Keep Sliders Open in Storage?

[GeneDoc]

How long can sliders be kept open without fear of bending supports under the sliders? Would leaving sliders open in a northern Wisconsin winter while in unheated storage change your answer? If the sliders are going to be kept open for long periods (e.g. months), should supports be put under the sliders?

[GeneDoc]

It will be completely covered from precipitation. The goal will be to dry dock camp. I realize a slider motor is designed to transfer the slides repeatedly. However, I wonder if it would save wear and tear to just leave the slides out when there's no plan to move it for a while.

[IdaD]

I think it's fine to leave slides open or closed. Only issue might be big snow accumulation if outside, but beyond that it's six of one vs half dozen of the other.

[SoundGuy]

GeneDoc wrote:
Would leaving sliders open in a northern Wisconsin winter while in unheated storage change your answer?

I read into this you have a reason for wanting to do so - perhaps you want to periodically access the interior but can't if the slides are in the stored position? If not, why else would you want to leave the slides deployed? :h

[Mfan]

I store mine closed in an unheated pole barn.

[valhalla360]

Assuming we aren't talking about feet of snow piled up, structurally, it's not an issue. Inside it's absoluetly not a structural issue.

Don't try to support them from below. They aren't designed for it and if you get a flat, it is likely to damage the slide as the trailer settles.

For the 20 seconds it takes to put in or out, we prefer to keep it closed: Less wear and tear on the slide toppers and slide seals are covered against UV damage.