Slide out stabilizers

[tjw0099]

I was paging through the Camping World magazine that we received and see that they have 'slide out stabilizers'.

Does anybody use stabilizers for their slide outs?

We have 3 slides, 2 for the living area and 1 for the bedroom.

Also, we are looking for a cover for our Jayco 34RSBS.

Are there any suggestions regarding the brand to consider purchasing?

Thanks,

Tom

[ktmrfs]

I don't use them. Why? first reason is given my record, I'd forget they were down and likely try to retract the slides before removing the support and make a mess of stuff quickly.

couple that with never having an issue without them.

[dodge_guy]

Huntindog wrote:
In short, you probably have been lucky.
I am the Safety manager at my work. One of our challanges is the employee that refuses to follow the safety standards... They always say that they like doing it the way they do, and they haven't been hurt.

Well, given enough time... They always do get hurt.

There is a way to safely use the slide supports.
You must camp on hard surfaces such as concrete, or asphalt. Something that will not allow the TT to settle. And you must block the TT frame in such a way that a tire losing air will not allow the TT to lower. Think mobile home type stabilizing. As one who sets up for 4 months at a time, it would be worthwhile IMO, to do this.

Since hardly anyone will do these things, the risk of damage is always there. At some point, your number will come up.

Now you have the knowledge of just what the risk is, and how to mitigate it. Knowledge is power.
What you do with it is your choice

janechucknicodemus wrote:
Holey ****, I guess after 5 years , I'd better get ride of mine.. I set up for about 4 months a a volunteer in different parks and have a small unit, wind and sea sickness is a factor and I have frame X braces plus blocks, My slide is cable drive and it needs a little help. Thus my braces. And I always have air in my tires and do proper maintenance to the unit. So if you like the wobble, and feeling of a boat when walking to the back, so be it. MY 2 p
Cheers and drive safe and be careful
Chuck

And if you follow the rules in the first place (read the owners manual, no supports!) none of that is necessary.

[Huntindog]

In short, you probably have been lucky.
I am the Safety manager at my work. One of our challanges is the employee that refuses to follow the safety standards... They always say that they like doing it the way they do, and they haven't been hurt.

Well, given enough time... They always do get hurt.

There is a way to safely use the slide supports.
You must camp on hard surfaces such as concrete, or asphalt. Something that will not allow the TT to settle. And you must block the TT frame in such a way that a tire losing air will not allow the TT to lower. Think mobile home type stabilizing. As one who sets up for 4 months at a time, it would be worthwhile IMO, to do this.

Since hardly anyone will do these things, the risk of damage is always there. At some point, your number will come up.

Now you have the knowledge of just what the risk is, and how to mitigate it. Knowledge is power.
What you do with it is your choice

janechucknicodemus wrote:
Holey ****, I guess after 5 years , I'd better get ride of mine.. I set up for about 4 months a a volunteer in different parks and have a small unit, wind and sea sickness is a factor and I have frame X braces plus blocks, My slide is cable drive and it needs a little help. Thus my braces. And I always have air in my tires and do proper maintenance to the unit. So if you like the wobble, and feeling of a boat when walking to the back, so be it. MY 2 p
Cheers and drive safe and be careful
Chuck

[Mikesr]

We've had several TT's over the past 15 years all with slides, never supported any of them and never a slide problem,

[Huntindog]

Not to worry. No matter how much sense something makes, there will be those that disagree...

I could say the sky is blue, and someone would be along shortly to say "no, it's green"

Visiting this forum for advice, well you just gotta take all the info that is given, then use your OWN BS meter to determine which is correct.:B

ScottG wrote:
Hey!
We all agreed on something!!! :B

[rbpru]

While it is true that slides were not designed for use with external supports, given the amount of rocking as my slide goes in or out I am not particularly worried about it's precision fit.

Like many RV issues, one should be aware of the potential problems an act accordingly. The fact that a TT can shift would not be too high on my list are most of the CGs it stay at. However, there were a few "slight grade" site in KY I would question.

[janechucknicode]

Holey ****, I guess after 5 years , I'd better get ride of mine.. I set up for about 4 months a a volunteer in different parks and have a small unit, wind and sea sickness is a factor and I have frame X braces plus blocks, My slide is cable drive and it needs a little help. Thus my braces. And I always have air in my tires and do proper maintenance to the unit. So if you like the wobble, and feeling of a boat when walking to the back, so be it. MY 2 p
Cheers and drive safe and be careful
Chuck

[dodge_guy]

X6? I think.

At one time they were used on the early tip outs. But as was said, today's slides are self supporting.

[ScottG]

Hey!
We all agreed on something!!! :B

[tjw0099]

Thanks everyone. Great advice.

Not going to use them.

Tom

[Old-Biscuit]

Slide outs are 'self supporting' and are NOT intended to be a means of stabilizing the RV.
Ever wonder why RV MFGs do NOT include them....or even offer them :H

Remember.........
Just because something is available via aftermarket does NOT mean it is worth while, functional, an improvement or even needed

[ScottG]

X3 or 4 or what ever.
Lifting the slide in its opening can be catastrophic and no manufacturer suggests using them.

[rhagfo]

Huntindog wrote:
CAUTION!!!
Most if not all TT manufacturers expressly forbid the use of slide stabilizers.

The reason is simple. If the TT settles for any reason (soft ground under the TT jacks, or tires, or a tire with a slow leak etc.) the TT will lower, but the slides with their added supports will not be able to lower with the TT.
This will put tremendous pressure on the slides and the TT slide opening. SERIOUS EXPENSIVE damage is highly likely.

X2!
Slides are not only supported by the rails underneath the interior trim frame.

[DutchmenSport]

Huntindog wrote:
CAUTION!!!
Most if not all TT manufacturers expressly forbid the use of slide stabilizers.

The reason is simple. If the TT settles for any reason (soft ground under the TT jacks, or tires, or a tire with a slow leak etc.) the TT will lower, but the slides with their added supports will not be able to lower with the TT.
This will put tremendous pressure on the slides and the TT slide opening. SERIOUS EXPENSIVE damage is highly likely.

2x!!! Don't use them. Keep any and all stablizers under the main frame of the camper.