Community Forums

Arch Hoagland · 09-06-2011, 10:26 PM

We do ours both ways. Just depends on who gets what job done first during setup. I do all the outside stuff and my wife does the inside and deploys the slides after I've checked for clearance. Hasn't made any difference in probably somewhere near a thousand setups.

Mr_D · 09-06-2011, 10:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays

So what is the winner? Sounds like it doesn't make any difference. That's why i like air bags instead of jacks.

Jim E

It does make a difference so follow your manufacturers instruction. On our DSDP's they have stated to level first then deploy slides, so I do. Also states to be plugged into shore power or have the gen running. I don't always do that though.

Hikerdogs · 09-07-2011, 07:53 AM

I think it depends on the make and model of the coach. On our Adventurer the manual states the correct procedure is to level first then extend the slides. They even go so far as to state the proper method of leveling is first side to side, then front to rear. Their logic for leveling side to side first is to minimize or eliminate any twisting of the frame. Since they built it and hopeflly know more about the structural integrety we've always followed their recommendations. So far so good.

Pairajays · 09-07-2011, 09:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr_D

It does make a difference so follow your manufacturers instruction. On our DSDP's they have stated to level first then deploy slides, so I do. Also states to be plugged into shore power or have the gen running. I don't always do that though.

Sounds like you are selective in which manufacturers instructions you follow.

Jim E

Wayne M · 09-07-2011, 10:15 AM

Whatever the book says, I'll do.

In my case, when I push the "Auto Level" button, the first thing is a 20 second delay while the air bags deflate. When they are deflated the coach is as tight to the chassis as it can get, and solid. Then the jacks deploy and level the coach. Then I put the slides out.

With the airbags deflated and on solid frame, and the jacks deployed, there is no change to the level bubble after deploying the slides. I also leave the engine running during this process, as the mfg suggests, to have the alternator assist with the current handling.

rsaint · 09-07-2011, 03:14 PM

JimM68

I like the way you camp!! I do the same with a vodka-tonic!!

Dunner · 09-07-2011, 03:21 PM

You're sitting in the driver's seat next to the level controls. If you don't have to use blocks, do it then.

Tha_Rooster · 09-07-2011, 04:23 PM

There is only one right answer beer first, just kidding go by your manufacturer or you could pop out your windshield.

num1dgh · 09-07-2011, 04:25 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Peacekeeper6

Beer first.

Then follow the manufacturer's procedure written in the manual.

I like that idea.

Our manual (Country Coach . . . no jacks just airbags) says to put slides out, then level. It also mentions that we have to have our door open when we put the slides out. I'm not entirely certain why, but I'm afraid to question it and try it without opening the door!!

Dunner · 09-07-2011, 06:42 PM

That's not good. Sounds like they expect the frame to flex enough to prevent the doors from opening or twisting the door frame into damaging the door. My `82 Vette was that way. If you didn't open the door before jacking it up, the door wouldn't open.

mccsix · 09-07-2011, 07:52 PM

Doors open before slides go out is to reduce a vacuum that might blow out a slide seal. Just open 1 window and stand next to it while the slide is operating and you'll feel the air.

Chuck 1935 · 09-07-2011, 08:13 PM

1, Dump Air
2, Set Jack & Level
3, Put out front slide
4, Hook up Electric, Only Hook up water when the tank gets low, only dump
tanks every few days.
5, Wife puts out rear slide and gets inside all set.
6, I put out the carpet and chairs and fix drinks
7, Sit and enjoy drinks and watch the late arrivals backinng in trailers, screaming "if you can't see me I can't see you, g dammit". Sewer lines going uphill and all
all sorts of mayhem.

Mr_D · 09-07-2011, 08:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Pairajays

Sounds like you are selective in which manufacturers instructions you follow.

Jim E

The only reason for needing to be hooked up or the gen set running is to insure that there is enough voltage. I KNOW my batteries will do the job even though they're over 9 years old now

Alan_Hepburn · 09-07-2011, 08:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mccsix

Doors open before slides go out is to reduce a vacuum that might blow out a slide seal. Just open 1 window and stand next to it while the slide is operating and you'll feel the air.

The slide would have to be operating pretty fast to pull a vacuum during deployment, considering there's a significant air space around the perimeter of the slide while it's moving...