Forum Discussion
Huntindog
Jan 13, 2018Explorer
SoundGuy wrote:Does it state anywhere in that 40 page manual that it is OK to use the slides when retracted?Huntindog wrote:
FYI
For those that are advocating being able to use the TT with the slides in.....
You are NOT supposed to use the slides when they are retracted.
the slides are mostly unsupported and at their weakest then. Most all manufacturers warn against doing this.
I am unaware of ANY that say it's OK.
FYI
Declaring this doesn't make it so. :R
I just went through all 48 pages of my "Coachmen Travel Trailer / Fifth Wheel Owner's Manual" and nowhere does it make any mention of any kind saying the slide(s) can't be used when retracted. My own 2014 Coachmen Freedom Express has now been through 5 camping seasons and I use it with the slide retracted much more often than I do with it deployed, especially here at the house where I'm in it pretty well every day. I've had no issues with this slide to date and because this is our first slide trailer I question whether the day will come when it won't behave as it should but I have no reason to believe it would have anything to do with using the slide in the retracted position. If anything, any failure would be the result of misalignment or excessive wear caused by repeated use. Coachmen doesn't caution against using the slide in the retracted position and without documented proof to the contrary nor should you without a link to documentation that indicates otherwise.
If so, then YOU should provide a link... Just stating it doesn't make it so.
Manufacturers are often silent on things that they prefer to be quiet on. They like to be as they know that people may want to use their product in a way that is detrimental... They will then deny a warranty claim when damage occurs.
Only if they specifically state it is OK, will they stand behind it 100%.
Lifted trucks are a great example of this unspoken policy.
It doesn't take a rocket scientist to realize that a slide when retracted is just floating above the floor unsupported..... HAS to be weaker than when it is deployed and fully supported.
As I stated before, some maunfacturers DO warn against this. And some are silent. I am unaware of ANY that state it is OK.
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