out movement while you operate the controls from inside. Press the “in” button briefly (just a second or two) to verify the motor engages and begins to move the slide-out. Listen for any grinding, clicking, or unusual noises that might indicate misalignment. If movement is smooth and quiet, extend and retract the slide-out completely several times, observing for any binding or inconsistent speed. Once satisfied with operation, turn off power again and fully tighten the motor set screw to secure the motor in place. Reconnect power and perform a final full cycle test. Apply slide-out lubricant to all moving parts, rails, and gears according to manufacturer specifications.
Step 7: Reassembly and Seal Inspection
With the motor functioning properly, you can now reassemble the interior trim and molding. Before reinstalling the trim pieces, this is an excellent opportunity to inspect and potentially replace the slide-out seals (the rubber gaskets that seal the slide-out room when retracted). These seals are critical for preventing water intrusion and should be replaced if they show any signs of cracking, tearing, or compression set (permanent flattening). Apply a thin bead of slide-out seal conditioner to keep the seals pliable. Reinstall all trim pieces in reverse order of removal, ensuring each piece clicks firmly into place before installing screws. Don’t overtighten the trim screws as this can crack the plastic molding. Operate the slide-out through several complete cycles while checking for any gaps in the seals when fully retracted. Mark your calendar to perform slide-out maintenance (cleaning and lubrication) every six months to extend motor life.