Slideouts on a ClassC: How many?

[RobertRyan]

Interesting here Slideouts are common on Motorhomes but not Caravans in Australia. What do you find is an iptimum number and type?

[pnichols]

We looked for about a year for a used Class C - before we unexpectedly found and bought a new 2005 Class C in early 2006.

We searched so long because of our list of requirements ... which the new 2005 one we bought in 2006 by pure luck ... just happened to satisfy. Since then I've always guessed that probably the new one we bought had sat on a dealer's lot unsold for one year because it DID NOT have slides!

We did not want slides for improved off-road reliability and overall ruggedness. Years before we had traveled around in remote desert areas in our 3/4 ton Dodge van home-built camper ... and in 2006 bought a Class C that could do the same.

[bobndot]

The field of available non-slide floorplans in the over 30’ range seems kind of slim.

It’s difficult enough to get an appointment to repair an rv today. Having a slide with components to operate it only adds to the ‘appointment frustration’ when they malfunction or need service. Especially when you’re on the road.

Slides offer more interior room and offer another option. Once you remove it, you have a huge hole to remove one of those double-wide fridges that seem to becoming more popular.
I know they have an access panel for service but sometimes dealerships have to replace the problematic units as per the manufacturer under a warranty. It seems like those big fridge/ freezer only come in slide models. Maybe that’s why. Just a thought.

[fourthclassC]

Personally, I would never have an RV with any slide outs. My feeling is that they detract from the structural in integrity of a vehicle going down the road. Also I don't spend that much time inside the vehicle when camping so no need for the addtional space. Again, just my feeling.

[RobertRyan]

toedtoes wrote:
It appears that most who have responded have 30ft or shorter motorhomes. I suspect the over 32ft motorhome owners will mostly be pro-slide.

I think you be right. Smaller and Larger Class C are pro slide here. Although there are about 35 Class B convertors here. None would think of doing a slide although could be done on the larger Sprinter, VW Crafter and Renault Master Vans, they use as bases.

[toedtoes]

It appears that most who have responded have 30ft or shorter motorhomes. I suspect the over 32ft motorhome owners will mostly be pro-slide.

[RobertRyan]

Deb and Ed M wrote:
I remember when we bought our no-slide 2004 28' Class C, people said "You'll never sell that because everyone wants slides". Ten years later, we sold it to the first person who saw it.

Now we have a 2023 Thor 22E no-slide "C" - and couldn't help but notice that there are still plenty of no-slide motorhomes being made. We just appreciate the simplicity; and less need to be parked perfectly-level. Yes, slides give glorious spaciousness - but since we tend to spend each night in a different place, it's less important

Interesting no slide Class C's are pretty rare here. Some Caravans do have them and Coach Conversions up to 45ft a lot do not have them but slides are becoming more common
As a result of their popularity with Class C's some Australian companies have their own patented systems.In this case a midsize Japanese commuter bus Class B type conversion with a patented slideout system .. strange

[bobndot]

Zero

[Deb_and_Ed_M]

I remember when we bought our no-slide 2004 28' Class C, people said "You'll never sell that because everyone wants slides". Ten years later, we sold it to the first person who saw it.

Now we have a 2023 Thor 22E no-slide "C" - and couldn't help but notice that there are still plenty of no-slide motorhomes being made. We just appreciate the simplicity; and less need to be parked perfectly-level. Yes, slides give glorious spaciousness - but since we tend to spend each night in a different place, it's less important

[Powertour]

No slides group here as well.

[pianotuna]

I'm in the no slides group. I RV in extreme cold. A slide would be a nightmare.

[toedtoes]

I don't think there is an unbiased "optimum". The right number of slideouts is what each prefers for their situation.

For me, it is no slideouts.

[wildtoad]

Don’t know optimum, a lot depends on floor plan, storage given up for mechanicals, and weight loss. Slides provide for more livable space, and greater options for floor plans. In ours (a class A) we have a FWS, opposing kitchen and bedroom slides. Really opens up the place. Can’t imagine not having them.