A390GT wrote:
We are looking for a double bunk travel trailer with a dinette and sofa in the slide. We would like to be able to use it closed while stopped. We have two boys that will be jumping on everything and people have posted that slides can be damaged in the stowed position. Are slide outs not capable of being used while in ? Or is it just a certain type of slide mechanism that has a problem..
Our current Coachmen Freedom Express is the first trailer of many we've owned that has a slide and although it's just a shallow sofa slide we use it all the time in the stored position, particularly since the trailer is parked here at the house during the camping season. Frankly, it's never occurred to me that it couldn't be used in whatever position it may be so I looked through the Coachmen recreational vehicle owner's manual that came with the trailer and found absolutely no warning at all to not using the slide when not deployed, the only reference being how to deploy the slide manually if need be. Personally, I wouldn't ever consider any trailer with a slide or slides that when in the stored position would prevent full use of the interior of the camper nor would I consider any in which the manufacturer warned against using whatever may be in the slide - sofa, bed, dinette, etc - unless it's been deployed. For us that would be a complete non-starter and eliminate any trailer with such restrictions instantly off our list. Since we have no current plans to replace what we have this is for us a moot point for now but it's certainly something I'd keep in mind should we ever consider buying another camper with a slide.
