Community Forums

Ken k · 01-12-2021, 04:17 PM

Hi all,
curious to learn more about the slides and mechanisms on the for travel coaches.
are all the slides of the flush fit rounded corner style? all seal with air bladders? why do I see some of their slides with slide toppers and some with out.

looks like a nice product, website could use an overhaul

Thanks,
Ken

jcussen · 01-12-2021, 04:55 PM

Think you will find most slide coaches have flange type seals, that compress when slide is closed and naturally expand when slide is out. But believe in new coaches, think only Newell and Foretravel have the expanding bladder type seals,which allow for a fully flush surface, but may be wrong. Some coaches have toppers and some don't, and is an option on many coaches.

spuds · 01-12-2021, 07:17 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jcussen

But believe in new coaches, think only Newell and Foretravel have the expanding bladder type seals,which allow for a fully flush surface, but may be wrong.

Renegade Ikon uses the same system. Other levels of Renegade do not.

Prevost conversions also have a flush slide system. I don't believe it's the same as the HWH one used by Foretravel and the Ikon.

Slide bladder replacement is not a DIY job - they last about 7-10 years and are about $2-3K per slide to replace (depends on year and slide size), labor and materials.

jcussen · 01-12-2021, 09:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by spuds

Renegade Ikon uses the same system. Other levels of Renegade do not.

Prevost conversions also have a flush slide system. I don't believe it's the same as the HWH one used by Foretravel and the Ikon.

Slide bladder replacement is not a DIY job - they last about 7-10 years and are about $2-3K per slide to replace (depends on year and slide size), labor and materials.

Thanks, forgot about Prevost, some have a flush slide but do not have a inflatable bladder like the Foretravel and Newell.
Didn't know about the Renegade Ikon, the fact that they use the bladder seal indicates a quality Super C. I can see why they are expensive.
BTY my coach is 17 years old and has just now required a rear slide seal, and yes $3K plus, but some slides can be pushed into the coach to be changed, unfortunately some have to remove the slide to replace the seal.

DRM901 · 01-15-2021, 05:44 PM

If you are interested in a used one, I think Motorhomes of Texas has one of the largest selection of used Foretravels. And since they are only a mile or so down the road from the Foretravel assembly site, see if they do tours and do a 2-fer. (Motorhomes of Texas also has Newells, Prevost, etc.)

Newmar has flush slides, but not bladder seals.

We were amazed at how spacious the Foretravels are, even with the slides in. But basement space was limited for the length.

evaporatorz · 03-10-2021, 07:59 PM

Ken,

I added a slide topper to my slides in order to keep the tops of the slides clear of leaves, etc. when it is slid in for travel.

Dave

Ken k · 03-13-2021, 07:47 PM

Thanks all for the info. Besides the beautiful flush fit and finish and flat floors, how about things like the mechanism, adjustment, general user experience. I really want to understand all of this as slides are a big issue for me. I'd love to upgrade but not for nothing. Here's a few other things

If no slide toppers any issues with leaking from rain? Any leaks during road use?
Is there any type of wiper seal on the top? Do you have to clean to of slide after an extended stay?

What is the process of extending or retracting slides. How long does it take?

Do you get a good solid road experience? Rattles, leaks

What is the mechanism that creates the in and out movement? Electric, hydraulic, gears? Do the slides operate well in cold weather? How do they operate as far as level or twist?

Any other known quirks? I haven't found alot of info on YouTube or else where. Nothing locally to me that I know of.

saddlesore · 04-06-2021, 06:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM901

If you are interested in a used one, I think Motorhomes of Texas has one of the largest selection of used Foretravels. And since they are only a mile or so down the road from the Foretravel assembly site, see if they do tours and do a 2-fer. (Motorhomes of Texas also has Newells, Prevost, etc.)

Newmar has flush slides, but not bladder seals.

We were amazed at how spacious the Foretravels are, even with the slides in. But basement space was limited for the length.

The physical size of the fuel/black/gray/fresh tanks take up a lot of basement space.... Compare them to other mfg's tank sizes...

Turbojack · 04-15-2021, 06:41 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ken k

Thanks all for the info. Besides the beautiful flush fit and finish and flat floors, how about things like the mechanism, adjustment, general user experience. I really want to understand all of this as slides are a big issue for me. I'd love to upgrade but not for nothing. Here's a few other things

If no slide toppers any issues with leaking from rain? Any leaks during road use?
Is there any type of wiper seal on the top? Do you have to clean to of slide after an extended stay?

What is the process of extending or retracting slides. How long does it take?

Do you get a good solid road experience? Rattles, leaks

What is the mechanism that creates the in and out movement? Electric, hydraulic, gears? Do the slides operate well in cold weather? How do they operate as far as level or twist?

Any other known quirks? I haven't found alot of info on YouTube or else where. Nothing locally to me that I know of.

Answers

I have no slide awning. I was concerned at first but have not had a problem not having them.

Mine has a wiper at the top to remove water and anything else on top when I pull the sides in.

To open slide in my coach, some may different. Verify switch is in passenger or driver side position to know what slide I am moving out. Check outside to make sure plenty of room so will not hit anything up high or down low such as post, power pole, picket table, or tree. Turn key switch to the side and wait for the yellow light to stop flashing. Once light is on solid then hit the extend or retract but if bringing back it. Watch slide to verify both sides are moving together. Also before moving slide I make sure there is nothing inside that is in way of the slide. Once slide is in or out I keep holding down button for a little while and then let go. I was taught to hold the button until the pressure switch turned off the compressor but I feel the lines being under such high pressure all the time was causing me problems so now do not hold that long after slides are at their position.

I have seen no difference in cold or hot weather. I am told snow and ice on the slides can cause some problems but never had snow or side on slides. Both sides should go out together but need to watch to verify. System is hydraulics. I have not timed how long it takes for them to go in our out but not a long time compared to 5th wheeler I had.

So far the only leaks I have had it in the compartment doors.

GWBGE · 04-27-2021, 09:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by DRM901

If you are interested in a used one, I think Motorhomes of Texas has one of the largest selection of used Foretravels. And since they are only a mile or so down the road from the Foretravel assembly site, see if they do tours and do a 2-fer. (Motorhomes of Texas also has Newells, Prevost, etc.)

Newmar has flush slides, but not bladder seals.

We were amazed at how spacious the Foretravels are, even with the slides in. But basement space was limited for the length.

MHT was started by an ex Foretravel executive. Similar customer service approach, and they do handle a lot of used Foretravels as well as Newells and Prevosts.

I bought a 2019 LADP from them and have been really impressed with their after sale customer service.