Using the slides while retracted

It depends on the slideout design and structure. I am able to sit on the sofa in slideout of my motorhome when it is retracted. The sofa came equipped with two seatbelts so it could be used when moving.

But this is a C motorhome, not a lightweight TT. If yours feels like it flexes when you step into it, it is probably not built heavily enough to handle the weight, rather is fully supported only when pushed out to lock into the opening.

Old-Biscuit wrote:
Does your slide tilt up when retracted vs laying completely flat on floor?

Tilts up....no support under slide floor so NO don't step on it, walk on it, get inside slide etc when retracted.
Floor and consequently the whole slide is not supported unless extended.Then it becomes a fully supported unit

If slide moves in/out flat on top of trailer floor then it is self supporting when in or out like a bedroom slide with bed

X-2

I won't personally use mine but I put my 35lb daughter on ours all the time to sleep when we stop at a rest stop on the way to a destination.

I also use 3 pieces of 3'4 " ply . one on each end and one in the middle under the dinette seat back. Helps stop flexing as we travel also .

Dbl post....

Just stick a piece of plywood under the leading edge of the slide. Our Northwood has a flexing slide floor when retracted. NW say its fine to step on. I don't like the way it flexes so I just slide a 6"x24"x5/8" piece of plywood under the leading edge. Pick the size of ply that works.

dodge guy wrote:
I wouldn't use any slide in the in position. They just weren't designed to be used that way.

Unless they are a above floor design vs flush with floor design....

Flush with floor design drop down 'flush' when extracted and ride up over floor when retracted. Those are NOT designed to be used retracted.

Above floor design just go in/out above main floor. You have to step up onto them regardless of position.
Beds on slides use that design and many MH slides are like that.
They are self supporting in or out.

I wouldn't use any slide in the in position. They just weren't designed to be used that way.

The manual on our Keystone Sprinter said not to. You might check yours.

I have a passport 23rb. We have one slide with the sofa in it. We use it retracted all the time. Ours feels solid though. Can you check with the manufacturer? We're lucky because the service tech at our dealership is a friend and gives me straight truthful answers.