Forum Discussion

N1538sv35's avatar
N1538sv35
Explorer
Dec 08, 2014

Slide out supports

i have a toy hauler with three slide outs. I plan to park it for the summer and will leave the slide outs extended. Should I put some kind of supports under the slide outs? If so, what do you suggest?

23 Replies

  • Most of the negative comments about slide supports are not based on actual usage, since nobody uses them. Most are speculative reflections on what could happen in certain circumstances. Most common is that if a tire went flat the difference in height could cause damage to your slide.

    We owned a 2003 Montana Big Sky and they recommended using a slide support if you were stationary with the slides extended for long periods. That is the only trailer I know of that recommended slide supports.

    I don't feel the need for them, unless the residents are extremely obese individuals, which could theoretically put an excessive strain on the slide-out.

    IMO you can safely forego the slide supports.
  • I would think if manufacturers had meant for the slides to be supported, they would have included them in the sell so you could pay more. Lot's of pro's and con's on this...ie, if you put supports under the slide and if slide is on the side where a tire "might" go flat, then you're pushing upward on the slide, force that wasn't meant to be there...saw that first hand in a campground where it looked like campers had rented a space for a season (?), no one there, three slides, all with supports underneath them and a flat tire, one slide was being pushed upward in an unnatural looking position due to the tire being flat...tire in front appeared to be ok, but low, it HAD to have done some damage to the slide.

    I know there are quite a few manufacturers out there that DON'T recommend slide supports. Your very best bet would be to call the manufacturer and get your answer, "straight from the horses mouth" just to be safe....only cost you a phone call...well worth it to make sure you're doing the right thing and not possibly damaging your 5er's slide unit's
  • they do more harm than good is the overall consensus in past posts. utilize the search function for numerous discussions!