Community Forums

Statgeek · 10-28-2014, 03:53 PM

There seems to be some debate on whether it is best to deploy the leveling jacks before the Full Wall Slide, or after. I have a Fleetwood Discovery 40G. I was told by my selling dealership to level first, then extend the full wall slide (and the regular slide too).

However a friend if mine just came home with a shiny new Newmar, a very top quality product, which he took delivery from the factory. They trained him to deploy the FWS BEFORE leveling. The theory goes that the chassis (they use Freightliner too for his model) flexes less when sitting on the wheels than it does when on the jacks. And if true, Newmar would rather extend the FWS while the jacks are NOT down. So he was trained to put out his slides, then put down the jacks, and reverse that when preparing to leave a camp site.

Does anyone have knowledge from Fleetwood on this debate?

Rob

Tha_Rooster · 10-28-2014, 04:22 PM

Fleetwood says level first then open that's what I do and always will with a FWS. I might would do that on a smaller slide but not one that's 29 ft long.

D Lindy · 10-28-2014, 04:44 PM

IMO I would never extend a slide unless the unit was level 1st. If you're setting nose low the slide will want to slide forward at the same time it goes out, I can't see how this will not cause a binding issue on the seals and the gears themselves. If your not level side to side and put out the slide on one side it'll be like pushing the slide up hill and cause extra strain on the drive gears. I'm willing to bet that those mfrs. that say slide first are figuring that you'll be parking on a level campsite.

**NLOVNIT** · 10-28-2014, 05:10 PM

With Fleetwood, it's jacks down THEN slides out. Your friend with the Newmar may be trying to help, but procedures are different with different manufacturers. His procedure is not the same as Fleetwood's.

If you're ever in doubt about what you're told, a call to Fleetwood will give you the ultimate & correct answer for your make/model.

Lori-

SteveLevin · 10-28-2014, 05:45 PM

Personally, I'd say, go with Fleetwood's recommendation although I'm unconvinced that any company is making their decision on more than old wives' tales.

From a mechanical engineering standpoint, as long as the coach is reasonably level to start, I can see it being far worse to apply twisting from the jacks.

I'd love to hear if anyone knows the process used (darts thrown at a dartboard of solutions?) to determine the right procedure for each coach

Steve

chuckftboy · 10-28-2014, 09:01 PM

I have a Fleetwood with a full wall slide and if I am not level or just a few degrees out, my slide simply will not operate. My owners manual says level first. If i am parked on level ground the slide works fine. More than a few degrees out, forget it.

evesely · 10-29-2014, 07:13 PM

Any motorhome is build on a leveled surface, including installation and slide adjustment. Moving out the slide before leveling could cause binding of the slide and component failure, especially in Campgrounds that are not always leveled. Sales people that tell you to move the slide before leveling should be retrained by their Engineering Department.

Clayobx · 10-29-2014, 08:34 PM

Good post. I've also been reading on the Newmar owners forum regarding FWS deployment. Their techs at PDI are instructing new owners to extend the FWS first then level. I would assume one, that the coach would have to be on a fairly level surface, two, if not appears there is a strong possibility of friction and binding thus problematic. Seems the reasoning is Newmar slides are flush when retracted and if there is any racking or distortion of the chassis due to leveling first this has caused damage. In January our FWS will be three years of age and no issues, knock on wood, leveling first then extending. So, air down, level, slides out. I'm sticking to this procedure unless told otherwise by a FW engineer! I'm sure Newmar has throughly researched this practice for preventative measures. Thanks for the post.

dpinvidic · 10-29-2014, 09:41 PM

How can it be anything but level first, then slides out?
When driving, I am sure you are twisting the heck out of the chassis.
Then pulling into a site and bringing everything back to level (which is how it was at the factory when built) can't hurt anything.
Finally, how can extending slides when level be a problem.
The last thing I would want to do is twist the chassis with the slides out.

Dan

dori · 10-30-2014, 06:52 PM

I am a new person at driving a motorhome and have a 38 ft. Fleetwood Expedition with a FWS. What I learned is what others are saying. Air suspension off, jacks down, then put slideouts out. So glad I've been doing it right.