Slide Room Locks...

[Topman]

We have a single living room slide. The manual says to use 2 slide locks when the slide is retracted. I don't have the locks and neither did the previous owner.
As far as I can see there is only room for one lock at the front end of the slide and no way to get a lock at the rear because of the wall and cabinets.
What do others do?
Thanks, Iver.
2000. Signature.

[mfire1339]

Topman I have stored my (1) forward lock in my garage for the last 4 years.

Mike

[Topman]

Hi Mike,

Ha Ha! Good one.
Maybe I shouldn't worry.
thanks, Iver.

[mfire1339]

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Topman We have a single living room slide. The manual says to use 2 slide locks when the slide is retracted. I don't have the locks and neither did the previous owner. As far as I can see there is only room for one lock at the front end of the slide and no way to get a lock at the rear because of the wall and cabinets. What do others do? Thanks, Iver. 2000. Signature.

Hi Ivar,
They are there to protect the manufacturer from lawsuits.
Picture the mess you would have if you were using them and forgot to remove them before putting out the slide. OUCH
Enjoy your new adventures !!

[38 Special]

On my 08 Camelot, I always used the factory supplied brace. Then one day, I forgot to remove it. Very quickly, and very noisily I might add, it tore the wood trim off the slide and bent the aluminum sub-structure. Mine now leans in the corner of my garage.

[Robi.1014]

It was via this forum that I felt "comfortable enough" to stop using my slide locks. DW was most happy about this decision as it was her job to affix/remove them. Two years of using them; Now 3 years of not using them. So far so good.

[Topman]

Okay,
Maybe I'm glad now that I don't have any slide locks.
Thanks, Iver.

[LewF]

Murphy says that "If it can happen, it will happen, and when it does happen it will happen in a manner to cause maximum consequence.". I always use them and I place a simple warning 3x5 card over the slide switches to remind me the locks are in place. Do some research, there have been incidents of slides moving out while underway; I don't want to tempt Murphy. Just my opinion.

Lew

[Texas TC]

My new Winnebago has electric slide locks and I really like them. My previous coach had the slide lock bars. You really do need them. They are absolutely great as load locks to keep chairs and tables from moving around in the storage bays. Do not waste these valuable devices by letting them sit idle in the garage. They have great value elsewhere, just not as they were intended by the manufacturer.

TxTC

[Georgia]

I've been driving our 40' monaco diplomat with 4 slides for about 2 years now. The front passenger slide did not have a lock. I didnt' even know it needed one.. Then one day... driving down the road I notice I can't see out of my side mirror as well as the other day. When I stopped for fuel, I found the one slide sticking out about 1 foot at the bottom of the slide (the top was still touching the roof). I closed the slide no problem and started out again.. Well. every time I hit any kind of bump, that slide slips right out. So, I called Monaco and I called my dealer and everyone says, there is a slide lock and you need to use it. NOPE! no slide lock, never was.... So I had to replace the motor and put one in with a slide lock before I broke something.... all better now. But I've learned that slide locks are good things....

cheers
geo

[Chuck 1935]

Quote:

Originally Posted by Georgia I've been driving our 40' monaco diplomat with 4 slides for about 2 years now. The front passenger slide did not have a lock. I didnt' even know it needed one.. Then one day... driving down the road I notice I can't see out of my side mirror as well as the other day. When I stopped for fuel, I found the one slide sticking out about 1 foot at the bottom of the slide (the top was still touching the roof). I closed the slide no problem and started out again.. Well. every time I hit any kind of bump, that slide slips right out. So, I called Monaco and I called my dealer and everyone says, there is a slide lock and you need to use it. NOPE! no slide lock, never was.... So I had to replace the motor and put one in with a slide lock before I broke something.... all better now. But I've learned that slide locks are good things.... cheers geo

That doesn't sound good at all George. If the slide is that far out of alignment it sounds that slide locks are the least of your worries.

[Cougarkid]

My Overland came with slide locks. Bought it used, but locks came with it and the instructions were included.

Instructions with mine said to use them when parked for long periods with the slide in. This is to keep the the top seal tight and prevent leaks.

When not parked with slide in, it went on to say to use them to keep cabinets closed while traveling, keep stuff on shelves when traveling, extra clothes rod, towel drying rack, etc.

Nothing about using them when traveling down the highway.

I do like the idea of puting a red tag on the end, hanging down over the edge of the slide, to remember to take them out. And the card over the button.

[MCPO Ret]

The best use for those locks is to hold your bed up when you are getting things out from under it.