Slide do's and Don'ts
So after 11 years with our Sunset Trail, and growing our family by two kids and one dog, we decided it was time to upsize and upgrade. I've been pleased with the Layton Javelin included features an...
Forum Discussion
Well, here's a list of do's and don'ts
Extracting slides (Opening them):
1. Even before you park the camper, make sure you have clearance on your campsite for the slide to extract, or anywhere you park it if you plan on extracting the slides. A few times, I pulled into a campsite and the power supply post was too close to the slide. If I retracted it, it would have hit the power post. I had to readjust the distance. So, rule #1, know how wide the slide is when extended and make sure when you park, you have enough clearance to extract it without hitting anything.
2. Before retracting the slides, make sure your trailer is as level as you can get it, and make sure the stabilizer jacks are down and in position first, before retracting. We NEVER, NEVER, NEVER extract the slides until the trailer is completely stabilized first. If the camper is solidly in place, the slides will operate the easiest. If you try to retract them and the trailer is unlevel, it will put undue stress on them. They could jam up, or even break. So, level first, stabilize second, then retract.
3. Before extracting, make sure there is nothing in the way of the slide (inside the camper) that will catch, like a cabinet door, or a kids toy, or something that might have fallen on the floor and is hiding behind the end of the slide out you cannot see. You need to actually, visually inspect to make sure when the slide is extracted, nothing inside is going to get hit or squashed. This is rule #3.
4. Especially if you have kids, make sure there is absolutely nothing on top of the slides (inside) like toys or some unknown object that might have been tossed up there by rambunctious kids. If you extract, anything up there will get squashed and could also damage the rubber (inside seals). Make sure the roof is clear when inside the camper.
5. Always be prepared to stop retracting if something doesn't seem right.
Retracting slides:
1. Before retracting, make sure the outside top of the slide is free of leaves, sticks, twigs, even bird poo, and bugs. Anything left on the roof will eventually get squashed in the rubber of the slide. Anything sharp or pointed (like the end of stick) could puncture holes in the rubber seal. So, always make sure the roof is clear and clean before retracting. Also, if it's not clean, remember, that roof will soon be inside the camper. You don't want bird poop and bugs slipping through the rubber seal and actually inside your camper now. Rule: Always clean off roof before retracting.
2. Inside: Rule: always make sure everything is out of the way and will not get hit when retracting, like cabinet doors, stuff laying on the floor, clothes, anything.
3. If you have tie downs or anchors in the slides, anchor and tie everything down before retracting the slide. This way, things don't move while retraction is in motion, and no risk of slipping and getting squashed, possibly damaging the slides.
4. Some slides are OK to walk on when retracted and some, evidently are not. I walk and use my camper with my slides in, but here's something to think about? If your slide has built in dinettes and tables, and has couches and chairs sitting on them, there is a lot of weight already on the slide. The slide is made to hold that weight, it should hold your weight also. If you have a dinette, there's no reason why you cannot sit on the dinette with the slide in. The thing to avoid stepping on is the edge of slide on the floor. But if you step over that, I (personally) see no reason why you can't stand or sit on the main part of the slide floor. But, as some folks declare, don't do that. So, its best to check with your dealer / manufacturer on this.
5. Retract the slides before raising your stabilizer jacks. Keep the camper stabilized until the slides are all the way in.
6. Never move the trailer if the slides are extracted. You can do a lot of damage to a lot of stuff that way.
Maintenance:
1. First, you do not need to put any supports under the slide to stabilize them. Actually, this is a potential hazard for the slide itself. The slides are built to be self-supporting. Supports under them can cause more damage than they help.
2. It's ok to get on the roof of your slide. It might seem strange to do so, but I find it easiest to get on the slide roof first and then get on the roof the trailer when I need to. If the slide will support your weight when standing on the floor, it's OK to support your weight on the roof. (Test the waters for your own confidence first).
3. The tracks, gears, teeth, rollers of the slide mechanism should be kept clean and greased-oiled to function properly. Don't ignore some good lube. Slide Lube in a spray can is what I use. It's easy and quick to apply.
