Steve 911 wrote:
I would love to hear your opinions as to which slideout mechanism is the most reliable. As we are looking at several brands of TT's, I don't want to overlook a potential problem.
I'll add a few things not yet said.
Slides have evolved over the last 5 to 15 years. Some brands still build them like they did 15 years ago, others have advanced, made a few errors in the development and then came out with a better long term system.
1. Regardless of what type/brand of slide mechanism, at the PDI make it a point, (aka, make it a requirement of the sale) to have their top shop tech who repairs slides explain and point out how the system works and what to look for when it is not working right. Ask them, What do you normally see on incoming service problems? The salesmen normally talks about "0" things to deal with the slide mechanisms, how they work, pro's/con's and what to look out for. The shop tech sees it all and if asked, they are usually good about what they have to deal with. Do not accept the answers, "You won't have a problem", "They are set for life". There is no man made machine without problems and an RV is not a true "machine"...
When I bought my 1st slide camper, the only PDI requirement I had was, I needed a talk with their top shop tech on slides. In my case I had already been educated on everything else on the camper and did not need the standard PDI on how to use the oven, setup the awning etc. That said until I myself learned about the entire slide system, my talk with the tech came up short as I did not know enough to quiz him on. However he did take the time to show me how the system worked and what to look out for when the system can get out of sync.
2. I myself have the rack and pinion system. The newer systems (now 10 yeas old) are proven, they have an over load clutch and the mechanism does work well. Mine is a Lippert and despite a lot of what has been said about Lippert and camper frames, I have found their rack and pinion system to be reliable. (assuming is is setup correct)
3. As important as the mechanism itself is how the slide is built. Mine is a flush floor slide and built to lift up off the main camper floor when it retracts. The rack and pinion rails are mounted on an angle to the slide floor. This does not rub the carpet. Others are made to retract straight in and drag the carpet on purpose.
4. Some slides have a glider system on the side of the slide others use a trough system in the floor. Mine is an older one that uses a metal trough and the slide floor slides on it. The trough is part of the cam lift action when the slide retracts up off the carpet. It works well however that friction of the floor to the trough over time can wear the waterproof membrane. In the 10 years since my camper has been built, I have not yet wore mine through but I make sure it stays in adjustment. Advancements in development now have rollers or plastic wear strips as part of the trough which cut the friction and is better setup. Rolling friction is best over sliding. Figure out what yours has.
5. Slide floor construction and how they seal water out from entering the slide floor is a big deal. This has evolved over the last 5 to 8 years. And yet some brands still today build the slide floor with holes in the vapor barrier which leads to slide floor rot. I see them at the RV shows. Others have developed coated slide floors, the next step in floor advancement. The coating on the ends crack and water still gets in. So advancements continue to create a floor end corner to protect that edge or go to FRP line floors.
6. The slide seal system. There are several types of seal systems. How the system seals the roof line when the slide is extended and how the system seals the floor and all sides while towing in the rain are all a point of research on what is better than the other.
7. Slide toppers. Ask 6 RV'ers on slide toppers and you will get 8 different answers... If you have a slide with weak seals, the toppers adds a level of protection. They however have their own set of issues in windy and heavy rain conditions of pooling water and flapping. All can be overcome once you learn the "how to's". I myself never made it to a topper, I agree it is a good option however I may add one different then the normal system to overcome the shortfalls. I do every campout get up on a ladder and remove/clean all the "stuff" off the roof that falls down on the slide roof as we camp often near or under trees. Pine cones, twigs, leaves etc retracted into the slide seals will kill them over time.
Slide education is king. Learn everything about your slide. I look at everything all this time to help prevent a problem and if one starts, address it at the start before the issues develop into a full blown repair. This same thought process goes for everything on the camper. Tires, brakes, hitch, roof seams you name it. The benefit of added space the slide gives for us, does outweigh the needs to keep the system in top operating condition. I would not hesitate to buy a slide camper, however I will only buy certain types of slide systems.
I have more details, but this may have already put you in overload.
Hope this helps and good luck.
John
