Slide out position at home

[vicfor]

We aren't new RVers but our new trailer is the first one we've had with a slideout. We store the trailer at home and leave the slideout out (and occasionally go in and out while it's at home). Any thoughts on whether leaving the slideout OUT will cause quicker wear and tear? Is it best to keep the slide out pulled in? Thanks!

[Community Alumni]

We camp 8-9 months per year and as such our slides are out almost all the time. That being said, I do move them in whenever practical to maintain some flexibility/shape on the seals. We use our seasonal campsite in upstate NY 3-4 days a week through the summer months and I'll close the slides about once a month before going home.

[frankdamp]

Valhalla:

It depends on the way the RV was designed. On our Georgetown, the long linear water seals between the RV sidewall and the slide-out roof were pretty wimpy and I assumed they were secondary seals for any water that blew under the topper. They also tended to roll over on themselves during slide movement.

After our flooding incident, I made it a point to take a look at the seals after deployment and go roll them over again if they weren't set correctly.

I always considered the toppers to be the primary defence against rain. It can often be close to horizontal around here

[SoundGuy]

I personally wouldn't own any trailer in which a slide or slides restricted access in any way to the interior of the trailer. Our current trailer is the first we've owned with a slide, I keep it here at the house during the season, I'm in and out of it pretty well every day for one reason or another, even use it as my Man Cave from time to time, and never deploy the slide as there's just no reason to.

[valhalla360]

frankdamp wrote:
It depends on whether your slides have toppers. The folks from whom we bought our RV kept the living room slide out all the time at home. The rig hadn't been taken out for at least one season before we bought it.

That side if the vehicle faced south on their home-site. We noticed that the front edge of the topper was frayed on our walk-around, but didn't realise, until, at a campground on our first trip, that it was completely rotted away. Rain came pouring into the cabinets inside the slide-out. Fortunately, a Costco-size package of table napkins soaked up most of it.

Replacing the topper (and the one on the bedroom slide) set us back about $800. Eventually, I had to build a new set of cabinets due to a mold infestation caused by the water.

Just a little side note on slide toppers. We just replaced the canvas on our slide topper. $150 for a large 12' x 42" slideout. It's a really easy replacement, took 1/2hr.

Also the slide topper isn't the primary waterproofing.

[DutchmenSport]

I don't think it matters one way or the other. Either is acceptable. The slides are made to be extended. Why wouldn't you extend them ... even for "extended" lengths of time? So it's really a personal preference.

We park ours at home too. I keep the slides 'in' when not in use. Reason? Well ... why expose more of the camper to weather 'elements' than you have to? When mowing the grass, why risk hitting the side of the slide with blow grass, a rock, or a stick from the mower. (less space, less to aim at, right?). We get some pretty good winds where I live, as my front and back yard adjoins open fields. So, pulling the slides in keep wind resistance at a minimum against the camper. It also keeps the top of the slides from getting dirty. One more thing, with the slides out, it takes up more driveway space, makes it a bit more narrow to drive around to get into the garage. And reduces the risk of backing into one of the slides with our car (or truck).

Now, we use our camper a lot, even in the drive-way. We have a 30 amp RV electric source on the side of the garage so we can be 100% functional. We enjoy using the camper throughout the week, or on week-ends when we don't get away. When we are actually using it for several days in a row, the slides come out and stay out.

FYI, my stabilizer jacks are always down unless attached to the tow vehicle. It keeps the camper steady and I figure more points of contact on the ground is less chance for wind to blow it around! (may never happen, but it also means we can pull the slides in and out on a whim, as it's always stable).

[ncrowley]

I would put the slide in to protect the slide topper and seals. Cover the tires with tire covers. And never leave a slide partially out because the sides re not sealed.

[frankdamp]

It depends on whether your slides have toppers. The folks from whom we bought our RV kept the living room slide out all the time at home. The rig hadn't been taken out for at least one season before we bought it.

That side if the vehicle faced south on their home-site. We noticed that the front edge of the topper was frayed on our walk-around, but didn't realise, until, at a campground on our first trip, that it was completely rotted away. Rain came pouring into the cabinets inside the slide-out. Fortunately, a Costco-size package of table napkins soaked up most of it.

Replacing the topper (and the one on the bedroom slide) set us back about $800. Eventually, I had to build a new set of cabinets due to a mold infestation caused by the water.

[valhalla360]

It's best to leave it in if you aren't using it:
- If you have a slide topper, it will be exposed to wind and UV damage.
- Likewise, the slide seals will get more UV damage.

If you do it, make sure to level and put down the stabilizers.

Of course, it's not the kind of thing that will result in failure a week later. It's just a little more wear and tear.

Plus it's not that hard to push the button and open it.

[2112]

I keep mine closed unless I'm going to use it.

[2012Coleman]

I generally keep mine in - also store at home. Less bug intrusion that way. If you go in and want it out, simply press a button. Since you store at home, consider getting a 30 amp plug installed so you can run the air. Makes it much more pleasant for cleaning or getting ready for a trip - or driveway camping!

[vicfor]

Got it! You folks are the BEST! I appreciate your wisdom. Enjoy your travels. 🙂

[Old-Biscuit]

TucsonJim wrote:
I leave mine out. It gives more shade to the tires in the Arizona sunshine.

Exactly........

The living room opposing slides completely cover/shade both curbside/roadside tires from sun.

PLUS we full timed for 7 yrs. and the slides where only retraced for 5 hrs. on travel days......rest of time they have been extended.

Side seals/wipers are still soft supple (baby powder 2X yr.)

Course 5vr is next to house and plugged in 24/7....emergency/guest house/man-cave etc.



OP---as to partial extending slides

NO!
They do not seal unless fully retracted or extended AND you should not use slide (stand on it/walk on it etc) when partially extended.
THey are self supporting when fully extended not in between position

[vicfor]

Thanks you all so much for your feedback. Just wasn't sure if there was something I didn't know that could hurt. I do have one more question. For future reference, if you camp at a spot where there isn't enough room to pull the slideout all of the way out, is it bad to pull it out part way temporarily (say for a few days)? Your feedback is much appreciated!

[dons2346]

rvten wrote:
See no reason for them out. If your not using it.

+1