While there are many different types of drive systems for RV slide-outs the Lippert 18:1 Tucson / Venture motor drive system is one of the most popular setups used by manufacturers. You will find this system in raised floor slide-out setups in bedrooms and living areas.
Most of the time you are going to get warning signs that you are about to have a drive system issue before it completely fails. When you start to hear the motor struggling to extend or retract the slide, STOP immediately and investigate. It could be as simple as a dog or kid toy stuck between the wall and slide, but most times it’s an actual issue with the slide itself.
Understanding Why the Original Plastic Gears Fail
Through our extensive customer service experiences, we’ve found that the original nylon (plastic) gears in Lippert Venture slide-out systems frequently fail due to several common issues:
- Worn or sticky slide seals creating excessive resistance
- Lack of proper lubrication on the worm drive and moving components
- Environmental factors like extreme temperatures that can make plastic brittle
- Age and normal wear degrading the plastic over time
When these issues occur, the plastic gear is designed to be the “failure point” - it strips or breaks rather than causing damage to more expensive components like the motor. While this may seem like a good design feature in theory, it leads to frequent repairs and frustration.
The Metal Gear Advantage
This metal replacement gear (RF1368431) addresses these issues with several key benefits:
- Superior durability - machined from quality metal instead of molded plastic
- Enhanced resistance to stripping - maintains tooth integrity even under significant load
- Long-term cost savings - while slightly more expensive initially, it prevents repeated repairs
- Direct replacement - same dimensions and fit as the original gear
But be forewarned, unlike the plastic version, the metal gear will not break if your slide becomes jammed by an obstruction. So, it’s a good Idea to verify that nothing is or could become jammed in the slide and pay close attention to the sound of the motor for any strain.
Important Maintenance Tips (Even With Metal Gears)
While upgrading to our metal gear significantly improves reliability, we still recommend these maintenance practices to ensure optimal performance:
- Regularly lubricate slide seals with a silicone-based product to reduce friction
- Apply appropriate grease to the worm drive components per manufacturer recommendations
- Inspect for obstructions before operating your slides
- Clean slide mechanisms to prevent debris buildup
- Check for proper alignment at least twice a year
Installation Guidance
The installation process is straightforward for most RV owners with basic tools:
- You’ll need expanding snap ring pliers to remove the circlip holding the old gear
- Access varies by RV model but typically involves reaching the slide motor assembly
- We recommend applying a quality grease to the new metal gear during installation
- The entire process typically takes 1-2 hours, depending on your RV configuration
Our Recommendation
Based on our experience serving thousands of RV owners, we strongly recommend upgrading to the metal gear as preventative maintenance, even if your plastic gear hasn’t failed yet. The cost of the metal gear (RF1368431) is significantly less than emergency repairs, particularly when you factor in the potential for a slide failure to disrupt or ruin a planned trip.
For those wanting complete protection, we also offer the full plastic gear set (045-191072) which includes the second reduction gear, though many customers find upgrading just the primary gear to metal resolves their reliability issues.
We’re Here to Help
Have questions about which option is right for your specific RV model? Need installation guidance? Our team at RVupgrades is always available to help you make the best choice for your situation. Feel free to contact us through our website or give us a call.
Happy camping and trouble-free travels from all of us at RVupgrades!