Electric slide maintenance and repair

[Bill]

The South Dakota factory is installing an electric extend/retract mechanism on models with slides. I have one, and I pretty much love it - no real issues. However, my doom-and-gloom side says that any mechanism will eventually fail, and always at the most inconvenient moment. I queried Adam at the factory about what to do if it wouldn't slide. He responded that from underneath (lying on my back on the ground), a 5/8" wrench would drop the one bolt that attaches the motor to the slide, and it would slide by hand. I felt better.

Later, I asked him how to lube the mechanism - geartrack, chain, whatever. He replied that they make the slide assembly themselves and it shouldn't need lubing. I'm not so happy with that answer. First, the front end of the mechanism (the motor) lives in an opening cut out of the lower skin, and is exposed to road grit and grime. Second, if they make it themselves, I can't go to the manufacturer for instructions or help.

So it occurred to me to install a removable cover over the hole in the skin, in hopes of keeping grit out. But at 20,000 miles, it is a bit late. I would like to clean it first.

And I would really like to find out how to get access to the entire length of the mechanism so I can clean it and lube it.

Bottom line - I am looking for anyone who has experience with this slide-out mechanism. There must be some of you out there.

Bill