Hi, newbie here and I have a question. I am looking to buy a new TT. I am new to RVing too and want some insight. Is a slide out worth the money and more importantly, the potential problems they may bring. So many questions............

I wouldn't own an RV without a slide(s). My current Jayco Eagle has one big slide on the street side - it makes a huge difference in the about of space I have. I will probably be moving to something larger in a short while, and I want a minimum of three slides, preferably with two of them opposing each other to create a large space. As for problems, I've had mine for 12 years with nary a problem.

Slide problems.. pros cons 2011Slides..pro/con 2014

If you can, get a TT where you can use the TT with the slide IN. There are times when you can't slide the slide out. Or if it breaks. If you can find a TT without a slide that you are happy with, that would make for less stuff to break and worry about. The floor plan is all up to you. Go to several RV dealers. Look on line at LOTS and LOTS of floor plans. Then choose.

Most on this forum would NOT own a camper with out a slide out. On the other hand, they don't do anything special for me. The TT I have now has one. And while it does give extra room. You really have to be carefull that you don't slide it out into the campsite behind you, and that you have everything out of the way going out, and coming in. DW didn't clear the way on our's last fall, and in caught a cooler going out, and broke a wooden support. Now I have to fix that. And you have to make sure you can use the camper with the slide in as well. On some, you can't get to the bathroom, or fridge with the slide in. A deal breaker for me

We'd never go back to a trailer w/o a slide. Without a slide it can get too tight when you're cooped up on a rainy day. And knock on wood, no slide issues in 10 years.

To slide (out) or not to slide out?? | Good Sam Community

36 Replies

rbpru
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2015
I go with the pro slide people, provided it does not restrict access to the bath or kitchen when retracted.

Many times we have stopped for a short break and snack.
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 25, 2015
Caveman, you are right on. Four pages of "I have them and want them" and four pages of "I don't have them and don't want them". Funny how that works out on here. PS: It doesn't matter if the subject is gas versus diesel, or fifth wheel versus travel trailer. "Whatever I have is best". Great that we have open minds and freedom of choice.
Caveman_Charlie
Explorer II
Jan 25, 2015
I didn't read all 4 pages of this thread. My answer to the OP would be that it depends on what you like. I personally don't like slide outs, they add weight and problems that I don't need. But, I'm just a weekend camper that goes out by myself or with a pet and a few friends. I don't need a big TT with a slide out for what I do.
Dog_Trainer
Explorer
Jan 25, 2015
We had a DP for many years it had a nice layout and 34' no slides. This set up made it easy for us to do a lot of traveling and moving around. We were able to get into skinny sites and set up quickly as well as getting on the road quickly. We set it up so that we could stay out of each others way as much as possible. This year we decided that we had been all over the mountains and the west our future trips would be more in the destination category. We ended up with a TT and 3 slides all I can say is wow what a difference. So the swap for us has been that we need to plan a little more and end up in sites where we can stay a bit and will accommodate the slides.
bobndot
Explorer III
Jan 25, 2015
TomG2 wrote:
bobndot wrote:
Besides offering additional living space, what are the other positives of a slideout ?

I know there is a long list on the opposite side of the coin but not sure about this side .

They let rain in, so that helps with mopping the floor. Is that a positive? How about, "They let fresh air in and out which lets the air conditioner and furnace get more exercise"? They give you another place to scratch and dent the first time you forget to check for clearance. Too many positives to mention.

Just kidding, we get to buy what we want and slides sell very well.

:B

Too funny, never thought of looking at it that way. Yes they certainly do sell . In upper end larger units that's all you can buy, not too much choice there.
The $500k class A's have the same problems as the $20k TT's.

I think if I were to do it all over again, I would buy a toy hauler and carry a second trailer inside and use it as a bunk house for the kids. :@
Mike_Up
Explorer
Jan 25, 2015
No slides if they can be avoided.

My coworker has nearly the same camper as me, a Jay Flight Swift 264BH, I have the Jay Flight 26BH.

Neither of us wanted a slide and the issues. Dealer Even commented about having issues especially if you don't use slide awning to keep debris of that will damage the seals.

If floorplan demanded a slide, maybe, but I didn't care for the slide floorplans as much as I like ours.
Baja937
Explorer
Jan 25, 2015
Slides all the way...

Maintain them with Dry Lube Protectant for Mechanicals and Rubber Seal Protectant...

Here's another twist for ya'...Slide Awnings...I have 3 slides and I was trying to be sold the awnings at $1200 a piece...That's NOT a misprint...$3600 in slide awnings is nutso...

They won't keep rain or leaves out when they come down sideways in the least bit...I climb my skinny lil' butt up the roof ladder and sweep mine off periodically IF there's ever anything even on top of the slides...Which is almost never...Takes all of 3 minutes...
TomG2
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
bobndot wrote:
Besides offering additional living space, what are the other positives of a slideout ?

I know there is a long list on the opposite side of the coin but not sure about this side .

They let rain in, so that helps with mopping the floor. Is that a positive? How about, "They let fresh air in and out which lets the air conditioner and furnace get more exercise"? They give you another place to scratch and dent the first time you forget to check for clearance. Too many positives to mention.

Just kidding, we get to buy what we want and slides sell very well.
bobndot
Explorer III
Jan 24, 2015
Besides offering additional living space, what are the other positives of a slideout ?

I know there is a long list on the opposite side of the coin but not sure about this side .
taddyport
Explorer
Jan 24, 2015
mhardin wrote:
I wouldn't own an RV without a slide(s). My current Jayco Eagle has one big slide on the street side - it makes a huge difference in the about of space I have. I will probably be moving to something larger in a short while, and I want a minimum of three slides, preferably with two of them opposing each other to create a large space.

As for problems, I've had mine for 12 years with nary a problem.

X2, except I haven't had mine for 12 years. I would also make sure that you can get around when the slide is in, that was big for me as I do go into it when I pull over on long trips, bathroom, fridge. The slide-out is also where the couch is and hence an extra bed so it's nice when someone else is sleeping, you can easily get around without disturbing them.
just my $0.02