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
Our 2010 Blue Ridge 5V has 2 hydraulic-operated slides. We love the extra room. However, for mechanical reasons, I like the older style slides that have electric an motor driving a rack & pinion.
I feel that most DIY people would be able to fix the older style slides easier than the hydraulic versions.
We do like that the hydraulic slides operate much faster than the electric motor slides, (however, this can get you in trouble fast, DO A COMPLETE WALK-AROUND BEFORE MOVING SLIDES)!
We are on our 2nd 5Ver, no problem with slides in either trailer, (must admit, I am skittish about the future). High-pressure hydraulics have higher potential of leaking fluid as time progresses and/or components fail.
One thing DW & I do, we always pull them in when the camping trip is over. Most CLOSED slides (if not all), have a double gasket to protect against leakage.
I feel that most DIY people would be able to fix the older style slides easier than the hydraulic versions.
We do like that the hydraulic slides operate much faster than the electric motor slides, (however, this can get you in trouble fast, DO A COMPLETE WALK-AROUND BEFORE MOVING SLIDES)!
We are on our 2nd 5Ver, no problem with slides in either trailer, (must admit, I am skittish about the future). High-pressure hydraulics have higher potential of leaking fluid as time progresses and/or components fail.
One thing DW & I do, we always pull them in when the camping trip is over. Most CLOSED slides (if not all), have a double gasket to protect against leakage.