4. Treat the rubber slides a couple times a years with some slide rubber seal cleaner conditioner. I've heard of some folks using baby powder to wipe them down for cleaning and lubrication.
5. Check your slide rubber seals ofen for rips and tears. If you find a rip or tear, consider fixing them immediately. You don't want rips and tears, as a rip or tear could cause water intrusion if it rains. You should never have a rip or tear if you keep the roof clean and clear.
6. Remember, if it's raining, the slides will be wet. If you retract the slide and it's raining, the rubber seals will operate as a squeegee and brush the water off. But it will still be wet. It's not uncommon for the excess water to drip on the floor once retracted. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but when it rains and you are retract, it does not hurt a bit to use a towel and wipe the outside down with a towel, once its insdide the camper.
7. One thing I noticed, if we do not wipe the roof of the wet slide off after it's retracted, after a while, the ceiling of the camper will have a bunch of dirty spots on it, right above the slide (retracted). My theory is, the trailer bouncing down the road causes the water droplets (and the dirt they bring catch) to bounce up and splash on the inside roof of the camper. It's not noticeable, and then all of a sudden one day, you look at your nice white ceiling and wonder where all those brown spots came from. A simple wipe with a soft cloth and bit of dishwashing soap cleans it right off. But still, it's a little job that annoying and part of the maintenance. I wash the inside ceiling at least twice every year. Somehow, it just gets dirt right above the roof the retracted slides.
8. Learn and know and actually paractice at least once, how to retract your slides manually, in the event of power failure, battery failure, or mechanical failure. You need to know how to do this BEFORE a problem occurs so you won't be taken off guard (IF) if happens, and hope it never does. I always carry an electric drill (not an impact) in the camper for this very reason. My slides will retract with the correct socket assembly and an electric drill. So I keep that in the camper all the time. But I've never had to use it. Still... it's vital you know how to retract the slides with NO electricity. Learn it, pre prepared.
Well, that' my advise and the rules I live with daily for my slides. Just like any other part of your camper, if you do due diligence, they will last and service you for a long-long-long time. ... clean, lubricate, clear the path way inside and outside the camper, now how the mechanics works without power, and you'll have no problems with them.
Good luck! Enjoy your new camper!
Extracting slides (Opening them):
1. Even before you park the camper, make sure you have clearance on your campsite for the slide to extract, or anywhere you park it if you plan on extracting the slides. A few times, I pulled into a campsite and the power supply post was too close to the slide. If I retracted it, it would have hit the power post. I had to readjust the distance. So, rule #1, know how wide the slide is when extended and make sure when you park, you have enough clearance to extract it without hitting anything.
2. Before retracting the slides, make sure your trailer is as level as you can get it, and make sure the stabilizer jacks are down and in position first, before retracting. We NEVER, NEVER, NEVER extract the slides until the trailer is completely stabilized first. If the camper is solidly in place, the slides will operate the easiest. If you try to retract them and the trailer is unlevel, it will put undue stress on them. They could jam up, or even break. So, level first, stabilize second, then retract.
3. Before extracting, make sure there is nothing in the way of the slide (inside the camper) that will catch, like a cabinet door, or a kids toy, or something that might have fallen on the floor and is hiding behind the end of the slide out you cannot see. You need to actually, visually inspect to make sure when the slide is extracted, nothing inside is going to get hit or squashed. This is rule #3.
4. Especially if you have kids, make sure there is absolutely nothing on top of the slides (inside) like toys or some unknown object that might have been tossed up there by rambunctious kids. If you extract, anything up there will get squashed and could also damage the rubber (inside seals). Make sure the roof is clear when inside the camper.
5. Always be prepared to stop retracting if something doesn't seem right.
Retracting slides:
1. Before retracting, make sure the outside top of the slide is free of leaves, sticks, twigs, even bird poo, and bugs. Anything left on the roof will eventually get squashed in the rubber of the slide. Anything sharp or pointed (like the end of stick) could puncture holes in the rubber seal. So, always make sure the roof is clear and clean before retracting. Also, if it's not clean, remember, that roof will soon be inside the camper. You don't want bird poop and bugs slipping through the rubber seal and actually inside your camper now. Rule: Always clean off roof before retracting.
