looking for first classs c and seem to like the greyhawk and the redhawk.any comments on how well built? also,is one manufacturer slide differ from the next? if so what makes a slide not leak.my fear is a leak.thanks all

Slides can leak under extreme wind/rain conditions regardless. One thing you can do for the normal conditions is to have a slideout cover to keep leaves/debris/normal rain from the top of the slide.That said, different manufacturers will seal or not seal slides properly. We've visited several motorhome manufacturing facilities and found the Phoenix Cruiser to be built much better than the Jaycos (including the GreyHawk and RedHawk models). Phoenix Cruiser does a better job of sealing the slides and the rest of the rig as well.If you can visit the factory where the units are built. Here is the website for the Phoenix Cruiser http://www.phoenixusarv.com/

Well, anything that moves as much as an RV does is going to get loose over time. It's how the company reacts to the problem / issue that's important.I've taken factory tours from three manufacturers, and they all have similar production standards. All had dedicated workers who appeared to do their jobs well.In the end it comes down to how well they believe in their own product... look for a manufacturer who is family owned, and who offers a two year warranty. If they truly believe in their own products, they'll offer more than just the standard warranty.Just my opinion....

so are we saying all slides will leak?this is going to happen to a new motorhome?or are we talking an older one that starts having issues?

The biggest cause of slide leaks is debris on the top of the slide causing damage to the gaskets when the slide is retracted.I can't speak to other makes, but Jayco switched to a different system on our 2015, which uses four guides on each slide, so there is much less flexing and lateral movement of the slide. There are also two sets of gaskets, so the slide is much less likely to leak.If you're within driving distance of Middlebury Indiana, take the factory tours (they have one for the campers and one for the motorhomes). The tours are free, and are very impressive.The visitors center also has a dozen or so models to look at, and you'll really like the people. We just spent 4 days there having some work done on the Redhawk. While we were there, we played tourist, as there is a lot to see and do in the area (and we pigged out in the Amish restaurants!). One of the largest flea markets in the country is there, so hide the wife's credit card! lolEnjoy whatever rig you get, and be safe!

I've seen new motorhomes on the lot with slide issues. On one I could see daylight past the slide "seal" and on another I found a puddle on the floor next to the slide. Only two data points but.....

greyhawk and redhawk,are they well built? | Good Sam Community

19 Replies

The_Logans
Explorer
Oct 21, 2014
We found.the slide awnings to be a double edged sword. They kept the slide top clean, but we had a slide awning ripped up in a storm. So we had to bring the slides in during a storm. That was a pain, so we haven't gotten them on the last two campers. For us it's easier to just hose off, or sweep off the top of the slide.
magnusfide
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2014
TXiceman wrote:
If a manufacture designs and builds a slide system properly, it should not leak and require a slide topper. The topper will help in keeping the top of the slide leaf free, but they can also be a major pain in the wind.

Ken

Not sure where you get your info but long-term data on customer feedback shows that ALL slides will leak in a driving sideways rain. The debris also causes pooling and in turn the water will enter a coach. Get one with a thorough weather strip (no daylight peaking through) and a slide cover for the top.
TXiceman
Explorer II
Oct 21, 2014
If a manufacture designs and builds a slide system properly, it should not leak and require a slide topper. The topper will help in keeping the top of the slide leaf free, but they can also be a major pain in the wind.

Ken
RambleOnNW
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2014
A lot of RVs with slideouts do not come from the factory with slideout awnings. We had the 2 awnings added to ours. We have the type of bracket that extends beyond the slideout:

Here are some other examples from PplMotorhomes.
tom311
Explorer
Oct 20, 2014
how come when I see the grey and redhawks theres is no awning over slides?this is a new experience for us when we buy a motorhome later in year.just want to have a good set up with no problems.
RambleOnNW
Explorer II
Oct 20, 2014
We have 2 slideouts, both with slide awnings. There have been no leaks even in the most torrential of downpours. Our awnings extend 5" beyond the slide seal on both sides.

I clean off any debris that falls on the awning before retracting the slide so debris does not get wrapped up in the awning. A lot drops off just popping the underside of the slide awning.
tom311
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
thanks for all the input.with us it would be used maybe 6 weeks a year and kept inside our building.the grey and redhawk fiberglas roofs?i like the 29 redhawk the best as the floor plan goes.i see the one I saw online had auto level too. I think with my shoulders being bad this would be just a little bit better to have.
MSGMadhatter
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
Sldeouts make rving much better. My 2003 Greyhawk never has leaked.
Sweep or blow them off, lubricate them and you should be a happy camper.

We have had 2 34ft Jayco TTs , a 2006 & a 2012, neither ever leaked.
Still kept the Greyhawk, much easier to travel in.
NC_Roamer
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
tom311 wrote:
n c roamer,when you say it leaked in hard rain doesn't that damage the finish and or cause a mold issue?and logan I am in ohio so Indiana would be good idea.just wondering if no slide is better,,but would like to feel comfortable with no issues.

The leak was along the vertical rear gasket where the slide closes against the motorhome wall. The small amount of water, maybe 2 fluid ounces, ran down the outside of the rear slide wall which is not wood. It puddled on the vinyl flooring where it was wiped up easily without any damage. The leak never got onto any wood or carpet or behind any wall where it could not be blotted up. If it had to leak, it was not a bad place.
The_Logans
Explorer
Oct 19, 2014
Tom, for sure go visit the factory... it's about a seven hour ride for us from WV, but well worth it. This is our second Jayco, and we like to have warranty service done at the factory. The are A LOT FASTER than a dealership, and have the equipment, experts and parts to handle whatever they find. Then when they work on the unit, we go and have a good time... we always make a mini vacation out of the trip.

The slides seldom cause problems, and when there is an issue, it usually just an adjustment. They add so much living space inside, they're well worth it!