Community Forums

RVSeahawkFan · 06-26-2012, 05:08 PM

Looking at getting some slide-out stabalizers/supports. I was reading that anytime you have a slide out extended for longer then 72 hours you should put supports under the slides to reduce sagging over time. Does anyone have any good information on this or reviews before I drop the $65 dollars on these. Or am I about to waste money? Here's a link:
Jack-in-a-Box Slide-Out Stabilizers, Set of 2 - Stromberg Carlson JB-20 - Slideouts & Storage Bays - Camping World

Mr_D · 06-26-2012, 05:15 PM

What happens if your rig settles or comes off the blocks? I have yet to see a manufacturer recommend the supports. In fact the ones I've seen say not to use them as it will damage the slide if the RV shifts or settles.

Bigblue12v · 06-26-2012, 05:38 PM

The best would be to have a support that is a triangulated brace back to the frame. I doubt the angles would work out well but it would solve any settling or falling issues. My trailer has a double stacked 6" box tube frame arrangement so I have a foot tall frame under it, which might provide enough angle, but I'm positive a single 6" frame wouldn't have a big enough height difference to offer much triangulation.

RustyJC · 06-26-2012, 05:41 PM

Slideout supports are NOT RECOMMENDED by any RV manufacturer I'm aware of, but I know of several that specifically WARN AGAINST their use. The last thing you want is your RV supported by its slideouts.

Rusty

heyaim · 06-26-2012, 05:45 PM

Great question....we were wondering the same thing!

trackman · 06-26-2012, 05:56 PM

Slideouts are made with all the needed support. The only thing they need is a level surface and I have had mine out in less than perfect terrain with no problems

thepapabear5 · 06-26-2012, 05:57 PM

I haven't used any, but reading my owners manual (2008 Grand Junction 5th Wheel) it does say if the slides are going to be out an extend time, use supports. It doesn't address what an extended time is!

Bigblue12v · 06-26-2012, 06:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by thepapabear5

I haven't used any, but reading my owners manual (2008 Grand Junction 5th Wheel) it does say if the slides are going to be out an extend time, use supports. It doesn't address what an extended time is!

Nor does it address what proper support methods/mechanisms should be used?

Most every rig I've seen with slideouts seems to be left opened/extended when parked at home not in use. It's definitely much more convenient to access the unit like that, but to me it opens up more potential leak points/damagable surface areas, and more potential for slide out to sag, if it is ever going to sag. If its retracted there's no possibility of sagging, leaking, water damage, etc. bottom line here is keep it in when not in use. That being said, mine is out in the driveway parked with slide out extended. It spent 14 years that way by previous owner sitting in same spot and yes it had water damage to slide out walls. Not sure if he had any supports under it or not but it goes in and out just like it should, and yes the walls are better than new now that I rebuilt it.

RVSeahawkFan · 06-26-2012, 08:25 PM

These are alot of good answers. This is what I was hoping to hear from people before I go out and drop $65 on something that might not be useful. Thanks for the responses.