slide out use when retracted

[Pleco]

I have been reading up on a couple different forums, and came across a question I would not have thought of. I don't know if it's against the rules here to post a link to a general RV forum, so I wont reference the other site for now.



Anyway, the question came up of using your slide out area when it is inside the traier, NOT slid out. Some people said they had heard stories of people damaging the slide out doing this. One of the claimed issues was no support for the front edge of the slidout when it is retracted. I read the manual of my ST31QB when I purchased it last fall, and dont remember any such warning.



Anyone here have an opinion on this?

[Hamops]

I'm not sure what theissue is here, but I can tell you that we use the trailer with the slides pulled in. Everytime we stop for a rest break, we'll go into our 5 vr for a snack and a biobreak We never put out the slides because we can get access to the fridge, stove, sink and cupboards. Once the DW decided to have a little nap and didn't put out the bed slide.

[Hunter11]

The front edge of the slideout does not have any support when it is in. If you are careful to not step on that you should be fine. We have been in our slideouts several times with them in without any issues so far, we are just careful not to put any weight on the front edge of it.

[mwebber78]

Maybe it is a old wives tale in the RV world but I was told by more then one dealer to nix the idea of stepping on the slide unit when retracted. The leading edge of the slide has no support other then the roller's at either end.



To me, I just don't do it out of habit but other's appear to have no issue.

[Lloyd]

If you watch the bottom of your slide when it comes in---you will see it raise. After it is fully retracted you can see it is up off the floor. I have cut 2 lengths of board about 2in. wide and run them through the table saw to bevel one side. I slide these under the leading edge of the slide when I retract it. Don't have to worry about stepping on it then.
I think the floor of the slide is constructed with OSB, (or fiber board) not much there for screws to hold onto.

[mbinohio]

I was told to not step on the slides while they were retracted, Old Farmers idea of cutting board to fit is good, we can reach the fridge and the bathroom with all the slides in and my dining room is the rear of the trailer, we have 2 entry doors, so it's easy to move with the slides in

[Dayle1]

Originally Posted by mwebber78

Maybe it is a old wives tale in the RV world but I was told by more then one dealer to nix the idea of stepping on the slide unit when retracted. The leading edge of the slide has no support other then the roller's at either end.

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To me, I just don't do it out of habit but other's appear to have no issue.

First point, there are no rollers under the Cruiser's main slideout. Second, the slide-out floor has a beveled edge that is critical for the floor to slide above the main floor, but that edge is naturally weak and therefore prone to damage and this is the reason to avoid stepping on the slide-out when closed. However, stepping on the floor at least a few inches behind the edge should not cause a problem. A person's weight flexing the floor can't be any worse than the weight of a free-standing sofa or dinette flexing the floor every time the unit bounces due to road bumps. But that's just my judgement.

[Virginia RVers]

I stepped on my slide out edges when we first got the PP. I had to manually get the slide to go back out and then it worked fine after that. I do not step on them anymore and can walk down the middle between the slides if needed while traveling. We always open the dinnette slide at rest areas to eat while on the road. Being careful not to step on the other slide. I have crawled across the bed while the bedroom slide is in with no problems.



As others have said, I would stay away from stepping on the slide if possible.

[ThreePutt]

I done the same as old Farmer cut two pieces of wood under the floor since 04 never had a problem. The floor on the slide is plywood 5/8 at least that is what is on my 5er.

[danskool]

My slide is in alot. And we are in it lots. I never heard of this nor had any trouble. Humm. Must be lucky. I will have to look at it so i don't screw something up.

[lenny]

I would have never even thought of this. Glad I read about it, instead of finding out the other way.... Thanks to the forum again!

[GeorgeG]

When I go to the factory for repairs in 2 weeks I will ask and see what they say.

[mwebber78]

They won't have time to assign a tech to answer your questions George.Crossroads will be taking the whole factory staff to tackle your issues.....

[GeorgeG]

They already said that they were going to put 3 techs on it.

[GeorgeG]

Well the answer is in. I asked and got DO NOT STEP ON THE EDGES. When inside the trailer the slides should be put out. SO, I asked what about putting a board under the edge? Was told that would be fine, but DO NOT FORGET TO REMOVE IT. Randy said that if the board is not removed, it can do as much damage as stepping on the edge when the slide is in. He said he has seen damage from both.

[mwebber78]

So I guess it not really a old wive's tale.



I always put it out at the rest stops, it takes 20 seconds.

[dalemac377]

I am always very careful not to step on the corners near the slide walls. I have heard of the floor coming loose from the wall at this point from stepping here. We are carefull if using trailer with slides closed to step into the slide area farther in from the edge.

[GeorgeG]

As Randy had told me, stepping anywhrer on the slide when retracted can cause floor/wall separationdue to the slide not being supported along inside edge.

[Lloyd]

George, that don't make sense!! Stop and think about all the weight already placed on it what with the dinette, sofa, and all the junk we haul stuffed into the drawers on the dinette.

[fhenn]

But that stuff sits about a foot back of the edge of the slide