Slide out supports

[Sherwood]

I ran across these slide out supports at Camping World and wondered if anybody has ever used them? Any thoughts about them? I searched here and found nothing regarding them. Just wondered about the pro's and con's to them. Only time I would use them is when I am camped for at least a week at a time such as when we go to Yogi for our 8 weekend package.

[14george]

Here's what Jlwright posted
Originally Posted by Jlwright
I could certainly see a problem if a tire went down. Maybe I'll just hold off on that purchase.
In addition to a tire deflation causing severe "upward pressure" on the slide mechanism, consider that this entire thread has been devoted to "shaking" and "movement" of the trailer frame, much of that from the tires/suspension moving up and down causing a "noticeable movement" inside the RV. If you install a rigid support under the slide to stop that movement, yet it continues along the RV chassis (to which the slide mechanism is welded), you are quite likely to cause stress to the slide tubes where they "bend" as the RV moves, while the slide is restricted from moving. That bendingr could lead to damaged slide extension rod mechanisms and cause a restricted/binding mechanism on slide movement.

In the "old days" when "tip-outs" first appeared in RV's, slide stabilizers and slide locks were a requirement. They were used to support the "tip-out" and formed the foundation to keep the "moving part of the RV" level. As the industry progressed to manual slides and crank out slides, a better "support system" was developed. Today's slides are well supported in the "out" position, but many are above the floor when in the travel position and those won't support weight until extended. Most Keystone slides have cautions to not walk on or sit on them when in the travel position.

As the industry progressed, the slide stabilizers were no longer needed, but in the "interest of self preservation" many of the stabilizer manufacturers just changed their "sales tactics" and started suggesting people use them to "support the new slides". In today's slides, there's really no benefit to using stabilizers under slides and if the RV moves (or shakes) more harm than good can come from using them.

I'd recommend using the money for something else, your RV is designed and engineered so it doesn't need slide stabilizers.

[Sherwood]

Thanks for the reply. I was also thinking about putting stabilizer jacks mid-frame to aid in remaining movement I have after the stabilizer bars I installed and X-Chocks I use but the more I think about it, it's probably not worth the cost. Its not like I allow the kids to jump on the couch or rough house on the slide out anyways. Just thought I would ask since I seen them in-store yesterday.

[busterbrown]

Originally Posted by 14george

Here's what Jlwright posted
Originally Posted by Jlwright
As the industry progressed, the slide stabilizers were no longer needed, but in the "interest of self preservation" many of the stabilizer manufacturers just changed their "sales tactics" and started suggesting people use them to "support the new slides". In today's slides, there's really no benefit to using stabilizers under slides and if the RV moves (or shakes) more harm than good can come from using them.

I'd recommend using the money for something else, your RV is designed and engineered so it doesn't need slide stabilizers.

Just another way companies try and re-market a product that no longer makes sense. Good information that should be given to every new (or first time) RV buyer.

When I purchased my new Bullet from the dealer 3 weeks ago, the first thing that the PDI technician mentioned was to limit weight on the slides when "not fully extended".

[Mike484]

Great post on slide supports. I once owned a trailer with tip outs and had to install supports. One time I didn't and one tip out actually fell out of the trailer. Now I have slide outs and thought exactly what the post said, if I stabilize the slide out but the trailer still moves, I will probably damage my slide out. Yes, everyone buying a trailer with slide outs needs to read that post.

[Sherwood]

Originally Posted by Mike484

I once owned a trailer with tip outs and had to install supports. One time I didn't and one tip out actually fell out of the trailer.

LOL! Sorry to laugh but I got a visual of myself doing that with me falling with it.

[silverbullet18]

I'm glad I read this post. I did not know to not put weight on the slide while in. I keep my TT in storage and have been doing s few upgrades. Sat on the couch and dinette a couple of times. Hope it didn't damage anything


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[Mike484]

Originally Posted by Sherwood

LOL! Sorry to laugh but I got a visual of myself doing that with me falling with it.

Lucky I was in the other room, heard a huge bang and the trailer shook like hell, went back into the bedroom and about had a fit. But that was almost 30 years ago so I can laugh about it now too.