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

Dandy_Dan
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
RKW wrote:
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?
Open Range are separate slide motors. They have the BAL cable system which lightens the unit 3-500# per slide. All slide motors can be gotten to from inside the rig and worked with a drill with the flexible shaft supplied. Have not had a bit of trouble with the motors or the cable.
fatman71
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
My Winni Raven operates individually activated slides. and no problems
caberto
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
The three slides on our Cougar are operated independently with their own switches. However, I do not have two slides that are directly opposite each other, but I'm not sure why them being opposite each other should matter.
Georgew48
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
On my Cardnial, the front two 10ft slides are cable operated and have separate switches. The cable system for these two slides allows for a full size basement storage as there are no hydraulic rams to move the slides. The other three slides (two bedroom and large kitchen slide) are all hydraulic operated from one switch or remote and can be indivually selected if you do not want them all to open.
ol_Bombero-JC
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
Can't speak for other brands - or newer models.

2006 Jayco.

Slides operate independently.

Only reason I can think of to *partially* open slide/s, is for access to something the slide/s block when it (or they) are "in".

BTW - handy *if* the slide blocks something when it's in.

~
bluka43
Explorer
Sep 10, 2014
We have a '08 KZ Durango with 3 slides, operate electrically and have 3 independent switches that can be operated in any sequence. With all 3 slides closed (in)we can use every aspect of the RV.....a nice feature when on the road.

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