Community Forums

LK23 · 06-06-2011, 03:37 PM

I am evaluating the 2012 Dutchstar. One of the options is "Power lock Arms on Four Slideout Rooms". I would appreciate comments on the pros and cons of having this $4,000 option.

JMonroe · 06-06-2011, 04:06 PM

While we don't own a Dutch Star, our rig does have these locking arms.

I'd add them to the order. I think they provide at least two advantages. One, the slide out is going to move around less as you're going down the road and they should take some stress off the mechanism that moves the slide in and out. Two, every once in a while you'll read a post where a slide out will move out while going down the road. Usually only an inch or two, but still.

Dav5942 · 06-06-2011, 04:21 PM

No need! Just another problem "down the road". Never had a slide move around, if it does use the manual locks.

Romeo · 06-06-2011, 04:26 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by JMonroe

...they provide at least two advantages... Two... slide out will move out while going down the road...

That's an avantage?

JMonroe · 06-06-2011, 04:38 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Romeo

That's an avantage?

Stopping it certainly would be.

GaryKD · 06-06-2011, 05:10 PM

Hi LK23,
My next coach will have the auto lock feature. Climbing over the bed to do the manual locks is getting old.

Perry White · 06-06-2011, 05:14 PM

I gotum on my Essex and I don't think I'd pay $4000 as an option. Half the time they don't work.

soricobob · 06-06-2011, 05:49 PM

I agree with Perry, plus the fact that the first time the arms did not lock, when I called the dealer I purchased the unit from, I was told not to worry that the arms are just are just a back up system

"007" · 06-06-2011, 07:18 PM

For $4000 bucks I'd keep my manual locks, this thread will explain why.
More people have had problems since they have been used with water leaks, rust in controls, slides unable to move open or closed because of some problem with them.
I have always had the manuals and I do use them because of a accident in another motor home and the gyrations your motor home can get into with a lite hit by another vehicle.
As for the bedroom slide I find using the forward lock holds that slide easily with no movement the bed has more surface on the floor.

Mr_D · 06-06-2011, 07:30 PM

Our DSDP has the manual locks on all three slides. Sometimes I use them and sometimes not. Makes no difference either way in whether a slide moves or not in the just under 9 years we've owned the unit.

BBM3 · 06-07-2011, 04:56 PM

We ordered the power lock arms on our '05 DSDP.
They work great. They pull the slides in a bit, lock the slides in place and compress the seals just right.

It is easy to find people discussing failures because we are more likely to post problems rather than successes.

Here is a success story:
Our experience has been positive. If we were to order another new MH we would order power lock arms again without hesitation.

Regards,
-Bill and Nancy

Renden · 06-07-2011, 05:08 PM

And I agree with BBM3

- mine work fine and do give the extra seal for my 4 slide-outs and would have them on the next MH - However, if Newmar figures they are valuable and a safety issue, they should be included in the price ($$)