Forum Discussion

1L243's avatar
1L243
Explorer II
Jan 10, 2016

No Electrical Outlet In Slideout

My new trailer has a slideout for the dinette/booth. This is my first trailer with a slideout. There are no outlets in the slide area. This makes it difficult to plug in computers and such. Is this typical for slides to not have outlets? I am going to try and come up with a way to put in a couple of outlets taking into consideration of the operation of the slide.

Any suggestions or pointers?

17 Replies

  • Outlets in the slide are one of those often overlooked features.
    The easiest way to remedy the situation is to install outlets on the permanent wall at either or both ends of the slides. By installing outlets in permanent walls, you avoid installing wiring that has to move with the slide.
  • Just something to consider - I had the same issue in our TT. Since the power converter is in the cabinet adjacent to the slide next to the dinette, I just put an outlet on the side of that cabinet. This way, the new outlet is not in the slide, but much closer than any other outlets and possible to use stuff there without running cords across the area where you walk (avoid tripping hazards).
  • Our Outback has 3 slides: Bedroom closet, drivers side long slide, passenger side (front) short slide. The longest slide does not have electric plugs. The short one does.

    The wire running from the main body of the trailer to the slide is supported on a plastic support that reminds me of a an oversize wide hot wheels track on it's side. The electric wire is attached to it. When the slide retracts or extends, the plastic (track) bend with the slide, in or out, thus keeping the wire from kinking and getting caught on moving parts. I check it often to make sure it hasn't come loose. If that plastic support ever came loose, I think it would become a tangled mess very quick when the slides move.

    The longer slide does not have plugs. Too bad, because we swapped furniture around, ended up getting rid of 2 rocker chairs and the free standing table and chairs and replaced with a house-hold recliner sofa. I miss the plugs as we like to use electronics a lot in that spot. We end up running extension cords. At both ends (in the main trailer) are plugs, but it does require running extension cords. Someday I may rig up a more permanent set of plugs in the long slide, but it's not happening today.
  • Our Minnie has about the same floor plan as your unit, but just a little larger. Our slideout is a step-up, so there is an outlet down by the floor. I use an extension cord that is plugged in to the outlet in the bedroom area (to the right of the slideout) and have a surge bar mounted to the wall next to the slideout frame. That provides power for my computer, camera battery charger, phone chargers, etc.
  • You positive there are no outlets? look in front by the wall on each dinette booth. Does your have a couch (sofa) in the slide? If so check the wall behind that
  • Community Alumni's avatar
    Community Alumni
    Our's has outlets under the overhead cabinets in the slideouts.
  • my 2005 Coachmen has outlets at the slide-out dinette.

    wire in using a power cord made like heavy duty extension cords..(14/3) be sure to allow for movement.. and nothing to pinch or cut cord in slides operation.