Keep Sliders Open in Storage?

When we wintered in Florida slides were deployed constantly for 5 months. What is the difference? I see no problem in doing this.

GeneDoc wrote:
It will be completely covered from precipitation. The goal will be to dry dock camp. I realize a slider motor is designed to transfer the slides repeatedly. However, I wonder if it would save wear and tear to just leave the slides out when there's no plan to move it for a while.

In a poll barn, it's really not an issue but I wouldn't worry about burning out the motor unless you are doing it several times per day. My bet is most slideout motors die of old age and corrosion not over use.

GeneDoc wrote:
The goal will be to dry dock camp.

A "small" but important detail you conveniently left out of your original post. :) You also haven't clarified whether interior access is impeded if you don't deploy the slides ... my guess is yes, otherwise there'd be no reason to not just leave the slides in. Clarification would be helpful BUT if you intend to actually use the trailer while it's being "stored", interior access is impeded if they're not deployed, and you intend to cover the slide tops anyway then sure, leave the slides out.

Stored with the slide open... does that create extra potential for rodent entry versus keeping the slide closed?

Certainly something that would concern me.

It will be completely covered from precipitation. The goal will be to dry dock camp. I realize a slider motor is designed to transfer the slides repeatedly. However, I wonder if it would save wear and tear to just leave the slides out when there's no plan to move it for a while.

I think it's fine to leave slides open or closed. Only issue might be big snow accumulation if outside, but beyond that it's six of one vs half dozen of the other.

GeneDoc wrote:
Would leaving sliders open in a northern Wisconsin winter while in unheated storage change your answer?

I read into this you have a reason for wanting to do so - perhaps you want to periodically access the interior but can't if the slides are in the stored position? If not, why else would you want to leave the slides deployed? :h

I store mine closed in an unheated pole barn.

Assuming we aren't talking about feet of snow piled up, structurally, it's not an issue. Inside it's absoluetly not a structural issue.

Don't try to support them from below. They aren't designed for it and if you get a flat, it is likely to damage the slide as the trailer settles.

For the 20 seconds it takes to put in or out, we prefer to keep it closed: Less wear and tear on the slide toppers and slide seals are covered against UV damage.