To slide or not to slide?

[coupla Kiwis]

We are looking at A's in the 99 -02 age, 30' - 32' length, Storm, Bounder, Sea breeze etc. I'm am sure this is in this forum somewhere but I somewhat suck at using these forums to their full potential
Anyone want to point this Kiwi's nose in the right direction, or just wade in with ya two cents worth, pro's and con's.

[cb1000rider]

I've owned both in the year range that you're asking about.

Advantages:
More space. Literally this is a space multiplier. It can make a big difference, especially if you're living in the rig for a while or operating with more than 2 people. If I was doing extended stays or had more than 2 people, a slide would be a must-have.

Disadvantages:
Additional mechanical and electrical complication. More stuff to break, adjust, deal with. Something else to remember before driving away. Something else to remember when parking. More chances of leaking. Typically have another awning to deal with.

BTW: Basement model refers to storage being under the living area, usually quite a bit of it.

[WeatherTodd]

you specified an age but not really a budget.
Best non slide coach floor plans I like are Georgieboys from the mid 90s. I would recommend removing ANY dinette on a nonslide coach. Think I like about nonslide coaches are bathrooms that use the whole 8' wide of the coach. Toilet closet on one side and shower/sink on the other.
Late 90s coaches with 16' living room slides would be my next suggestion. You wont be cramped when you entertain guests.

[Theberrys]

I agree with cb1000rider, on both the plus and minus sides. We have a 1999 with one slide and before it we had a "C" class with no slides. We really don't see the need for four or even three slides. They limit the movement inside the coach while on the road, or stopped for lunch at a rest stop or other temporary place. But the one slide we have really opens up the living space and gives it a less tube feel inside. Knock on wood, we haven't had any problems with ours, but every extra doodad creates an opportunity for repairs. A good example is a Transfer switch, there great, but when they fail your stuck. Moving the shore power chord works just as well and isn't likely to fail ever. Just an example. We’re glad we have the slide, and one in the bedroom as well would be nice, but not nice enough for us to trade in the old girl
I would recommend a slide in at least the living room.
Dick

[clyon51]

After having a '29ft C with no slides to a 34' A with one 16' slide, there is NO WAY we would have anything less. We've had our '99 National for 2 years. Although we've done a lot of upgrades, we've never had an issue. I'd pick the Breeze

[TXiceman]

If you can find a floor plan that has the room and works for you without a slide...got for it. I'd prefer no slid due to the mechanical issues and leak potential.

Of course there is the argument that non-slide units are hard to sell. But get a good price on it and not have to spend money on repairs, you should do OK.

Ken

[sdennislee]

Agree with cb1000rider.

On another note, not all coaches with slides limit your movement in the coach. I have an 09 Safari Chetah with 4 slides. I have complete movement front to back with the slides in. Access to all but one kitchen cabinet and the bottom 4 drawers of the bedroom chest of drawers.

When traveling alone I stay at rest areas until I arrive at my destination. I am able to cook, eat, sleep shower, etc.. with the 4 slides in.

[Clayobx]

No slides, no way! Slides offer a floor plan you can live with. Technology is a gift, so go, find your floor plan YOU like, cause that is what is all important! Buy it and travel happily ever after! Slides

[TAZ]

I have had both. But last one without a slide was back in the 80's. I am 100% in favor of the slides

[coupla Kiwis]

Thanks folks for the feed back. We are planning on full timing in our RV for at least 2 years so want to take in to account the reliability factor of slide vs no slide. WT, as far as budget goes, well we've seen on the likes of CL, what i consider to be pretty good buys in the non slide models around the $16,000 to $22,000 mark, and $ 25,000 - $ 28,000 for 1 or 2 slide models.
We're just thinking the price difference is our solar set up and some fuffy dice
I'm happy to rework some of the cabinetry etc to suit our needs ( I have the skills and pay my bills in the cabinetry business) The fact that we are looking at smaller size A's in the 30' -32' range makes us wonder if paying the extra for slide should be a no brainer if they are not a maintenance nightmare.

Mr M.

[sdennislee]

Slides like anything mechanical will require routine maintenance but if properly maintained I would never classify them as a maintenance nightmare.

Full timing for 2 years go with a slide or 2.

[Sky_Boss]

Originally Posted by coupla Kiwis

Thanks folks for the feed back. We are planning on full timing in our RV for at least 2 years so want to take in to account the reliability factor of slide vs no slide. ...

FT RV is our goal in about 2 years. We went big with our current RV because we thought it would be a good FT model. It could be for many people but we have decided it isn't for us. We are having some weight and balance issues, AC issues and discovered some things about the floor plan that looked nice at first but aren't as handy as we though in real life. We decided we also wanted a king bed and 2 piece washer/dryer in our FT home. One other essential item is a private toilet and a vanity that is not in the toilet area and NOT in the bedroom either.

Sorry to say we are not looking to be minimalist in the strictest sense but certainly MUCH more so than we are now. We are still looking at the 38-40' range for us and our 2 big dogs. Maybe a well priced 43' provided it is very well priced. We are looking mostly at the Newmar line because of floor plans. The debate we are having is to go new with the Ventana line or a bit older with the Dutch Star line.

This is all very individual so I am just tossing out some factors we ran into. If you like a smaller RV and it meets your needs/goals...go for it. It is all an adventure.

From the information I got from the RV Consumer Group there are some factors to consider for an FT rig. Window venting in galley and bathroom areas, shower stall wall construction to avoid moisture accumulation, sturdiness and water tightness of shower/tub, overall wall thickness and framing, floor/wall/ceiling quality/insulation and reputation for livability.

All this plays into the slide question. Can you have enough elbow room with out them? For us the answer is no. I think it is important to consider your situation and tolerance for small spaces for a couple years. It is one thing to go out on weekends or perhaps 2-3 weeks at a time and live in a small space. It is another to live in it 24/7, 365.

Enjoy your research and take lots of aspirin. LOL

[SteveLevin]

The usability of the coach with slides in was definitely something important to us. We sometimes end up camping in situations where we can't put the slides out due to limited space , and we've done that without feeling bothered.

That said, after a week somewhere with the slide nout, when we are packing up to head off and pull the slides in (especially the living room slide) it's always sorta of an "awwww...where'd the space go" moment.

Steve

[Chuck13]

We love our slides. You can use the MH with the living room one in if needed, but when it's open, it's like a completely different area. Little hard to use the bedroom area with slide in, but we've never had too. My opinion, definitely two slides.