2. Inside: Rule: always make sure everything is out of the way and will not get hit when retracting, like cabinet doors, stuff laying on the floor, clothes, anything.
3. If you have tie downs or anchors in the slides, anchor and tie everything down before retracting the slide. This way, things don't move while retraction is in motion, and no risk of slipping and getting squashed, possibly damaging the slides.
4. Some slides are OK to walk on when retracted and some, evidently are not. I walk and use my camper with my slides in, but here's something to think about? If your slide has built in dinettes and tables, and has couches and chairs sitting on them, there is a lot of weight already on the slide. The slide is made to hold that weight, it should hold your weight also. If you have a dinette, there's no reason why you cannot sit on the dinette with the slide in. The thing to avoid stepping on is the edge of slide on the floor. But if you step over that, I (personally) see no reason why you can't stand or sit on the main part of the slide floor. But, as some folks declare, don't do that. So, its best to check with your dealer / manufacturer on this.
5. Retract the slides before raising your stabilizer jacks. Keep the camper stabilized until the slides are all the way in.
6. Never move the trailer if the slides are extracted. You can do a lot of damage to a lot of stuff that way.
Maintenance:
1. First, you do not need to put any supports under the slide to stabilize them. Actually, this is a potential hazard for the slide itself. The slides are built to be self-supporting. Supports under them can cause more damage than they help.
2. It's ok to get on the roof of your slide. It might seem strange to do so, but I find it easiest to get on the slide roof first and then get on the roof the trailer when I need to. If the slide will support your weight when standing on the floor, it's OK to support your weight on the roof. (Test the waters for your own confidence first).
3. The tracks, gears, teeth, rollers of the slide mechanism should be kept clean and greased-oiled to function properly. Don't ignore some good lube. Slide Lube in a spray can is what I use. It's easy and quick to apply.
4. Treat the rubber slides a couple times a years with some slide rubber seal cleaner conditioner. I've heard of some folks using baby powder to wipe them down for cleaning and lubrication.
5. Check your slide rubber seals ofen for rips and tears. If you find a rip or tear, consider fixing them immediately. You don't want rips and tears, as a rip or tear could cause water intrusion if it rains. You should never have a rip or tear if you keep the roof clean and clear.
6. Remember, if it's raining, the slides will be wet. If you retract the slide and it's raining, the rubber seals will operate as a squeegee and brush the water off. But it will still be wet. It's not uncommon for the excess water to drip on the floor once retracted. This is nothing to be alarmed about, but when it rains and you are retract, it does not hurt a bit to use a towel and wipe the outside down with a towel, once its insdide the camper.
7. One thing I noticed, if we do not wipe the roof of the wet slide off after it's retracted, after a while, the ceiling of the camper will have a bunch of dirty spots on it, right above the slide (retracted). My theory is, the trailer bouncing down the road causes the water droplets (and the dirt they bring catch) to bounce up and splash on the inside roof of the camper. It's not noticeable, and then all of a sudden one day, you look at your nice white ceiling and wonder where all those brown spots came from. A simple wipe with a soft cloth and bit of dishwashing soap cleans it right off. But still, it's a little job that annoying and part of the maintenance. I wash the inside ceiling at least twice every year. Somehow, it just gets dirt right above the roof the retracted slides.
8. Learn and know and actually paractice at least once, how to retract your slides manually, in the event of power failure, battery failure, or mechanical failure. You need to know how to do this BEFORE a problem occurs so you won't be taken off guard (IF) if happens, and hope it never does. I always carry an electric drill (not an impact) in the camper for this very reason. My slides will retract with the correct socket assembly and an electric drill. So I keep that in the camper all the time. But I've never had to use it. Still... it's vital you know how to retract the slides with NO electricity. Learn it, pre prepared.
Well, that' my advise and the rules I live with daily for my slides. Just like any other part of your camper, if you do due diligence, they will last and service you for a long-long-long time. ... clean, lubricate, clear the path way inside and outside the camper, now how the mechanics works without power, and you'll have no problems with them.
Good luck! Enjoy your new camper!
