Motor rewinding is a winding technique that tries to increase the efficiency of motors that have seen their efficiency deteriorates. A common question arises among people “Can you rewind a motor on an RV slide-out?”
No, You can’t rewind a motor on an RV slide-out. Although electric motors are very basic mechanical equipment, rewinding them is not this is one project that is usually best left to the specialists.
Hiring a professional to rewind your electric motor might produce astonishing results. In this article, we’ll go over all of the relevant information to uncover the answer. Let us unite together.
What Exactly Is a Slide-Out on an RV?
RV slide-outs, often known as slides, are room extenders that can increase your rig’s living area. They’re ubiquitous in motorhomes, campers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and nearly every other RV form available today.
What Is the Function of an RV Slide-Out?
RV slide-out function is done by shifting from an extended to a retracted position depending on whether your RV is configured for camping or driving. They are normally controlled by an electrical system on your RV’s control panel, where the slide can be retracted or expanded with the push of a button. RV slide-outs can also be hydraulic or mechanical.
Depending on the sort of slides you have, your slide out will most likely work by pushing or pulling the slide out along its rails with a pump, electricity, or elbow grease. Slide-outs are designed to distribute weight evenly and move effortlessly. The slide-out in your RV usually incorporates furniture or other amenities that, when opened, provide additional space.
When to Rewind and When to Replace?
Signs That You Should Rewind
- You can see deterioration such as burns, damaged components, dampness, or rust.
- The laminations are not harmed.
- Winding resistance is reduced. (This indicates that the motor’s coils are shorted.)
- Insulation resistance issues.
- Your engine is between 12 and 15 years old.
Warning Signs That You Should Replace
- The magnetic core is NOT in good working order.
- Your engine is over a decade old.
- Before this rewind, your motor was improperly rewound.
- Your engine has been irreparably ruined.
- The bearing failed, causing the armature to grind against the stator and cause catastrophic damage.
Rewinding an Electric Motor
The rewinding procedure might vary substantially because of the sheer variety of various motors and winding patterns. However, it usually entails removing the old windings from the stator or armature of the motor and replacing them with new coils produced from the same basic kind and gauge wire.
Motor Disassembly
- Wipe your work surface clean with a lint-free cloth.
- Remove the outer housing of the motor.
- Take photos of the current setup of the motor.
- Hand-pull the armature out of the stator.
Taking Out the Original Windings
- Pry the brush pad tabs open with a screwdriver.
- Using wire cutters, cut the old windings free.
- Hand-pull the cut coils free of the armature or stator.
- If necessary, replace the insulation paper that lines the stator.
Putting in the New Windings
- Using the same gauge of wire, rewind the armature or stator.
- For each set of coils, recreate the original winding pattern.
- Using the tabs surrounding the stator, securely completed windings.
- Connect the first and last windings’ loose ends to the beginning tab.
- Reassemble the engine.
- Check out the motor.
If you see smoke or smell burning, turn off the engine immediately. It’s possible that the new windings are overheating or that a short has formed in one of the connections.
Warnings
- Before you start removing anything, take some time to review how electric motors function. You won’t be able to rewind the motor accurately unless you understand how the internal components interact.
- To rewind a motor, only magnet wire should be used. No other type can channel the electromagnetic energy required to turn the motor. Using the incorrect type of wire could even result in electrocution.
- Always utilize the same gauge wire as was originally used. If it is excessively hefty, the motor may slow down or possibly stop. If it is too thin, it may overheat and provide a fire hazard.
Failure of the RV Slide-Out Motor
Motor failure is one of the most serious issues that an RV slide-out system can encounter. An open electrical connection, a short circuit, or a tripped circuit breaker may cause the motor to fail to function.
If its motor powers each slide-out, a tripped breaker may not be the case if one of the motors fails. The only way out of this scenario is to test the failed motor.
How to Repair It
- Test the supply terminals with a multimeter to ensure that the correct current flows to the motor.
- If power is present, check the motor terminals for continuity and resistance. The motor may have blown out if the resistance is higher than usual or there is no electrical continuity. Either the motor needs to be wound again or replaced.
- RV slide-out motors are typically priced between $150 to $700, although the price depends on the motor rating, the provider, and any shipping costs.
Was My Rewind Done Properly?
Choosing a reputable auto repair shop is the best method to ensure that the task is done correctly. Regardless of the shop, a few tests should be performed to ensure that the motor rewind was done correctly. Some will be done before the rewind and then again after the rewind to ensure no losses occur, while others will be done only after the rewind has occurred.
- Core tests before and after burnout An increase of more than 20% should raise red flags.
- Resistance measurements will confirm any increases in copper losses.
- Rotor losses should remain constant unless the rotor is replaced.
FAQ
Is It Worthwhile to Rewind a Motor?
Having your motor rewound costs just around 40% of the price of a new motor. In addition to saving money, rewinding your motor can help the environment. When compared to the carbon costs of producing a brand-new motor, the rewind process has a very low environmental impact.
How Can I Tell if My Slide-Out Motor Is Broken?
Use a voltmeter to check the power while someone controls the sliding switch if you have someone with you. If the motor receives power, but no sliding movement occurs, the motor may have failed.
How Much Does It Cost to Replace an RV Slide Motor?
Unless the repair is straightforward (such as repairing a blown fuse), you may anticipate paying between $500 and $1500 to $2000 per slide out.
How Many Times Can an Electric Motor Be Rewound?
A motor can be fixed and reconditioned as long as the shell is present. The trick is to remember that that motor will ultimately require a burnout and rewind before it can be insulated again. Then, with regular maintenance and intelligent reconditioning, there is no limit to how many times that motor may be restored.
Can an RV Slide Out Be Manually Pushed In?
The control box should be located just beneath the slide-out. There will be a manual override button on that unit. You can press it six times, then push and hold the seventh time to activate a manual override, allowing you to try to get the side in.
Bottom Line
Even though manufactured by the same company, each RV has a unique design. As a result, rewinding a motor on an RV slide-out is a difficult process. So the question, “Can you rewind a motor on an RV slide out?” has a negative answer. You must contact specialists.
We hope you now have a solid understanding of how to rewind a motor on an RV slide-out. Thank you very much.
