I am looking to buy a HR 32' class A RV from year 1997-1999.Some have slideouts and some do not. I am leery of their reliability and possibility of leakage. The whole concept of slideouts that require an awning to prevent leaks is un-nerving. Seems there should be a better way. I'm wonder about those who have used slideouts for many years and their opinion.For a RV of this age, would you recommend slideouts?Has anyone used slideouts over a period of many years without leaks?

Hmmm. Ours is a little younger. 2003. Two slides. No leaks, no problems. We are full timers.

I have a 99 Mountainaire and have never had a issue with ours. I clean and lube yearly with dry lube and clean the seals and protect them with 303. I with you on some, they seem to have a lot of trouble. someone with jump in on the model that you are looking at.

I would absolutely buy slides again. The awning is not what prevents leaks but rather the seals all around the opening. If you're considering a unit with a slide, inspect the seals to make sure they're still soft and supple, and appear to meet the edges of the slide tightly when extended.

I would certainly buy a motorhome with slide-outs. Ours have never leaked. We did have a problem where they wouldn't retract because the computer board became loose from vibrating down the road. Once fixed, we were back in business.Every item can break on a motorhome, boat or regular house. The simpler, the less probability of problems. No slides and you will have no problem in that area.... selling it might be a problem as the group will be a lot smaller. Life is short, have fun, enjoy the extra amenities that a fully loaded motorhome will offer. Everything can be fixed.... just have the extra money available to pay for it. :)MM.

Would you buy an RV with slide outs again? | Good Sam Community

havasu
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
I'm selling my 1996 Newmar at the moment that has a single super slide - never had a slide leak and no indication it ever will while the slide rubber seals remain in good condition.

It's all down to maintenance.

I would be more concerned about roof leaks for the age of unit you are looking at.
Earl_E
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
I've had a lot of problems with RV's over the years but never one with the slide mechanism, nor any leaks around the slide. Even a small slide makes the RV seem much, much bigger. Wouldn't be without 'em.
ScottG
Nomad
Aug 10, 2013
I would never go back to a non-slide unit again.
Zero problems with our and if if something did happen, ther extra space a slide affords is worth it.
demoon
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
Slides are great, but take a look at the space you have with the slides in. I would give up the slide in the bedroom in our coach in a heartbeat. It is almost impossible to get to any of the storage with the slide in. We are both getting a little less limber and climbing over the bed to get to the closet is not so great.
MrWizard
Moderator
Aug 10, 2013
ours is NO slides

not sure i would ever say yes to slides

but IF i did, the RV would have to be completely useable with the slide in

non of this can't get to the BR closet or drawers
can't open the fridge because the big cushy dining are intrudes etc..

the earlier models, say 1998-2000
the living area was still useable with the slide retracted
the slide was on the street and moved the dining area and sofa maybe 2ft and expanded the area

some Idiot decided all slides should be about 40 inches and messed everything up
ArchHoagland
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
Will always have slideouts.

The purpose of the cover is not to prevent leaks, if you have a hole the wind will blow the rain under there in a hurry.

The cover provides shade from the sun.
Community Alumni
Aug 10, 2013
I would never buy one without slide-outs. :C
Bob___Ann
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
Our 05 has never had a problem with its two slides. Just ordered one with four slides.
Dr_Jay
Explorer
Aug 10, 2013
Have had little problems with slide outs. Maintain them and it should be fine. No guarantees in rv'ng however. I would only buy an rv with slides.
rgatijnet1
Explorer III
Aug 10, 2013
Would not have an RV without slides. As someone mentioned, I would definitely look at the usability of the coach with the slides retracted. We travel in areas that are prone to severe weather and many times we have had to retract the slides to ride out the storm. Our coach is obviously a little crowded with the slides in but we can use the kitchen, bathroom, living room, and TV in the closed up mode. I also consider the slides as part of the coach that require regular maintenance. I inspect and lube the slide mechanism and slide seals as part of my normal service schedule.