Trailers where slides do NOT block access?

[coolmom42]

My travel partner is wanting out of his current Coachmen trailer, to upgrade somewhat and have something with a slide. He wants something with a better quality of materials and insulation, easily set up for boondocking and cool winter camping.

We've looked at floor plans from Grand Design, Lance, and Jayco. We want a bedroom with a door, a slide, and a bathroom with the sink inside it. The trailer has to be fully functional and accessible with the slide IN. We have to stay towable with a F150 and want to keep dry weight around 5000. We don't need or want bunks--just the 2 of us. We've looked at Olivers, but are deterred by the 7' width, small baths, and the price tag.

It appears that every Grand Design floor plan in our weight limit is set up so the slide blocks either the kitchen or bedroom. Plus the refrigerator is in the slide and we don't want that.

The only Jayco model that otherwise fits our needs is the 24RBS. The kitchen area has a funky angled countertop that looks like it will bump up against the slide, and block access to the bathroom and kitchen, when the slide is in. Does anyone have any first-hand observations about the usability of the trailer with the slide in?

The Lance 2295 MIGHT work, although I don't care for that giant entertainment center blocking off the middle. The Lance 2375 has the angled counter section like the Jayco 24RBS. But again a person can't tell about the slide clearance.

None of these trailers are conveniently located to us and we would like to have some input before making a drive to see one. Any input from real-life observations is appreciated!

[Community Alumni]

coolmom42 wrote:
snip..... The only Jayco model that otherwise fits our needs is the 24RBS. The kitchen area has a funky angled countertop that looks like it will bump up against the slide, and block access to the bathroom and kitchen, when the slide is in. Does anyone have any first-hand observations about the usability of the trailer with the slide in? ........snip

Late to the discussion but for the record my 2018 Jayco 24RBS does provide access to the rear bathroom and kitchen area with the slide closed....., the angled counter top doesn't come into play at all.

The slide floor when closed does angle upward a little but doesn't interfere with accessing the rear of the TT. I place a couple of trimmed pool noodles under the slide floor for support in the event I need to stand on the slide floor when the slide is closed..., otherwise I avoid it.

Turk2500 🙂

[Copperhead]

ORV and NW would be great choices. If someone desired one of them, just make a trip and go get one if not near you.

Think of it this way.... one could make a trip out west for well under $1 per mile round trip. One of these transported commercially is going to wack you for just under $2 a mile.

[BizmarksMom]

My camping style is really close to yours, with the addition of traveling on dirt roads to get to campsites. Have you taken a look at Outdoors RV or Northwood RV? The units are built for off grid camping, and off pavement travel. They might be hard for you to find in Tennessee, but I thought I would toss the idea at you.

[PAThwacker]

You are looking for needle in the haystack trailers. Go with Lance or hybrid camper to get full features and wants at 5000 pound gvw

[SoundGuy]

coolmom42 wrote:
Emailed Lance and they told me to contact a dealer. I really didn't appreciate that.

Don't take it personally, Lance is a manufacturer and isn't in the retail business. That's why they and every other manufacturer sells to dealers who's job is to deal with the buying public.

[coolmom42]

FrankShore wrote:
Coolmom, did you contact Lance via email or by phone? They're located in Lancaster, CA

I'm partial to the non ducted A/C. I have a Coleman Mach 9k (lowpro) and it cools my trailer right down without the ducting.

Oh and your question about the slide units, yes, they're elevated and supported. This allows the entire RV to be closer to the ground.

Emailed Lance and they told me to contact a dealer. I really didn't appreciate that. Anyway, I contacted Bankston Motor Homes, the nearest Lance dealer. They told me that all Lance's have full-length queens. They also said that the 2375 would be the only slide unit that would have access to the bathroom, kitchen, and bedroom, with the slide in, and that is due to the 2 doors.

[tomkaren13]

Love the floor plan of that Grand Design. Would or could be my choice!

[BizmarksMom]

My old Keystone Bullet 19frbs was totally useable with the slide in. Which was handy when the slide mechanism broke in a desert windstorm 2 days from home. Stuff happens. And when it happens It's nice to still have a trailer you can use until you can get it repaired.

[steve-n-vicki]

I went thru the same thing as the OP. until I found a bullet 207rbs, I can use it with the slide open or closed , does not have a bedroom door but does have a bedroom curtain

[SoundGuy]

BurbMan wrote:
*Maybe*...allow me to use the floor plan below for illustration:



So the slide on curb side has the fridge, stove, and entertainment center.

Those items are on the street side of the trailer. The curb side would be the campsite side where the dinette and theater seating are located. 😉

[BurbMan]

*Maybe*...allow me to use the floor plan below for illustration:



So the slide on curb side has the fridge, stove, and entertainment center. Since there is no place to walk/stand on the slide floor, "using" the slide when it's closed doesn't place any additional stress on the slide floor even though the front edge is unsupported.

However, I would not use the theatre seating or dinette, no would I sit on the bed with the slide retracted.

[Lantley]

BurbMan wrote:
Now is the time of year to be out looking, RV shows pop up all over in the spring.

Lantley, good to know that you know about the risks of hot coffee :B, but let's talk about the slide. The way the slides are made, the floor is supported on 3 sides by the walls of the slide. The 4th edge of the floor is supported by the main floor of the trailer when the slide is extended. When the slide is retracted, that inside edge of the floor can be 1" or so off of the main floor and subject to damage.

My owner's manual says it's fine to use the slides when retracted but BE CAREFUL if you do. Watch where you are stepping and/or applying weight to the slide floor because it's not supported along the front edge.

I think your manual should read If slide is retracted "Use at your own risk".
I agree the slide is not supported for normal use and therefore there is a risk of you use it. I think its common sense that there's a risk to using an unsupported slide. However maybe some don't agree.

[BurbMan]

Now is the time of year to be out looking, RV shows pop up all over in the spring.

Lantley, good to know that you know about the risks of hot coffee :B, but let's talk about the slide. The way the slides are made, the floor is supported on 3 sides by the walls of the slide. The 4th edge of the floor is supported by the main floor of the trailer when the slide is extended. When the slide is retracted, that inside edge of the floor can be 1" or so off of the main floor and subject to damage.

My owner's manual says it's fine to use the slides when retracted but BE CAREFUL if you do. Watch where you are stepping and/or applying weight to the slide floor because it's not supported along the front edge.

[FrankShore]

Coolmom, did you contact Lance via email or by phone? They're located in Lancaster, CA

I'm partial to the non ducted A/C. I have a Coleman Mach 9k (lowpro) and it cools my trailer right down without the ducting.

Oh and your question about the slide units, yes, they're elevated and supported. This allows the entire RV to be closer to the ground.