I was talking to a salesman about an Open Range "The Light" and he mentioned that the two opposing slides were independently actuated. He insinuated that other brands had slides that operated only simultaneously. He also mentioned that the slides on that particular RV could be opened out to any degree you wanted, that is to say a little or all the way or anywhere in between. That statement made me wonder if that feature was unique to most brands or common in most brands. Thoughts on this?

Lifestyle slides are independent.Lillyputz

We had a cedar creek with 3 hyd slides. Normally all slides would operate off of one control. They would open one at a time due there not being enough hydraulic capacity for all 3 to move at the same time. They were also capable of being individually moved by using override switches. There was one override sw. for each slide that would block hydraulic flow for that slide.Our current trailer has 3 electric slides that each has their own in/out control.

Most RV's require the slide be opened all the way to prevent wind from blowing in rain, or dust, as there is a interior slide seal that only engages while open 100%.I have never seen a slide out that you just push one button and all the slides either retract or go out. I would think that to be silly design, as you might be in a situation that you can only slide out one into the street or something, or one slide might be next to the power post, tree or something else and must be left in for that trip. .Some carry a cut off broom stick, that is 3' or 4' long (depending on slide length) and use that to make sure the trailer is in the correct position before opening the slides and before disconnecting the truck and making it level. Newer slide outs, you can safely sit in them while they go in and out. I would go back to that dealership, ask the salesperson (if they still work there) to slide out one, and part way. Look for sunlight between the sides of the slide. See if dust will blow in. I think he is blowing smoke that they can be left 1/2 way out and no rain will get in. Sure it is possible, but most slides that I have seen might leak in some rain water.. . .Fred.

We have an Open Range with individually activated slides. Nice to creep out a bit to get into fridge when travelling.

We have a Carriage with four slides that operate independently. Nice if you need to get to one part of the trailer but are not setting it up to camp. Also you don't have to be looking in four directions for branches or obstacles when opening slides.Brian

Are your slides independently actuated? | Good Sam Community

Pine5008
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
My main and kitchen slide are operated on the same switch. With them on opposite sides of the trailer, you have to pay attention.
Although, the smaller kitchen slide moves in/out first, giving you a chance to watch for obstacles. Would be nice to have separate switch.
Tin_Pusher
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2014
My (single) slide on the Wilderness is actuated independently from everything else :)
3_dog_nights
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
Did the salesman also point out that the wheels come with rubber covers filled with various gasses to ensure a smooth safe ride? And that the walls are covered with an exterior skin to repel the elements?
I was in sales for 40 years, always looking for a "feature" my competitor didn't point out.
jalichty
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
Our two slides, full in living area and wardrobe in sleeping area, are indecently actuated by switches in the area where the slides are. That way, if we didn't want to put out the large slide, we can just put out the wardrobe one by itself.
3_dog_nights
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
jalichty wrote:
Our two slides, full in living area and wardrobe in sleeping area, are indecently actuated by switches in the area where the slides are. That way, if we didn't want to put out the large slide, we can just put out the wardrobe one by itself.

I now have a visual of you flipping the switch....help me get it out of my head.
greende
Explorer II
Sep 09, 2014
My Cougar has 3 electric slides and 3 switches.
Winged_One
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
I really wouldn't recommend using a slide or leaving it, that is not fully extended or retracted. The walls/seals help support the slide.
filrupmark
Explorer
Sep 09, 2014
I have a Augusta Flex with 3 slides and they individual operated also.
Endricken
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
One switch operates all my slideouts in "sequence". The pump has three control valves I could use to disable any of them.
As explained to me the hydraulics always push the "easiest" slide out "first", in our case its always the small bedroom slide, then either of the two big slides go out, usually the kitchen followed by the Dining room, but sometimes it varies or one goes partially and then the other.
Recent Repair Shop maintenance / check sure improved their operation after 9 years of use.
Our floorplan allows full access except to the bedroom dresser when slides are in and we routinely just put out the Bedroom Slide alone as neither of the others move until its done.
So the single switch works for us.
C_Schomer
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
Mine are independent.