Trailer Slide-outs - anyone with experience?

[Jenesis]

I’m buying a new trailer. Either this season or next For sure but I have one I am looking at on the weekend and before I drop 50K, I would like to know about slide outs. I have heard they are horrible as then lose their seal and leak. I have heard to ensure I have a slide out awning, which it will have a new one As I will have to get it put on.

People at my park keep them out all year round, which I can’t do for the first year to ensure the trailer settles and stays level, but is this right? What about heavy snowfall? I am sure they have had leaks, I know some who have. My neighbour couldn’t get his slide out for a couple of weeks because of fried electrical, although this has a manual option.

I have heard leaks happen because of use though. The seals break after being slid in and out all the time. I would only do this twice a year, unless I can keep It out.

They just make me nervous. This is a new (well 2022, but new as it is a clearance sale to make room for the 2023s) All the trailers in my park are much older - has the tech changed enough to make them worth the risk?

I want a stress-free trailer. I don’t want issues with leaks. Should I avoid slide-outs all together? Doesn’t seem you can escape them now on any trailer that are roughly 28ft or longer. Every trailer I look at seems to have them. I was even looking at some park model homes, and they all have them as well. Usually 2 which would freak me out even more.

I have to maintain this stuff, I won’t be able to drive the trailer in for repair, once parked, it is parked. Getting someone out to the site is always hard. I think I finally have a guy now, but I really just don’t want to deal with stress, especially of something like water damage.

I’m already stressed about it and I haven’t even bought one yet. Can it really be that bad with leaks? If so, why keep making them?

 

[Robert Mugabe]

 

[goalie000]

Slides can be a pain, we keep ours in when not in use. I think you can get stuff to put on the seals to keep them supple which will help when they are in. Definitely don’t use slide supports as any settling or twisting will damage them. If you don’t want any slides, from my understanding the best to buy is an Airstream! Also, from reading reviews you might want to stay away from the Covid building years 20,21, 22 for sure and even maybe wait until 24. Poorly trained and transient workers have caused some build problems as RVs were in great demand and they were putting them out very fast! Pre 2019 seem to be ones that have less problems with quality.

 

[Jenesis]

Slides can be a pain, we keep ours in when not in use. I think you can get stuff to put on the seals to keep them supple which will help when they are in. Definitely don’t use slide supports as any settling or twisting will damage them. If you don’t want any slides, from my understanding the best to buy is an Airstream! Also, from reading reviews you might want to stay away from the Covid building years 20,21, 22 for sure and even maybe wait until 24. Poorly trained and transient workers have caused some build problems as RVs were in great demand and they were putting them out very fast! Pre 2019 seem to be ones that have less problems with quality.

Something to think about. This is a 2022. I didn’t know there was manufacturing issues with labour. Thanks.

 

[richaceg]

If you let it sit on a campground long term i dont see a problem...probably some extra maintenance than a straight trailer if its a seasonal thing.

 

[Jenesis]

If you let it sit on a campground long term i dont see a problem...probably some extra maintenance than a straight trailer if its a seasonal thing.

It will be a parked trailer. I will use slide out seal protector twice a year. To make sure it doesn’t crack. I have no problem doing maintenance to keep things good, but I don’t want to have to be clearing it weekly or anything. That is too much maintenance.

 

[richaceg]

It will be a parked trailer. I will use slide out seal protector twice a year. To make sure it doesn’t crack. I have no problem doing maintenance to keep things good, but I don’t want to have to be clearing it weekly or anything. That is too much maintenance.

Looks like you already have a plan....yeah...if it's going to be parked...maintenance will be minimal...just make sure about the seal because that's the weakest part of your trailer. just curious too...will this be in bear country? ...i'm terrified of bears myself....

 

[Jenesis]

Looks like you already have a plan....yeah...if it's going to be parked...maintenance will be minimal...just make sure about the seal because that's the weakest part of your trailer. just curious too...will this be in bear country? ...i'm terrified of bears myself....

Fishing country. No bears. Or at least there better not be.

 

[richaceg]

Fishing country. No bears. Or at least there better not be.

we got rid of our trailer and we're planning to sell our home and just move to fishing country in a few years...also sold my bass boat and just get myself a nice 14' alumacraft I can tow around anywhere...I"m done staying in one body of water.

 

[GeeBee]

Yeah slides pretty hard to avoid these days.

You’re experienced enough to keep an eye on things and do the usual maintenance so I’d leave them out all summer, its a pain to do it all the time if you don’t have to. The slide outs are meant to be used, so as long as you keep things lubricated operating it twice a year should be no problem. Before you close them in the fall check underneath for any debris that might have blown in over the course of the year that wouldn’t get there if you were closing things up for the road every weekend. That’s a possible cause of your neighbour’s burned out motor.

Personally I’d pull them in in the fall, if snow load is a possibility the excess weight can be a problem. They should be designed to handle the weight of a few people inside, but wet snow is fucking heavy and the amount can be unpredictable. I don’t think its worth the risk. Close the trailer up just as if you‘re putting it into storage and the seals should be good to go in the spring.

Also I agree with not using any external supports, as any shifting could cause big problems.

 

[IMBob]

When moving the slide-outs , make sure the path is clear . It looked like it was , but there was a cupboard that wasn't fully closed . minor damage and handle bolt got bent .... On my trailer, the bump outs are run off the 12v battery. Since it's seasonal the battery is usually dead . ( shoulda be taken in and put on trickle charge over winter I suppose )

 

[Phil C. McNasty]

Have you tried asking Bubbles??

 

[Jenesis]

Thanks for the advice guys. I am pretty sure I am buying this trailer so I will have to learn how to maintain and use them properly. It feel intimidating right now But I am sure in time I will master it.