Slide out info

[Ldduck]

Hello I hello new to the forum. I have been camping for 15 years. The camper I camped in for 15 years was a pop up. However now I just purchased a travel trailer with a slide out. It is a Coleman 29 qbh. I never owned a travel trailer with a slide out. Do you guys have any tips or information on how to maintain the slide out. Any info will be appreciated thanks

[sgfrye]

2012Coleman wrote:
Make sure you keep the rubber gaskets lubricated with a product like this.

Also, before you slide it back in - especially after camping, make sure that the top of it is free from debris, and isn't wet. Unless you have a slide topper. I use a collapsible ladder and an electric leaf blower. Always take a couple of old towels too.

Make sure that you check for obstructions on the inside before closing - we put down a carpet which would be squished if not removed and could cause an issue.

good advice...
i pulled the molding off the inside of the living room slide in 2 places on 2 occasions in our first TT. cabinet door open once, and tv tray with legs left in bad place another time.

[2012Coleman]

My previous TT was a Coleman - doubt you will have any issues, but check your manual, or ask the dealer. Don't let anyone talk you into buying slide-out supports.

[MFL]

Yup, mine has a crank handle to insert in a small hole in side of trailer. The hole is actually on the other side of trailer, than the slide being operated.

Jerry

[BarneyS]

There should be a manual crank with the trailer if new or a place to put a wrench on the motor shaft. My trailer has a small crank handle that fits onto the motor. Have to lay on your back under the slide to operate it. Other trailers may have it inside or through a small hole like a pickup truck has.

Although some members have posted that theirs does not have any way to operate it without the motor, I have never seen one like this.
Barney

[maddog348]

Mine has a hand ratchet ~ 1/4" atta time ~~ But it does get there.

JM2¢ ~~ YMMV

[Ldduck]

Of the slide out motor fails, would there be a way to manually slide it in?

[Ldduck]

Great info guys thanks.

[2012Coleman]

Make sure you keep the rubber gaskets lubricated with a product like this.

Also, before you slide it back in - especially after camping, make sure that the top of it is free from debris, and isn't wet. Unless you have a slide topper. I use a collapsible ladder and an electric leaf blower. Always take a couple of old towels too.

Make sure that you check for obstructions on the inside before closing - we put down a carpet which would be squished if not removed and could cause an issue.

[Jayco-noslide]

We have a 2003 Winnebago Class C with 2 slides. So far, no failures even though they sound and act kind of funky when operated. I do lube with white grease or lube labeled as for slide-outs but honestly don't know if I do it properly. People do have problems with slides. I suspect the overall quality of the RV and the company are relevant. The mechanism under ours seems pretty heavy duty and not flimsy.

[Ldduck]

Thanks for info.

[MFL]

Welcome to the forum!

There are several different types of slide out systems. Mine is rack and pinion, and requires very little maintenance. I just keep the teeth on the arms clean, free of rust and dirt. I do use a small amount of dry lube spray on the drive teeth, but not often. Other than that, I keep the slide wipers, and seals clean, also use a little slide seal conditioner on them, to keep them soft. A little baby power on the wipers keeps them sliding easier on the sides. I use ProtectAll on the slide outside walls also, including the windows and frames, to keep them slick.

While moving large slide in/out, it seems to operate best, with door open, to allow air displacement.

New trailer is a big step up from your PUP, hope you enjoy it!

Jerry