Slideouts and stabilizer jacks!

[scbwr]

We just purchased a new Winnebago Winnie 2201DS trailer with a Schwintek slide system. According to the owners manual, the slide should be extended AFTER leveling the unit and stabilizing the trailer with the stabilizer jacks. This contradicts what I've been doing for the past 10 years while towing a Sunline trailer. Now, I realize that the Schwintek system is a different system, but I think that there is a danger that if you were to over extend the stabilizer jack(s), you could cause some twisting and create a problem for the slideout. So, my plan is to drop the stabilizers but only tighten them minimally before extending the slideout.

Anyone have any advice or comments regarding slide-out procedures with the newer Schwintek systems (geared track at four corners of the slide)?

[gmw_photos]

Dtaylor wrote:
I would follow the instructions. That said, I know when I pull into a site that I need to have my slide side about a 1/4 bubble higher because when the slide goes out, it will pull that side down some. I usually carry a 1/2 and 3/4 thick board to go under the wheels just for that purpose.

That is also what I found with my funfinder. A couple of pieces of 3/4" plywood under the streetside tires makes my trailer come out level again once the slide is extended.
If I am just staying overnight, I don't even bother with the stab jacks. A little bounce is not an issue for me.

[Lynnmor]

I would think that the variable is how hard people crank on the stabilizers.

If the trailer is made level with the tires and tongue jack and then lower and not over-tighten the stabilizers would be the best case. After that extend the slide.

The problem is that no two users will agree on the definition of "over-tighten."

[roverdover]

Did the dealer have the stabilizers down with the slide out at his lot? When I was looking at units a few year ago, I don't recall any of them having jacks down and all slides were open.
My previous TT I always set the slide side a little high before I put down jacks or opened the slide. With a little practice you will know how much higher it needs to be.

[readytow]

I do the same as Dtaylor, I level first on blocks if needed, with the slide side slightly higher, as it will "settle" some, then extend the slide, and do a final level with my stabilizers. I am somewhat nervous about tweaking something by putting out the slide, then leveling. I have never had an issue doing it this way.

[goducks10]

legolas wrote:

scbwr wrote:
We just purchased a new Winnebago Winnie 2201DS trailer with a Schwintek slide system. According to the owners manual, the slide should be extended AFTER leveling the unit and stabilizing the trailer with the stabilizer jacks. This contradicts what I've been doing for the past 10 years while towing a Sunline trailer. Now, I realize that the Schwintek system is a different system, but I think that there is a danger that if you were to over extend the stabilizer jack(s), you could cause some twisting and create a problem for the slideout. So, my plan is to drop the stabilizers but only tighten them minimally before extending the slideout.

Anyone have any advice or comments regarding slide-out procedures with the newer Schwintek systems (geared track at four corners of the slide)?

I have a Koala with the "schwintek" I had the problem of leveling. My previous TT I leveled 1st and then put out the slide...no problems. The slide was very small including only the jackknife sofa and did not extend out very far. The Koala is a superslide. I have found that leveling 1st and then putting out the slide results in the slide side being lower and thus out of level. I contacted the Koala folks and they advised putting out the slide 1st and then leveling. Seems to work and no more "out of level" even though it was only slightly it was noticeable to me.

Problem with that is some TT's have the axles in the middle or so of the slide. With a 3' deep 12' long slide you have to crawl under the slide to put in level blocks. PITA.

[Dtaylor]

I would follow the instructions. That said, I know when I pull into a site that I need to have my slide side about a 1/4 bubble higher because when the slide goes out, it will pull that side down some. I usually carry a 1/2 and 3/4 thick board to go under the wheels just for that purpose.

[downtheroad]

They designed it, built it, tested it and warranty it and wrote the manual for it..
Follow it.

[legolas]

scbwr wrote:
We just purchased a new Winnebago Winnie 2201DS trailer with a Schwintek slide system. According to the owners manual, the slide should be extended AFTER leveling the unit and stabilizing the trailer with the stabilizer jacks. This contradicts what I've been doing for the past 10 years while towing a Sunline trailer. Now, I realize that the Schwintek system is a different system, but I think that there is a danger that if you were to over extend the stabilizer jack(s), you could cause some twisting and create a problem for the slideout. So, my plan is to drop the stabilizers but only tighten them minimally before extending the slideout.

Anyone have any advice or comments regarding slide-out procedures with the newer Schwintek systems (geared track at four corners of the slide)?

I have a Koala with the "schwintek" I had the problem of leveling. My previous TT I leveled 1st and then put out the slide...no problems. The slide was very small including only the jackknife sofa and did not extend out very far. The Koala is a superslide. I have found that leveling 1st and then putting out the slide results in the slide side being lower and thus out of level. I contacted the Koala folks and they advised putting out the slide 1st and then leveling. Seems to work and no more "out of level" even though it was only slightly it was noticeable to me.

[dyb]

level TT then jacks then slides out.

[bradnailer]

That's what my manual says for my Freedom Express. I do what the manual says.

[robsouth]

scbwr wrote:
Anyone have any advice

Follow the instructions in the manual would be my advice.