Gdetrailer wrote:
MEH, slides are a person decision based on their opinion that they must have a huge cubby for everyone. Most likely you will see an overwhelming majority of responses which will echo the "need" for a slide and feel everyone NEEDS to have at least one slide.
I am on the opposite side, I don't feel anyone really "needs" a slide, instead they WANT a slide. Whether it is to keep up with the "Jones's" or want some sort of impressive status symbol (who in the world needs a 38ft long trailer with "triple slides"?)..
Instead on relying on a remote website forum (with faceless keyboard surfers) to make up YOUR mind as to YOUR needs and wants.
I can only present my needs and wants, I don't need or want a slide and my 26ft TT can sleep 5 people easily, if you search a bit most likely could find TTs in that length or even shorter which can sleep 6 without slides.
Folks who say slides are trouble free and have never had an issue with a slide have never looked for leaks and damage. A slide opening cut into a trailer severally weakens the trailer structure. Manufacturers have to make up for this by reinforcing in other places which means a trailer with a slide will be heavier when compared to a non slide of the same size.
One of the critical places is the roof, the longer the slide the more potential for the roof to sag in the slide opening, most folks who say they have never had an issue with a slide most likely has never looked at the roof for sagging..
The mechanical systems are not trouble free nor are they cheap and easy to fix, slide motors do fail, cables do fail, hydraulic systems do fail.. And when they fail, it is almost NEVER in your driveway..
Had a fellow camper in a campground who spent the better part of 4 days trying to beat their slide back into working order. Made me appreciate that I have one less thing to break..
Slide mechs when they break or not adjusted correctly sometimes also drag on your floor, replacing the floor under a slide often means pulling the slide out of the opening..
Slides since they create a huge hole in the side of a trailer are a huge potential leak. A leak which can go unnoticed for a long time and when found the damage to the floor and wall structure can be extensive..
But like I mentioned, only YOU can really decide, go and look at trailers instead of seeking a website of opinions.
I'm in the No Slides Camp. (I've had two with slides and two without.)
We never had a problem with a slide.
It's all in what you get used too...
There is only my wife and I. We spend more time outside our RV than inside.
I've always thought of our campers as a Motel room where no one steals from us.
I changed the insides of our 75 Prowler and have ample room for the two of us.
Our camping habits have changed over the years.
Now a days we camp about 3 days then return to base.
If I camped longer periods of time, I would have another with a slide.
I love to camp in late Winter, Spring, Fall and early Winter.
Alabama Winters are generally mild. Alabama Summer is hot, and steamy.
Alabama Mosquitoes and biting flies are an aggravation we can do without.
We no longer go on long distance camping trips, Al. to Tn.
Al. to FL. are more in line with our preferences.
My advice is to always buy what suits your camping style.
Extended trips or more people camping beg for slides...
