I have a 2011 Host Everest, and frankly could, if I really had to, live without the kitchen or dinette slide but don't even think about taking away my couch in the rear slide. Anyway, for minimum access the rear and dinette slide (or kitchen) need to come out a little. However, I've never done that because taking them out all the way or nearly is only a couple of seconds more. I don't feel I will cycle the slides enough in my ownership lifetime to worry about wearing them out. I owned a TC in the mid 70's with no slides and I love my slides, accepting the limitations and issues which they bring which at my advanced age are no longer considerations, i.e. minimalist, off-road, extreme remote destinations.