Slide do's and Don'ts

Fordlover wrote:
...
For those that indicated that no slide would be best, while I don't disagree (and myself went that way for the last 11 years) ...

We deliberately choose our first two travel trailers with no slides for all the reasons above, plus more. Reports back then were to prevalent, slide failure, never wanted to risk it and some how, "prided" myself in not having a slide.

Then came the day we realized how cramped we were in camper number 2 and it was a 31 foot long one too. Our dealer pointed us to (our current one) with 3 slides. I was hesitant and still tried to rationalize all the negatives I'd heard, especially slide failure. Maybe that's why I was so meticulous with my salesman to explain absolutely everything needed and everything NOT needed for good slide health. I've followed the many "rules" I posted above and have not had a single problem with them yet (going on five years now).

Maybe I'm still a bit paranoid over the slides, but the difference between not having them and having them is world apart. It was a VERY easy adjustment going from no slides to 3 slides. Do they require a bit of attention? Absolutely yes! But the space they provide inside more than makes up for the inconvenience of having to diligently baby-sit them.

In the end, it all boils down to each one of our own "comfort levels" and how much energy and expense we (each) want to put into our own efforts for our own comforts.

Slides still trouble me, and every time I push the button to open or close them, I wonder (Is this the day?). But they've proven successful so far.

I understand the OP for wanting the slides. After being cramped ourselves, like I said, this IS a welcome change. We spend so much time in our camper now (for the last 5 years), we barely know what the inside of our house looks like any more.

OP! Enjoy your new purchase! And have many happy camping experiences in your future!