Storage question ...

[hoffbrew]

Is it ok to leave the slide-outs open/out while it is just sitting? I know when you go camping it is all good, but when not using it, does it wear on anything?

[Festus2]

According to both the Keystone Manual and my Lippert Manual, it is recommended that for extended or prolonged periods in storage, that the slide(s) be retracted. No time frames were given. Personally, when our Cougar is parked in our yard, the slide is always in. If we are not using the RV or not having guests staying in it while it is at home, I don't see any reason for having the slide out while it is being stored - even for short periods - other than for routine maintenance on the seals and spraying some dry lube on the "teeth" of the mechanism that retracts and extends the slide. I don't think that there would be any stress or wear that would be of concern by having the slide extended while not in use.

[hoffbrew]

Thanks, I guess my problem is that I walk around my house/property with a beer in my hand and always end up tinkering with my trailer, it is like a magnet. I open it up and put slides out, mess a bit with something then put them back in. I am thinking it is probably not the best to keep sliding in and out, so I was just thinking while the weather is good and beer is cold, to keep them out for a weeks time, put back in... so on, so on...

[GBHRPS]

I can only think of two reasons why the slides should be retracted while the trailer isn't being used.

The trailer is far better sealed from water and weather with the slides retracted. And the slide wiper seals, like your trailer's tires, are far better cared for when they are out of the sun. That's the only reason for tire covers.

But in your case (which is the same thing I do when the rig is parked in my driveway) moving them out to fiddle with this or that, just kind of makes your day (and mine!)

[Flyguy]

I have to agree with Festus, I don't think it hurts the slide to keep it open, at least for a while, the only thing that I would be concerned about is debris collecting on the slide roof and then damaging something when retracting the slide if the debris is not removed first, but a slide awning would take care of that.

[Jim W]

In my owners manual for the 318SAB Cougar. The manual states that if the slide is opened for a week or more, then it should be exercised by closing and then reopening. I am not sure why this is in there but I have never left my slides open for a week at a time.
Jim