Are Slide Lock Bars Necessary?

[ol__yeller]

On my new to me 2008 Winnebago Aspect 26A I discovered a slide lock bar in a compartment. It appears to have never been used. Is it a good idea to use it or is it overkill? Our last TT had a slide and no lock bar. Probably going to incorporate it into the setup and take down routine anyways but just wondering?

[mgirardo]

Our Greyhawk came with 4 slidelocks. When using the MH locally, I don't bother using them. If we are driving more than a couple hours, then I put 1 on each slide. The bedroom slide is close to impossible to use both. The living room slide could easily use both, but I think 1 is enough to give me time to pull over in the off-chance that the slide motor brake decides to fail.

-Michael

[Jopops]

I've got a lippert slide on my coach. Its quite chatty going down the road. Winnebago has done all sorts of things to try and quiet it down. They've now sent me slide locks to wedge in there. It's probably still going to be chatty, but Winnie sent me them so I'll use them.

[TippleUnduly]

I had the unfortunate experience of having BOTH my slide motors "exploding" within a one hour period and they represented my "locks"! Both slides were now able to move quite freely. I no longer trust them.
My original slide locks were so difficult to install that it made an argument for not using them. Instead I picked up some 18" bar clamp/spreaders (Harbor Freight) which are an easy one-handed install and do a fine job at little cost. If nothing else, it makes me feel much safer. I recommend locks.

[Bobbo]

No. I carry mine in case the slide ever has a malfunction and won't stay in. It has been reported as happening on here. It doesn't take up much room, and may be a lifesaver one day.

[ronfisherman]

My MH came with a set of bars for both front and rear slides. Problem is there is no access to install them on one end of each slide. I have not used them in 9 years. Maybe I should?

[klutchdust]

I use mine, I also like the idea of hanging the key on the bar as a reminder. My 09 Cambria has nothing for the bedroom slide though.

[RambleOnNW]

I look at it as do you believe the slide-out brake will hold the slide-out in under any sideways acceleration forces created by evasive maneuvers? I use the transit bar/strap and have trained myself to place the bar/strap in a place at the bottom of the rear slide-out where I can see it from the slide-out switch. We have two slide-outs, one uses a bar and the other a strap.

[Harvard]

A slide lock bar is the result of having a lawyer and an engineer share a cubicle. :B

[Rolin]

We have a Winnebago Aspect 26A which we purchased used. It did not come with a slide lock bar or strap, but there were connection points. We have never had a problem and we have encountered some very rough roads and windy conditions. The slide mechanism used on the 26A seems to be very stout and there has never been an issue with the slide moving once it is retracted.

Its really your choice. If it makes you more comfortable use it.

[rvten]

Put the key for the slide on the slide bar.
Than you will not forget to remove it. Works for us.

On our last class A. Winny had tie down straps to hole the slide, no bar.
Strap bracket on floor was held by #8 screws. Only forgot once. So bracket and straps went in the junk pile.

[navegator]

I have seen several A's and C's with a big strap around it holding the slides, they did not have a locking bar or slide stop, those straps where preventing the slide from moving, if all else it is for an emergency move.

navegator

[Old-Biscuit]

lanerd wrote:
I would say that if the unit came with a slide lock, then use it. If the mfg deemed it necessary to include one, there must be a reason. As mentioned, there are ways to remind you that the lock is in place.

Ron

X2

[lj2654]

If you have ever been driving down the road and had a slide come all the way out you would!
I had my coach in for jack issues(hyd) and after they finished working on it they didn't refill the tank. After I got it back and left for a trip I was making a right hand turn and the LR slide came all the way out fast almost causing an accident.

I called and told them, said to bring it in, luckily I was able to get the slide back in and found a 2x4 I had and placed it inside to lock slide in.

LR slide hydraulic actuated and low fluid didn't keep slide locked in place.

[lanerd]

I would say that if the unit came with a slide lock, then use it. If the mfg deemed it necessary to include one, there must be a reason. As mentioned, there are ways to remind you that the lock is in place.

Ron