My family is getting ready to replace an old travel trailer we have had for years. We are looking for something between 18-22 ft for easy towing and we will only need to sleep 4-6. We have been looking at a few options and we came across a 18 ft model with a slide-out. I have heard of these having issues with leaking and was just wondering what to look out for. We will be using this in Northern Michigan in the summers but also in the late fall season where it will be exposed to snowfall. The model we looked at was a 2018 so I’m wondering if the slide outs have gotten any better or if there are steps we can take to safeguard it or is it just a bad idea overall? All information, tips and advice is welcome and extremely appreciated.

At 18-22 feet, 4 to 6 people, you're going to want a slide out. I've had trailers with slide outs for about 15 years, I've never had a problem with the slide out (knock on wood).In my opinion, you're not any more likely to have problems with the slide out then you are with any other part of the trailer.

For 4-6 people that would be a tiny trailer. Consider going a little larger.I like slideouts especially in smaller trailers. I travel with 3 dogs and find the extra floor space really helps.

ONLY 4-6 people. You want all the room you can get. Especially for those days when you can't get outside due to weather.Slides have been known to leak. But so have air conditioners, roof vents, roof seams, windows, etc. I don't think it is a huge problem. We have 3 slides and none have ever leaked. Slides have been around for many, many years, and there have not been much in the way of changes in recent times. Just look for good tight seals all around, extended and retracted.

I've had 2 trailers over the past 21 years with slides. I treat the seals regularly, extend and retract when level. No problem. By the way, northern Michigan is full. We're there all summer long.

I agree with the above posts. You will want the room the sides provide. The best thing to do is keep up with the maintenance, lubrication, keep things cleaned. Get a good solid unit and to research on the particular slide maker. One of the reasons I went with Newmar for my MH is they have a very good reputation when it comes to slides. Not perfect but very good.

Is a travel trailer with a slide out a good idea for me?

34 Replies

Mfan
Explorer
Jul 21, 2019
I've had 2 trailers over the past 21 years with slides. I treat the seals regularly, extend and retract when level. No problem.

By the way, northern Michigan is full. We're there all summer long.
BB_TX
Nomad
Jul 21, 2019
ONLY 4-6 people. You want all the room you can get. Especially for those days when you can't get outside due to weather.

Slides have been known to leak. But so have air conditioners, roof vents, roof seams, windows, etc. I don't think it is a huge problem. We have 3 slides and none have ever leaked. Slides have been around for many, many years, and there have not been much in the way of changes in recent times. Just look for good tight seals all around, extended and retracted.
ppine
Explorer III
Jul 21, 2019
For 4-6 people that would be a tiny trailer. Consider going a little larger.
I like slideouts especially in smaller trailers. I travel with 3 dogs and find the extra floor space really helps.
bid_time
Nomad III
Jul 21, 2019
At 18-22 feet, 4 to 6 people, you're going to want a slide out. I've had trailers with slide outs for about 15 years, I've never had a problem with the slide out (knock on wood).

In my opinion, you're not any more likely to have problems with the slide out then you are with any other part of the trailer.

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Is a travel trailer with a slide out a good idea for me?

34 Replies

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