Full Wall Slide

[bigdomino]

Have been considering a new Ventana or Dutch Star. Looking at the bath and half models with a full wall side. I am concerned about the full wall slide and it's impact on the coach. Great the way it opens up the rig. But, how reliable are they? What does that giant hole in the wall do to the strength and integrity of the motor home? What about the strength of the roof? How many motors and tracks are used to get it in and out?

Appreciate any comments and experiences with full wall slides.

Steve

[Beacher]

It's very well built my best friend is a dealer in Maryland and when I saw the first one years ago I had the same concerns as you but to my surprise it works fine. I've been to the factory a few times and seen them built I think it would be a help to you to see just how they do this before they make it pretty. Good luck in your jounery we love are unit.

["007"]

Here are a couple of threads to answer your question.
#1----#2
The slides do need some consideration when hooking up utilities but most that have them wouldn't part with the Newmar versions.
Corrections have been made with problems and Newmar has continued to make them, they were the first to offer slide systems many years ago.

[pdq_bc]

we have a full side slide - no problems with it so far
it makes a huge difference in the available space - LOV EIT!
pdq

[TXiceman]

I look at the full wall slides as a mechanical engineer. You are weakening the wall and roof. Since you have removed so much structure, you will need to replace it in some form, in order to retain some structural strength.

In short, it can be done if properly designed. I believe the jury is still out on whether the manufacturers are doing it right.

[WeatherTodd]

Quote:

Originally Posted by TXiceman I look at the full wall slides as a mechanical engineer. You are weakening the wall and roof. Since you have removed so much structure, you will need to replace it in some form, in order to retain some structural strength. In short, it can be done if properly designed. I believe the jury is still out on whether the manufacturers are doing it right.

Dont all chassis start as a rolling rectangle?
The full wall slides Ive seen look to have sufficient bracing. It might be more critical for the coach to be level before deploying the slide...but driving wise I dont see it making a difference.

["007"]

The Newmar's have double headers and vertical side walls for added support.
I have seen normal headers on smaller slides of other MFG's collapse, not good.
The slides themselves had center roof of slide drop because of heavy cabinets.

[Afubar]

I have a 1996 Newmar Mountian Aire with the full wall slide, it works today as well as it ever did I imagine. Just be prepared for that little voice that comes out of no-where reminding you to have the area cleared while putting the slide in and out. LOL