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Stealth slideouts (TC usable with the slideout IN)?

udp8
Explorer
Explorer
Hi everyone,

Are there any TCs on the market that are usable when the slideout(s) is/are in the closed position?

You know, for those times when you are in a crowded parking lot and want to get into the TC but cannot pull the slideout out. I know you can *SQUEEZE* into any closed slideout, but I'm talking something that's more usable than that.

Is the only choice a TC with no slideouts?
26 REPLIES 26

udp8
Explorer
Explorer
Wow, well I thought it might be only a select few models I'd have to choose from to get this "feature." It sounds more like it's a much more fuzzy matter that I will have to judge on a case by case (model by model) basis.

Thanks for so many good replies!

zb39
Explorer
Explorer
My AF 1150 is good with slide in.
2017 Host mammoth, sold
49 states, 41 National Parks, 7 Provinces
2019 2 door Rubicon 6 spd.
2019 Berkshire XLT 45B
2022 Host Cascade
2021 Ram 5500 Air ride

jmckelvy
Explorer
Explorer
Bedlam wrote:
The AF811 is a little tight between the bathroom wall and dinette table, but otherwise fully functional (tall step up to the dinette when closed). .......


X2 for our AF 990. Have used it at -16 F with slide in. I sometimes sleep in it in my shed which is not wide enough to deploy the slide.
06 RAM 3500,Dually,CTD,Auto(ATS Stage 1),QC,4X4,PacBrake,Spyntec Freespin Hubs,60 Gal Titan Tank,EFI Live, Line-X,Torklifts and SuperHitch,Fastguns
2013 Arctic Fox 990, 275 Watts Solar, 2 Grp 31 AGMs
US Navy 1964-1968, 2-Tour Vietnam Vet

bka0721
Explorer II
Explorer II
Many TC manufacturers no longer manufacture a slide camper that does not require the slide to be bumped out to use important things such as; bathroom, fridge or access to the floor for use as a walk way. If you are a user, which their demographics show the majority are, that goes to campgrounds and other "designed" locations you will be fine. As those users are using their TC's as a end destination use. So, no problem.

So if it is not important to be able to access those aforementioned items, in a conflict slide camper, then one of those campers could not be your choice.

For those that wish to use their campers in all four seasons often prefer the option of pulling in the slide to stay warmer, draw less attention if they are stopping for a short time at the Grocery Store or parked at the curb for the night. So having a camper that can be used easily with or without the slide extended is preferred for those reasons. It looks like the manufacturers are betting one way for their customers.

As for spending time in a TC, that is something you need to decide for yourself. Ask yourself if you are comfortable in small spaces, if not maybe a travel trailer or larger RV would be a better fit. Other's experiences are not always going to match your needs or desires.

Me? I am good with small spaces and most of my working career has been spent doing just that, as well as working alone.

b
08 F550-4X4-CC-6.4L Dsl-206"WB GVWR17,950#
09 Lance 1191
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09 Haulmark Trlr

mkasner
Explorer
Explorer
Lance 861. No problems accessing bathroom or kitchen/dinette

MN_Ben
Explorer
Explorer
We squeeeze into our 2005 Lance 981 with the slide "in". Once inside, it is life as usual. I am 5'7" and 170 lbs. (YMMV)
2006 F350 Dually PSD
2008 Keystone Laredo 29RL 5th Wheel

2002 F250 7.3 PSD -SOLD
2004 Lance 1130 -SOLD
2005 Lance 981 -SOLD
2000 Lance 1010-SOLD
199? Texan 650 -SOLD
Ford FX4 Ranger -SOLD

udp8
Explorer
Explorer
Am I hearing people say that almost any TC is livable with the slide in??? I've never owned a TC but when viewing them, there generally appears to be only a few inches of space to *squeeeeze* inside.

I would prefer to have the accessibility of at least half as much as a non-slide TC, but I've never seen that before --- ???

noteven
Explorer III
Explorer III
Snow River and / or Snowbird campers are live able with slides in.

billtex
Explorer II
Explorer II
Bedlam wrote:
The AF811 is a little tight between the bathroom wall and dinette table, but otherwise fully functional (tall step up to the dinette when closed). I can deploy my slide even with a typical sedan next to me and it easily clears its roof (found this out after someone decided to park next to me under my slide). I usually look for an end spot where the slide will be over an island and I will never sandwich my self between two cars in a parking lot.

2x on our EC. In fact when bitter cold we may leave the slide in to retain some warmth. But totally functional with slide in...having said that, other than cold...why would you leave it in?
Parking space never been an issue.
2020 F350 CC LB
Eagle Cap 850
25'Airstream Excella
"Good People Drink Good Beer"-Hunter S Thompson

Bedlam
Moderator
Moderator
The AF811 is a little tight between the bathroom wall and dinette table, but otherwise fully functional (tall step up to the dinette when closed). I can deploy my slide even with a typical sedan next to me and it easily clears its roof (found this out after someone decided to park next to me under my slide). I usually look for an end spot where the slide will be over an island and I will never sandwich my self between two cars in a parking lot.

Host Mammoth 11.5 on Ram 5500 HD

jimh406
Explorer III
Explorer III
My TC has two slides, and it is completely usable with the slides in. I think most should be usable once you are inside.

'10 Ford F-450, 6.4, 4.30, 4x4, 14,500 GVWR, '06 Host Rainer 950 DS, Torklift Talon tiedowns, Glow Steps, and Fastguns. Bilstein 4600s, Firestone Bags, Toyo M655 Gs, Curt front hitch, Energy Suspension bump stops.

NRA Life Member, CCA Life Member

54suds
Explorer
Explorer
Chalet Ascents offered several models and so did Bigfoot 3000 series that were usable with out loss of floor space or functionality of any systems unfortunately they are no longer in production
2021 Chev 6.6 duramax ltz DBL cab,drw,4x/torklift tdn's,
1999 Bigfoot 1011