Slide-out weight limits

[SteveFortune]

Are there limits on how much weight a slide-out can handle.... I ask because I am about to buy my first RV{aka... 5th wheel}, and since I will have to buy A used RVin the 30-35k range to live in full time..... Many of the units will need the couch and-or that need to be replaced.... my home pieces are over-sized and very heavy.... will I be able to use them..... or will i have to buy a cheaper light weight set.....

[jacknife]

You would be surprised at how much RV furniture weighs . Go to a dealer and try pickig up a few pieces to compare. I don't think tou will have a problem as long as can get through the door .

[SteveFortune]

Originally Posted by jacknife

You would be surprised at how much RV furniture weighs . Go to a dealer and try pickig up a few pieces to compare. I don't think tou will have a problem as long as can get through the door .

if i cannot get it thru the door.. can a window be removed ... put the furniture in and then replace the window..... or is this just wishful thinking.....

[easdsa]

More than one person has removed a windshield from their MH to replace the old RV refrigerator with a residential unit, so you wouldn't be breaking new ground. The question, though, is whether you have a window that is bigger than the door.

Another question would be the route you will need to take to get the old item out and the new one in. For example, if the space around your entrance door is tight, while you have a large window at the rear, and you are replacing the mattress, it might make sense to take the straight shot. I suspect that, for most things, you will be able to use the door.

Another factor to consider is that if you take our a window you will have to replace that window, which includes sealing it. Consider your options carefully, and keep safety in mind.

[Rolfsted]

I bought jacks to support the slide out whenever it's out.

[dayle1]

I have never seen weight limits published by any manufacturer for their slide outs. On my last fiver, I replaced the RV sofa with one that had storage under and behind it. I carried a lot of heavy items, dog food, bottled water, etc. and I carried a lot of weight under the booth dinette as well. I never had a problem with the slide out open or even traveling with it closed. Sounds like you will only have the slide open, so your situation should be better. But, on the other hand, it isn't just the weight of the furniture, but also the occupants.

In my opinion, your biggest problem would be getting the furniture thru the RV door. RV sofas and chairs generally have removable backs. When I built my storage sofa, I had to build it in multiple pieces to get it thru the door.

[Arch Hoagland]

Originally Posted by Rolfsted

I bought jacks to support the slide out whenever it's out.

You best hope you don't forget it's there and lower your tongue or stabilizers.

Good bye slide-out.

[paz]

Originally Posted by SteveFortune

if i cannot get it thru the door.. can a window be removed ... put the furniture in and then replace the window..... or is this just wishful thinking.....

Many RVs have a large window behind the sofa. It is preferable to remove this window rather than removing the windshield to get a large item in or out of the RV because a side window is easier to handle and it is easier to reseal afterward.

[Rolfsted]

Originally Posted by Arch Hoagland

You best hope you don't forget it's there and lower your tongue or stabilizers.

Good bye slide-out.

I have check list I run through. Those are close to the top of the list!

[PhoneDude 8289]

Originally Posted by Rolfsted

I bought jacks to support the slide out whenever it's out.

Not advisable to use jack supports on slide outs, they can cause server damage to the slide.

[Rolfsted]

Originally Posted by PhoneDude 8289

Not advisable to use jack supports on slide outs, they can cause server damage to the slide.

How so?

[CampDaven]

I have seen slide damage from slide support jacks quite often.
If anything settles or if there are gusty winds, the RV moves but not the outboard edges of the slide. Something has to give, so the union between the slides and the RV get stressed.
With your slide support jacks in place, stand inside and watch the union between the slide and RV at the top while a neighbor rocks the RV from the outside. It will move. Physics!
I demonstrated this to a neighbor. He said holy moly and took them off. Why would the salesman recommend them, he asked? Sales. Coin operated.
Some threads on this
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f116/jack...sm-153940.html
http://www.irv2.com/forums/f59/jacks...-224133-2.html

[Rolfsted]

I never thought of that. Thank you

[lanerd]

Also, unless you're parked on concrete, the weight of the rv can cause the levelers and or support jacks under the rv to sink whereas the supports under the slide out might not due to much less weight on them.

Just not a good idea.

Ron