Would you buy an RV with slide outs again?

[CC58]

I am looking to buy a HR 32' class A RV from year 1997-1999.

Some have slideouts and some do not. I am leery of their reliability and possibility of leakage. The whole concept of slideouts that require an awning to prevent leaks is un-nerving. Seems there should be a better way. I'm wonder about those who have used slideouts for many years and their opinion.

For a RV of this age, would you recommend slideouts?
Has anyone used slideouts over a period of many years without leaks?

[TechWriter]

Sure -- I still lust after a Country Coach Concept from time to time.

[northmeck0255]

Slides add weight, mechanical complexity, are sometimes inoperative, and reduce the structural integrity of the coach body. In winter and summer, they make it harder to maintain temperature.

They do increase floor space. You have to decide how you will use the unit. For us, slides became a huge negative.

[CC58]

I appreciate all the useful feedback. Was surprised almost everyone wouldn't buy without slides. If for no other reason it seems wise to buy with slides for resale value and ease of resale. On the other hand, buying slidelesss you might get a huge discount off NADA value. If one never intended to resell, buying slideless could be a huge value. I'm leaning toward buying with slides. Trying to resell a slideless RV might take a very long time and big hit in resale value. Thanks to everyone for their opinion!

[fla-gypsy]

I wouldn't have a RV without slides

[hershey]

Slides or no slides is a personal choice and I really don't care if anyone doesn't want slides.
But: The primary reason I keep hearing over and over again is that they can break. So I don't want them.
I don't understand that theory. Why not use the same excuse for not having an AC, Refrigerator, water heater, and for that matter, a motor in a MH?
But I've noticed that we don't get nearly as many threads about slides or no slides anymore....I guess you would be hardpressed to find a late model or new MH without slides.

[MrWizard]

bsinmich wrote:
Newmar came out with the first production slide in 1990. As the decade passed more manufacturers got slides. There were also some slides that were made that were outside convertors that added them. I would not want one of those. I saw one on a lot and it had apparent leaks all over. I think most of the comments about not being usable when the slide is in are from people with TTs. MHs are built for use while on the road.

NO they are from MH's owwners, that use them a lot, go distances, stop in places where opening slides is NOT feasible, and want full use of the RV

my uncle charlie is a prime example, their 2010 serrano is barely useable with the LR slide in, narrow isle, big cushy 'L' shaped dining area prevent opening the fridge , just reach in and feel around for what you want,

many people are happy with slides,
just like many people are happy with pop up campers

one style does NOT fit all

[tatest]

No. The extra room when parked is nice, but the loss of usable space with slides in, and dealing with getting people out of the way to get them back in, worksagainst the way I want to use the RV. The slides were for theway my wife wanted to use the RV, not how I want to use it.

I can gain as much space with 2-4 feet of extra length, as I get from one or two eight foot slides, and I. don't get the structural integrity and weight issues. But I won't even do that, because the next RV would be a substantial downsize from the C I have now.

[HHg_in_Austin]

Wouldn't buy one without slides.......

Hhg

[bsinmich]

Newmar came out with the first production slide in 1990. As the decade passed more manufacturers got slides. There were also some slides that were made that were outside convertors that added them. I would not want one of those. I saw one on a lot and it had apparent leaks all over. I think most of the comments about not being usable when the slide is in are from people with TTs. MHs are built for use while on the road.

[RV_daytrader]

I guess if one is fulltiming then slides would be nice. My yoda is only 7 feet wide, but with nice sized windows by sofa and dinette it seems bigger. Plus I can sit on sofa and put my feet up on dinette seat!Slides just give more empty floor space, so if you want to dance inside you have more room! Guess if I ever need to buy another used RV I will get a good deal on a non-slide!!

[gnight]

Slides sure are nice. Can they have problems? Sure, but I find that it's not that common. My C is 10 years old and the slides have never caused an issue (knock on wood). No leaks, no motor problems. Just great space.

The bedroom slide does push the bed against the drawers below our closet so the drawers are tough to open. Everything else is purely functional with the slides in.

[rk911]

northmeck0255 wrote:
http://www.rv.net/forum/index.cfm/fuseaction/thread/tid/27089251.cfm

clicky

[Medico]

You betcha! would never be without, quad slide even better!

[Executive45]

YYYYYEEEEEEEEEEEESSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSSS!!!!!

[samsontdog]

I will never buy another RV WITHOUT slide outs. Prefer 3'
Had a 97 for 10 years with 15 ft slide out. Never had a problem