Forum Discussion

chast's avatar
chast
Explorer II
Jan 22, 2017

Slid out "out" permanently?

Hi all--our '99 Bounder has one LR/DR slide. Unit is permanently parked on our lot in Florida. We live in it for eight months a year and are away from it the rest of the time. Is there any reason that I can't or shouldn't leave the slide out all the time? Thanks as usual for any and all advice.
  • Any chance of building a carport like structure over the entire RV to protect the roof from the inevitable deterioration? I've seen this done on many hunting trailers. Nothing fancy but enough to protect the RV roof from the elements.
  • If that was your intent to be permanent, I would brace the frame so it would not sink if tires lost air or jacks lost pressure, then I would brace the slide also.

    In essence you would be putting a foundation under the whole living area, even if it was simply screw up jack stands.
  • Being a MH, I would drive it occasionally or risk paralysis.
  • ScottG wrote:
    Being a MH, I would drive it occasionally or risk paralysis.

    x2. I wouldn't leave the slides out while gone for several months. It just seems like you're leaving more of the RV exposed to the elements and increasing the chance of a leak
  • If it were me if I were gone for even a week --I put my slides in

    yeah if you're gone for a month 2 months 3 months 6 months definitely bring the slides in --that way you keep the mechanism operating and there's less overall roof expose-- if you follow
  • Tropical Storm winds or hurricane winds .... my slide comes IN.
  • Why would you want to leave it out?
    I say pull it in when you head north.
  • For me slides and awnings move together. Awning in the slide is in.

    A slide will seal much better in than out. It's made to be tight against 60MPH wind blow rain when retracted. Think going down the road with this one. Plus one good storm and the topper is toast. Close it up when leaving for more than a day.
  • Surround it with a built structure/roof. If you want to use the windows get a carport on top that "lips" out down, like a roof eve, but does not cover the windows. This is for added protection.

    Put cinder blocks under the RV in multiple spots (frame) and level it out. I would get it off the tires for sure.
  • I can't imagine why you would want to leave it out when gone. It's so easy to bring in.