Slide-out troubleshooting: 4 things you should know

The beauty of RVs is their ability to contain so much potential in a small space. Upon entering one’s first RV, many are shocked by how much larger the vehicles feel inside than they look from the outside. Slide-outs, or extensions that grant a vehicle more space can contribute to an RV’s surprising square footage. Managing slideouts can be tricky, so we’ve come up with a few of the most important things to consider when using these helpful RV accessories.

1. Take caution to avoid dangerous mistakes

At first glance, this warning might seem ridiculous. Slide-out use is entirely harmless, right? While this is true for the most part, almost any tool can pose a danger when operated improperly. All RV passengers should be made aware of which buttons activate slide-outs so they aren’t mistakenly shooting out and hurting someone. Similarly, all pets and small children should be taken out of the way prior to slide-outs being deployed. Slide-outs MUST be put away before driving off; not adhering to this rule can be hazardous, and it is frowned upon heavily by other RV’ers. 

2. Keep up with regular maintenance habits

Like any other facet of an RV, specific maintenance standards are required to keep slide-outs in stellar shape. Firstly, the roof of your slide-out must be periodically waxed to prevent snow from getting stuck to the surface. Wax should always be present so the roof doesn’t have excessive friction. The seals, rubber attached to either side of your slide-outs, will also need to be taken care of. Cleaning these seals regularly will prevent the accumulation of debris, so your slide-outs still work smoothly. Forgoing maintenance can lead to problems down the road, so it’s essential to make it a part of your regular routine.

3. Be aware of weight limits

As handy as they can be, slide-outs are not invincible. All RV slide-outs are built with a specific weight capacity in mind, and sticking to these weight limits is what will prevent slide-outs from becoming damaged. Depending on the size and build of your slide-outs, the weight they’re able to sustain will differ significantly. Larger items, like a couch or bookshelf, should be placed in the center of a slide-out to allow for the best distribution of weight. If you plan on transporting heavy materials often, it’s doubly important that you verify slide-out weight limits before making a purchase. 

4. Choose a slideout that suits you 

For a relatively simple device, there are actually a wide variety of RV slide-outs. Rack and Pinion slides, a tried and true slide-out method, have been getting the job done for years. This style of slide-out involves a rack bolted to a gate frame with downward-facing teeth. A gear works in tandem with the teeth in order to move the slide-out back and forth. Rack and Pinion slide-outs have developed a reputation for being durable and easy to use, so they often work well for travelers who use slide-outs frequently. Cable slides, another slide-out variation, are generally more expensive and operate using a pulley system. Schwintek slides use worm gears and rails, and they are widely believed to be less reliable than other slide-out options. Chain-driven slide-outs are propelled by a chain attached to both ends of the slide, and the easy installation process makes them a pretty popular pick. We suggest researching each option thoroughly before coming to a final decision.

What are the disadvantages of RV slideouts?

Though slide-outs are considered a necessity for many RV travelers, the reality is that they can come with a fair bit of trouble as well. Finding the ideal campsite for your family should be a fun part of the adventure, but slide-outs can sometimes limit the spots where your trailer will fit. If a bush or tree is in the way of where your slide-out should go, you might be out of luck and need to move to another campground. Additionally, stuck or broken slide-outs can cause significant problems when they need expert attention, but your RV can’t be driven to a repair shop with slide-outs extended. For some, the decision to go without slide-outs is as simple as not wanting to take on extra maintenance responsibilities. Luckily, it’s clear that RV travel can be a blast with or without slide-outs.

Shop Transwest

Like any optional RV enhancement, the matter of using or not using slide-outs comes down to each person’s individual preferences. Transwest sells to both ends of the spectrum, selling some RVs with several slide-outs and some with none at all. Visit one of our locations today and learn more about our slideout options.