Trailers where slides do NOT block access?

coolmom42 wrote:
...I don't want to be stuck at the back of the world with a stuck slide and a non-usable trailer.

I'm really NOT being mean spirited here, but asking a genuine question. If you are really that concerned about slide failure, then why do you want a camper that has slides? Why not get a camper that does not have slides and then you'll never have to worry about slide failure.

When we considered our first 2 travel trailers, I was adamant about getting a trailer with NO slides for the very same reason. I had heard and read too many stories about slide failure, leaking seals, and a lot of other issues. So we experienced cramped living quarters in a non-slide trailer for 2 trailers (almost 10 years).

Fast forward. Third camper was still suppose to be one with no slides, but when we saw "it" there was no hesitation. Before signing the dotted line on trailer #3, I had the salesmen walk me through extracting and retracting all 3 slides with no power, emulating total failure. This eliminated all my fears about a slide getting stuck in the open or closed position.

I never gave it a moment's though about sitting on the furniture inside the slide with the slide in. All the time we've had this trailer, using the slide "in" apparently hasn't affected anything. However, I do agree, maybe not every camper can do this. (Check with your dealer before buying that camper and get straight answers about your specific model. That's the only sure way of knowing.)

The third slide is a closet slide in the bed room. Now, it has clothes hanging in it, if the slide is out or in. That's a LOT of weight with all that clothing on hangers and such. The slide continues to work perfectly fine, in or out, on the road or in a campground.

I do take preventative measures on the slide seals about twice a year and treat them with some nice cleaner and conditioner to keep them soft and clean. I think this extra measure has been a good thing, also in elevating fears of slide leaks, as each nano-speck of every seal is inspected and treated twice a year.

Another thing, today's technology has improved greatly from what it was 10-15 years ago. Slide failure is not as common as it use to be. The important thing to know, is how to retract the slide in the event of failure. If you have this knowledge, there's no reason to fear power failure. At best, you pull the slides in and head for home or straight to a repair shop! It wouldn't be the first time someone had to have their vacation plans cut short, or ended up a day or two in a motel while getting an emergency repair done on their camper.

However, let me go back to my original question above. If you are really concerned about slide failure, and this is your biggest fear, then don't even consider a camper with a slide. You you NOT enjoy the camper as you'll always have to much paranoia. Look for one without slides and then you can truly enjoy yourself trouble free, never having to even consider taking a chance with something, because it simply doesn't exist in your world.