Slides. Do I level before or after?

[Jdaniel2509]

I don't have a manual so it looks like I should have the coach resting on full air bags then let the slides out. After that would be the time to level with the hydraulic jacks? When its time to leave, let the hydraulic jacks up and then pull the slides in? I'm surprised there are different opinions on this. I would think they would all be basically the same. Except maybe for coaches that don't have air ride?

[The Driver]

[QUOTE=Jdaniel2509;1693254]I don't have a manual so it looks like I should have the coach resting on full air bags then let the slides out. After that would be the time to level with the hydraulic jacks? When its time to leave, let the hydraulic jacks up and then pull the slides in?QUOTE]

I have the manuals for my 06 TS Select, and there's not one for the sliders.....

However, I have a small file for the Hadley airbags that explains the functions available for the keypad under your left elbow in the driver's seat.

And I have a file for the Equalizer Autolevel jacks system. It is a large file that explains how to install the system as well as operate it!

I've attached both files to this message.

As for when to move your slides: that operation varies by brand of coach, because the systems used are so different, and the construction techniques are so different.

I use the process described to me by Paul Conley at Precision Painting, who used to work for Travel Supreme. As much alike as TS and Entegras are, they differ in this process. I'm told that's because Entegra uses a different construction technique for the slides.

With full air bags from driving the coach, pull into place and park, and shut off the engine. Autolevel the jacks. When they finish, deploy your slides.

When leaving, do the reverse: slides in, jacks retract, engine on.

You CAN vary from this for special needs. For example, my jacks gradually sank into soft ground over a couple weeks, and I wanted to move slightly and put boards under them. I fired the engine, gave the airbags time to inflate (they do on our coaches, even with the jacks deployed), retracted the jacks, moved the coach back a foot with the slides still out, and shut off the engine. When I hit the jacks' autolevel button, it re-leveled onto my boards, and we were back in business.

I always use the Hadley system to level with airbags when I pull onto fuel islands, so I get a good fill in the tank. You cannot simply use the auto shut-off on fuel hoses, because you'll get terrific spit-back from our tank. I'm told that's because the filler hose to our tanks from either side is nearly straight, and the fast rate of fill from truck island pumps pours in so much that it gushes back. I've found you can use auto shut-off until about 15 gallons to full, then run it v-e-r-y slowly by hand and finish it up.

I also use the Hadley system to level when using a dump station. Our hoses empty the tanks on the curb side but then run the width of the coach to the driver side to dump. You get the most empty by both sides being level.

Hope this helps.

[wyorancher]

Conflicting information? Yes, because you should go by what is in your own manual. Different RVs can handle it differently. Read your manual. In some cases you put the slides out first, then level. My MH manual says slides first, then level. I have a full slide on the drivers side.

[The Driver]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

Conflicting information? Yes, because you should go by what is in your own manual. Different RVs can handle it differently.

I agree.

You'll notice Jdaniel and I have the same coach....

[Maladjusted]

Yep... case by case... here's what is directly from my owner's manual...

Before Beginning Slide Room Operation

•

Remove any devices that may be used to lock the slide
room in place during travel.

•

Ensure that the motorhome is level and properly supported.
(Operating the slide room in unlevel conditions can cause
undue strain on the slide out mechanism and is not a

warrantable item.)

[Jdaniel2509]

Originally Posted by wyorancher

Conflicting information? Yes, because you should go by what is in your own manual. Different RVs can handle it differently. Read your manual. In some cases you put the slides out first, then level. My MH manual says slides first, then level. I have a full slide on the drivers side.

I have no manual.

["007"]

Here is some information I found on Google, question asked was what first level than slides out or just in reverse.

The question keeps being repeated but answers are from different members.
A couple ran into trouble with mechanical brake down of parts for slide.

If your coach is level I have always said your slide will track level with no travel side to side favoring the uneven side front to back on floor, because of level chassis frame.

There is mention of a super slide and how that came about, there also was a discussion in Newmar forum on FWS's and damage because coach was not leveled first which they now level first to prevent any further damage.

I also found TS Owners Guides PDF's downloads on Google which you would have to pay with credit card info, anyone ever try this.

Some of the links in sticky above take you to TS Clubs have you tried these outlets for information.

[wyorancher]

Originally Posted by Jdaniel2509

I have no manual.

Why? Every MH has a manual. When I sold my last MH the manual went with it. I wouldn't buy a used RV unless the PO furnished a manual. JMHO

[Mr_D]

Originally Posted by mel stuplich

Always try to do whatever the manufacturer of you coach recommends for your particular coach.
IMO whatever method others use is just that ... a method that others use, (and nothing more).

Exactly. Some say to extend slides then level, others, like our Dutch Star, say to level first then extend slides.
I always figure the manufacturer of a product knows what to do so I follow the instructions rather than following what someone else says.

[sailor_lou]

TS made a great coach and provided all the sub-supplier information, but did a poor job of coach specific documentation. I have all the manuals that were originally supplied with my MOHO and there is no discussion on slide deployment. I've also spoken to many other TS owners and noted the same lack of info, hence all the confusion. With all that said, I believe the steps described by "The Driver" above are accurate. It's logical and has been identified as correct by a couple of former TS employees via forums and emails. Also, I have it found that it has worked very well for me for several years now . Good luck.

Lou
05 TS Envoy 38DS04

[DA_BUS]

My 05 TS DP tandem has a manual and in the manual it specifically states level the coach with the automatically levelers first. Retract the slides before unleveling the coach. Common sense will tell you the engine will not start with the slides out so you have to retract the slides before unleveling and starting the coach. I have owned mine a long time and everything always works fine with leveling first. You want the slides level so they go out and come in straight.

[StevieG]

For DPs with air ride and brakes... When setting up....Dump the air.... Extend jacks... Level... Slides out last. When leaving site slides in first... Retract jacks... Inflate bags...

[Jdaniel2509]

Thanks. Leveling first just makes more sense. I can't see a reason to put the slides out when the coach isn't level. Common sense would say the slides would get in a bind.

[fansill]

I agree with most. I park the RV, Dump the air, level...and before I put the slides out I take out everything that I may need for the stay...such as chairs, tables, Hubby's scooter, etc.... I then put out the slides. I have saved myself from many headaches from banging my head on the slide as I tried to dig stuff out of the compartments with the slides already out....

Just my 2 cents worth...

Faith