Forum Discussion

levsmith's avatar
levsmith
Explorer
Mar 02, 2018

Slide alignment issues

Hi all, new member and completely new to campers. I am looking at buying a camper for a short term living situation while building a house. I have found a 2000 Dutchmen 26RK. I have not looked at it in person yet, going to do that on Sunday. I noticed in the pictures it appears the slide is not aligned with the body of the camper. It seems to be sagging on the front end in the retracted position. I would guess the bottom of the slide is a couple inches lower than the bottom of the camper body and there is a gap between the top of the slide and the camper body. What would cause this and is it something that is somewhat easily fixed? I don't mind doing a little work if the price is right, but I don't want to get into something that has major structural issues. Thanks for any help. Unfortunately, I can't seem to upload the picture... Maybe you all have an idea of the issue I am dealing with

3 Replies

Sort By
  • levsmith's avatar
    levsmith
    Explorer
    Mar 03, 2018
    Thanks to both of you. I let the seller know that I am going to pass on it. If I was a little more knowledgeable on campers and was looking for a project, I might have looked at it still, but being that I know nothing about them and I don't have time for another project, I decided it was best to find another one.

    I greatly appreciate your help!
  • MFL's avatar
    MFL
    Nomad II
    Mar 02, 2018
    A picture would help a lot, but it does sound like a slide support issue. It would be hard to operate the slide if both sides are not properly supported, so don't know why owner would not have repaired it. I would be concerned, as this is likely not the only thing the owner has neglected.

    With a gap open above the slide, it could have a lot of water intrusion. If so, it would not be a wise purchase, even for short term use. Take a look at it, ask lots of questions, it may not be as bad as the pic looks.

    Jerry
  • garyemunson's avatar
    garyemunson
    Explorer II
    Mar 02, 2018
    Most often that severe an issue is caused by a long term water leak rotting the main floor and the roller that is under the slide in that location has simply sank into the decayed wood. MAJOR (though not impossible) job to fix it. Would require removing the inside slide trim and pulling the slide completely out of the rig to re-lay the floor plywood. If it's that bad in one spot, it's probably bad in many more. I don't think they could make it cheap enough to interest me.

About Fifth Wheel Group

19,012 PostsLatest Activity: Sep 16, 2020