Manual operation of hydraulic slides 2007 Contessa

[Uwe Schmalenbach]

I am trying to find out how I can manually operate the hydraulic slides of my 2007 Contessa 40'. According to the manual I am supposed to insert a 1/4" hex tool into the motor of the hydraulic pump, which is located above the Aqua Hot. The problem is that the motor is too high to insert the 1/4 " hex tool attached to a drill. So the question is what the best solution is. Is it necessary to lower the platform that the hydraulic pump and motor are sitting on or is there another way to get the job done?

[Don and Kathy DuCharme]

Uwe, we have on 07 Contessa and I have not had to manually operate the hydraulic slides, but have had to operate the bedroom slides.  The packet of materials which came with our coach contained a flexible extersion designed to operate the passenger side rear slide. I believe it is a 1/4" hex, but has a female end.  You would need a short, straight 1/4" hex to operate the hydraulic slide.  I appreciate the heads-up and will be checking to be sure that we have the appropriate equipment onboard in case it is necessary.

[Steve Jewell]

Uwe,  Use a 1/4 inch flexible extension in the drill. You can by a cheap one at Home Depot or Lowes.

Steve J

[Uwe Schmalenbach]

Thank you very much for the idea to use a flexible extension. I will try that and I think that will do the trick