Community Forums

krpowers54 · 05-11-2021, 03:05 PM

Hello all. A lot of firsts for me this year - Retired, purchased 2020 Dutch Star 4081 and 1st post to irv2.

In previous mh, I always leveled prior to putting slides out. In the DS owner's manual, they say to do just the opposite. I'm trying to look at this logically. It seems to me that there would be a lot less stress on slide-out mechanisms if they are extended/retracted when level. I think of retracting old style awnings. If the rv isn't level, it seems to favor one side or another and doesn't mesh evenly with the support bars.

On the other hand, I realize that leveling after slide-outs are extended would make for a more level final product. However, I'm more inclined to lean on less stress than the bubble being a little off-center.

Any thoughts? Thanks much!
Ken

rickemo · 05-11-2021, 03:10 PM

We level first then put out the slides.

BrokeDown · 05-11-2021, 03:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rickemo

We level first then put out the slides.

What Rick said.

Mac99 · 05-11-2021, 03:27 PM

Ditto on what Rick said. After slides are out
you can/may adjust again for any variations.
Might want to "zero" the auto leveler, often
they are off. I zeroed mine and then I always
leveled manually. Front to back, then side to
side. Worked great for the 11 years I had it.

southernlady · 05-11-2021, 03:30 PM

What does your manual say?

Our manual says level then slides out.

Tigerfan1 · 05-11-2021, 03:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krpowers54

Hello all. A lot of firsts for me this year - Retired, purchased 2020 Dutch Star 4081 and 1st post to irv2.

In previous mh, I always leveled prior to putting slides out. In the DS owner's manual, they say to do just the opposite. I'm trying to look at this logically. It seems to me that there would be a lot less stress on slide-out mechanisms if they are extended/retracted when level. I think of retracting old style awnings. If the rv isn't level, it seems to favor one side or another and doesn't mesh evenly with the support bars.

On the other hand, I realize that leveling after slide-outs are extended would make for a more level final product. However, I'm more inclined to lean on less stress than the bubble being a little off-center.

Any thoughts? Thanks much!

Ken

Newmar latest instructions are to extend slides at ride height after checking to make sure the gap around the slide out is even. Then level.

wildtoad · 05-11-2021, 03:59 PM

Newmar simply says to check the reveal(aka vertical gap) before extending the slides. They go on to say that most of the time the gap will be better when riding on the tires and not on the jacks. If you level first, get out and check the gap BEFORE you extend the slides.

What other manufacturers say to do is good information but not relevant.

GWBGE · 05-11-2021, 04:05 PM

On the newer Nemars, you extend the slide (especially the FWS) and then level. As has been said, check the vertical gaps to be sure they are even first.

I have been following this process and haven't had any problems.

A lot of people will vehemently disagree with this approach, but I'm going with the advice of the people who engineered and built my coach, over the internet experts.

Just my .02.

96kpmjmm · 05-11-2021, 04:23 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by krpowers54

Hello all. A lot of firsts for me this year - Retired, purchased 2020 Dutch Star 4081 and 1st post to irv2.

In previous mh, I always leveled prior to putting slides out. In the DS owner's manual, they say to do just the opposite. I'm trying to look at this logically. It seems to me that there would be a lot less stress on slide-out mechanisms if they are extended/retracted when level. I think of retracting old style awnings. If the rv isn't level, it seems to favor one side or another and doesn't mesh evenly with the support bars.

On the other hand, I realize that leveling after slide-outs are extended would make for a more level final product. However, I'm more inclined to lean on less stress than the bubble being a little off-center.

Any thoughts? Thanks much!
Ken

Congratulations on all.
This is what I have done with my 2016 Dutch Star and 2020 London Aire.
When I get to a campground I plug in or use generator, Engine is still running. Check my gap on all the slides. Make sure all is even with gap space. By this point shore power should be good, make sure I have 120 on each leg. I also make sure my batteries are bridged. With me outside watching and wife inside she sends the FWS out first than kitchen and bedroom. Turn off engine and hit the auto level, I watch as all jacks extend. When we are ready to leave hit auto store for jacks, start engine air up coach. With engine running bring slides in and unplug. I hope this helps, safe travels

DKRITTER · 05-11-2021, 04:30 PM

Not to many years ago Newmar recommended Leveling first then extending the slides. What they found out was at times this would cause excessive flex of the frames and the full wall slide might bind a bit.

They discovered it was better to extend the slides at ride height due to the fact the air bags caused less flex of the frame and this allowed the FWS to work better.

Newmar now recommends 1. checking clearance 2. extend slides 3. leveling
Putting the slides in are in reverse order 3,2,1

DKRITTER · 05-11-2021, 04:36 PM

Welcome to the forum.

The search button at the top will reveal about 75 gabillion similar threads.

mbrooking · 05-11-2021, 06:01 PM

Mr_D · 05-11-2021, 06:06 PM

What does Newmar say? Different models have different instructions depending on their slide mechanisms. Our '02 DSDP was level first then deploy slides.

AveryF · 05-11-2021, 06:22 PM

Check your owner's manual. Our 2004 Itasca manual says to level first then deploy slides. Ours is a gas coach and it may very well differ. Check manufacturer's recommendation.