Slide-outs---tell me about them!
I have experience with and a pretty good understanding of RV systems, except for slide-outs. There are a LOT of posts on here about problems with slide-outs---leaks, seals, retraction problems, ext...
Forum Discussion
We are the minority here of which we intentionally ordered our new rig back in 2007 without a slide out. There is a long list why to avoid slide outs, but a short list of two to get them when buying a new rig.
1) resale value
2) open floor space
In your case coolmom42, you plan to buy an old rig. You will be buying a slide out at the wrong time, when they start giving trouble. Most people on the forum love their slide outs because their rigs are not old yet. Ask people with rigs older than 12 years old, how their slide outs are doing. You might find it is best to avoid an old rig with slide outs.
The same goes for the over-the-cab bed. Best to buy an old rig with the aerodynamic B+ cap.
There is also consideration to the quality of the slide out, how it was made and the mechanism inside. But I can't comment on that.
ADDING LATER: It does seem appropriate to write the benefits to NOT having a slide out.
1) When ordering one new, it costs many thousands of dollars
2) "Each" slide out adds 400 to 600 more pounds on the chassis.
3) While driving, slide outs with age can be noisy from rattles to wind, to road noise, to passing trucks. Once parked you can hear next door neighbors at adjacent campsites better.
4) Slide outs with age can get drafty in colder weather, and more hot & humid in summer weather.
5) Slide outs bring the outdoors inside like spiders & other bugs, water and dirt. Whatever accumulates on the sides and under the topper, when you slide it in, you brought all that inside with it.
6) Slide outs are sensitive to a rig that is not level, especially when you have a slide out on each side. Wind-driven rain shot at an uneven rig, water is sure to get under the topper and inside from the slide out roof that is tilted inward.
7) Slide outs take up precious wall space side-to-side, and their lower ceilings make for smaller over-head cabinet storage.
8) A defective slide out can mess up a vacation.
9) Don't ever plan to open a slide out when staying over night in a Walmart parking lot or rest area. Other vehicles may hit it.
10) Slide outs are dependent on the gaskets. The older the gaskets, the less effective they become. So issues develop slowly over time. Buying a 12 year old rig with slide outs is not the best idea unless you are prepared to replace the gaskets, assuming they are available so many years later.
1) resale value
2) open floor space
In your case coolmom42, you plan to buy an old rig. You will be buying a slide out at the wrong time, when they start giving trouble. Most people on the forum love their slide outs because their rigs are not old yet. Ask people with rigs older than 12 years old, how their slide outs are doing. You might find it is best to avoid an old rig with slide outs.
The same goes for the over-the-cab bed. Best to buy an old rig with the aerodynamic B+ cap.
There is also consideration to the quality of the slide out, how it was made and the mechanism inside. But I can't comment on that.
ADDING LATER: It does seem appropriate to write the benefits to NOT having a slide out.
1) When ordering one new, it costs many thousands of dollars
2) "Each" slide out adds 400 to 600 more pounds on the chassis.
3) While driving, slide outs with age can be noisy from rattles to wind, to road noise, to passing trucks. Once parked you can hear next door neighbors at adjacent campsites better.
4) Slide outs with age can get drafty in colder weather, and more hot & humid in summer weather.
5) Slide outs bring the outdoors inside like spiders & other bugs, water and dirt. Whatever accumulates on the sides and under the topper, when you slide it in, you brought all that inside with it.
6) Slide outs are sensitive to a rig that is not level, especially when you have a slide out on each side. Wind-driven rain shot at an uneven rig, water is sure to get under the topper and inside from the slide out roof that is tilted inward.
7) Slide outs take up precious wall space side-to-side, and their lower ceilings make for smaller over-head cabinet storage.
8) A defective slide out can mess up a vacation.
9) Don't ever plan to open a slide out when staying over night in a Walmart parking lot or rest area. Other vehicles may hit it.
10) Slide outs are dependent on the gaskets. The older the gaskets, the less effective they become. So issues develop slowly over time. Buying a 12 year old rig with slide outs is not the best idea unless you are prepared to replace the gaskets, assuming they are available so many years later.
