This is sort of a lazy day question. This morning, as I was sitting outside enjoying my coffee and just looking around at different coaches and 5ers near by I just happened to notice that most have slides with flanges which is different than out flush slide.Never had paid much attention before but it started me thinking about the "why" so I took a little hike looking at slides. By far most slides had flanges, in fact only five others had flush slides as far as I could tell.Now, I ask the question of the experts, what is the difference and are there any advantages other than appearance?

Every year companies just come up with new technology. About the only flush slides I have seen are on real high end coaches like Prevosts, Newells etc.

DesignFlush slides look sleekerThe others might have a better seal

Flanged slides require a less exacting fit, reducing installation labor costs. The upside for owners is that flanged slides also require less frequent adjustment.

Mine are flush also. Maybe a Beaver or Monaco thing.

Flush Fit Slides vs Flange | Good Sam Community

14 Replies

RayChez
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
mike brez wrote:
My old Country Coach is flush but no air seal.

Is that because it did not have any slides?
Sully2
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
mike brez wrote:
My old Country Coach is flush but no air seal.

Same way as on my 2000 Allure
mike_brez
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
My old Country Coach is flush but no air seal.
dougrainer
Nomad
Jul 06, 2015
Tiffin offers Flush Slides on the Bus and Zephyr. But, no air seal. Very few sub 500k motorhomes(unless it is a B body like the old Chinook) will have air seals. The difference as another pointed out is COST. Flush Slides require more exacting engineering and installation as there is NO room for error. Also if the room is a level floor design, the cost really goes up on a flush slide. There is no better or worst, just the looks on a flush appeals to people. Doug
azpete
Explorer
Jul 06, 2015
many of the high line coaches use the flush style with the air seal. it gives a better seal, with no wind or water leaks. it also adds greatly to the looks of the coach. notice that newmar, foretravel, and many of the custom coaches use this style. this style requires a lot of attention to the fit and clearances.
bluwtr49
Explorer II
Jul 05, 2015
Thanks for all the info. Mine seem to fall into the second category above.....small flange that recesses into the box but no air seal. Standard wiper type seals but the flange compresses another seal so it seem pretty leak free.
Bruce_Brown
Moderator
Jul 05, 2015
There are actually 3 designs; the flanged, the flush/flanged, and the flush.

Just as examples, Tiffin uses a pure flanged design. When the slide out is closed the flange overlaps the sidewall, sticking out slightly.

Newmar uses a flush flanged. When the slide out is closed the flange is flush with the sidewall.

Newell uses a pure flush design, complete with the inflatable seal.
mgh122
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
The flush slides have a seal that inflates and presses against the slide, when extending it deflates until fully extended then re-inflates Provides a better seal.
fredbon
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Our '05 Dolphin has flush slides, some will say it's a selling point, IMO "if it works" that's what matters.

Fred
gemert
Explorer
Jul 05, 2015
Mine are flush also. Maybe a Beaver or Monaco thing.