On my new to me 2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A I discovered a slide lock bar in a compartment. It appears to have never been used. Is it a good idea to use it or is it overkill? Our last TT had a slide and no lock bar. Probably going to incorporate it into the setup and take down routine anyways but just wondering?

My fear with slide locks is that there is always the potential that you will forget to remove it. Extending the slide with the lock in place risks damaging the slide or the outer wall of the RV.Our Minnie didn't come with slide locks.

I've never used them, tho have had them come with travel trailers. Have no plans to every use them either.

I've always used the one that came with my unit and always wondered if it was really needed. I've also worried about forgetting it and causing problems. Maybe next season it will go away.

HI Ol 'yeller,All that holds the slide in is either the gear, or hydraulic strut (depending on which type you have). We saw the results where the driver swerved to avoid a deer, which caused his travel trailer to whip in a high speed s curving motion. The lateral g forces overloaded the slide mechanism, and it came out. This caused the trailer to flip, and dragged the truck over on it's side. The dealer told us to always use the lock when we got our trailer in 2005, and we always did.We hung an orange ribbon off of the slide lock to make sure that we didn't forget it.Having said that, I don't know if a Class C would ever experience that kind of lateral load on the slide. But what the heck, it couldn't hurt. In a travel trailer, I would say to always use it. In a class C, I really don't know. But, since it came with one, go ahead and take the 30 seconds to use it. There is probably a good reason why the manufacturer included it.

Are Slide Lock Bars Necessary? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

mgirardo
Explorer
Jan 21, 2015
Our Greyhawk came with 4 slidelocks. When using the MH locally, I don't bother using them. If we are driving more than a couple hours, then I put 1 on each slide. The bedroom slide is close to impossible to use both. The living room slide could easily use both, but I think 1 is enough to give me time to pull over in the off-chance that the slide motor brake decides to fail.

-Michael
Jopops
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I've got a lippert slide on my coach. Its quite chatty going down the road. Winnebago has done all sorts of things to try and quiet it down. They've now sent me slide locks to wedge in there. It's probably still going to be chatty, but Winnie sent me them so I'll use them.
TippleUnduly
Explorer
Jan 20, 2015
I had the unfortunate experience of having BOTH my slide motors "exploding" within a one hour period and they represented my "locks"! Both slides were now able to move quite freely. I no longer trust them.
My original slide locks were so difficult to install that it made an argument for not using them. Instead I picked up some 18" bar clamp/spreaders (Harbor Freight) which are an easy one-handed install and do a fine job at little cost. If nothing else, it makes me feel much safer. I recommend locks.
Bobbo
Explorer III
Jan 20, 2015
No. I carry mine in case the slide ever has a malfunction and won't stay in. It has been reported as happening on here. It doesn't take up much room, and may be a lifesaver one day.
ronfisherman
Moderator
Jan 20, 2015
My MH came with a set of bars for both front and rear slides. Problem is there is no access to install them on one end of each slide. I have not used them in 9 years. Maybe I should?
klutchdust
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
I use mine, I also like the idea of hanging the key on the bar as a reminder. My 09 Cambria has nothing for the bedroom slide though.
RambleOnNW
Explorer II
Jan 20, 2015
I look at it as do you believe the slide-out brake will hold the slide-out in under any sideways acceleration forces created by evasive maneuvers? I use the transit bar/strap and have trained myself to place the bar/strap in a place at the bottom of the rear slide-out where I can see it from the slide-out switch. We have two slide-outs, one uses a bar and the other a strap.
Harvard
Explorer
Jan 19, 2015
A slide lock bar is the result of having a lawyer and an engineer share a cubicle. :B
Rolin
Explorer
Jan 19, 2015
We have a Winnebago Aspect 26A which we purchased used. It did not come with a slide lock bar or strap, but there were connection points. We have never had a problem and we have encountered some very rough roads and windy conditions. The slide mechanism used on the 26A seems to be very stout and there has never been an issue with the slide moving once it is retracted.

Its really your choice. If it makes you more comfortable use it.
rvten
Explorer
Jan 19, 2015
Put the key for the slide on the slide bar.
Than you will not forget to remove it. Works for us.

On our last class A. Winny had tie down straps to hole the slide, no bar.
Strap bracket on floor was held by #8 screws. Only forgot once. So bracket and straps went in the junk pile.