slides first or stabilizer jacks first?

[plasticmaster]

On a travel trailer with 2 large slides on one side, is it better to run the slides out first, or deploy the stabilizer jacks first? Thanks.

[dave54]

One of our stabilizer jacks is under the slide. So unless I want to crawl under the slide to lower the jack...

[dieseltruckdriv]

I level, stabilize then extend the slide, so I don't have to crawl under the slide to stabilize.

[apr67]

Level. Stabilize. Extend Slides. Re-tighten jacks on non-slide side if needed.

No need in my view to worry about too much weight on the jacks. The jacks will hold (in my case) about 6k lbs each. My trailer weighs 9k max.

[1ofmany]

ford truck guy wrote:
Level and stabilize first... Then deploy the slides

Just what our manual says we should do....

[Dirtpig]

I too wondered this. Months ago I asked Northwood and they said setup in any order you wish. Same with using slide - In, out, sittin, or chillin, don't matter. Sometimes I put slide out then stabilize if the wife want to go in and do stuff otherwise I will stabilize and then put out slide. I've seen zero difference either way.

[elidodge]

With my slide out I can`t get to one of my stablizers

[Community Alumni]

ford truck guy wrote:
Level and stabilize first... Then deploy the slides

Yup, that's what I do too, per my manual.

[myredracer]

We don't have that problem but what some do is when leveling the trailer, make the slide side slightly higher then put the jacks down. That way when the slide is extended, the weight and leverage makes the trailer reasonably level. Takes a bit of practice.

[coolbreeze01]

I would stabilize first, but I don't have a slide.

[mosseater]

I do it which ever way it happens. I figure the slides are deployed in the dealers lot for long periods of time without the stabilizers down, so the frame can obviously handle it. But with four of five people moving about inside it may be a different story over the long term. I agree putting the stabilizers down first tends to over burden the slide side while the other side floats in mid air, so you'll probably have to readjust later anyhow. Prolly slides first then stabilizers would work better but I doubt it matters much.

[RavensFan24]

I've always been in charge of the outside set up while my girlfriend gets the inside of the RV ready putting stuff we packed in to better places for use while camping. The first thing we do is put the slides out so she can do her thing while I'm leveling and putting the stabilizer jacks down. I really don't see how it matters either way, but that's just how we've done it for years. Allowing her to get inside right away cuts down on her impatience level while I get everything set outside as well. 🙂 And you KNOW that's a plus!

[hawkeye-08]

We level first (with slide side slightly higher), then deploy slide, then put stabilizers down. If I put stabilizers down before slide goes out, then the slide side seem too tight and the other loose. That is just how I do it, I don't overthink it.... I have no problems either way really. I also check chocks and stabilizers after an hour or two. Tires cooling and soft ground can loosen things up...

[mooky_stinks]

I used to stabilize first then deploy slides but was finding the stabilizers on the non-slides side were loose and the slide side had too much weight on them. Now I deploy slides first and then stabilize. I just compensate slightly on leveling knowing that the 2 slides will change the levelness when deployed.

[scbwr]

ford truck guy wrote:
Level and stabilize first... Then deploy the slides

This seems to be what most manufacturers say, but I think it is important that the stabilizers not be over tightened. I think this is easier to do than some folks realize, as I have done it and discovered it when an interior door started binding against the door jam.

I may be wrong, but on my 2002 Sunline trailer, the instructions were to extend the slide (after trailer is level) and then stabilize. I did it that way for 10 years without any slideout problems other than a faulty ground wire on one occasion.

When we got our Minnie, the instructions were stabilize, then extend slide. But, with the reputation of the Lippert slide mechanism in mind, I have continued to do the opposite. I level the trailer, extend the slide out and then stabilize. It eliminates the risk of and torquing of the frame. And, so far (knock on wood!) we have had two camping seasons without and Lippert slide out problems.

BUT....THIS IS JUST WHAT I DO...
It is propbably safer to follower the manufacturer's direction, at least while the unit is under warranty. Just don't over tighten the stabilizers!!