Community Forums

barmcd · 06-04-2021, 11:51 AM

Any still use them. I never have, but after adjusting the slide I’m thinking about starting. My manual is pretty vague, it says to “Place the bar mechanism between the wall and top edge of the slide out room” it also says “The Lock’R has a built in spring to preset the tension.” Mine are too short and I need to screw out the end to make it fit. Is there a procedure for getting the right tension? The top of the slide on the inside doesn’t look very robust.

Vintage Iron · 06-04-2021, 12:43 PM

I use the slide out locks that are built in on my 2008 Baystar. They are bolted in place and hinge in the middle during slide extension. They have to be manually locked and unlocked. Their purpose is to stabilize the top portion of the slide during travel. That adds structural support, better seal (think reduced wind noise, dust and rattling). They add safety in case of an accidental extension (broken gear etc.).
They are a pain in the butt to use and I am paranoid every time I extend the slides.
However, on balance, I think I am better off using them on the road and posting reminders to myself about releasing before slide extension.
I am not familiar with the locking bars that you have but it sounds like they serve the same purpose. There should be information on how to adjust spring tension. Maybe in your owners manual or on line.

Timaz · 06-04-2021, 12:48 PM

I never have had any. My slides hold nice and tight when in.

Tim

96 Wideglide · 06-04-2021, 02:40 PM

They forgot to install the little wall reciever hole plates in 3 out of 4 of my slides, then gave me 4 locking bars, all the long size, which are too long for the narrow curbside slides

!

No, don't use slide locks!

rvhotrod · 06-07-2021, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by barmcd

Any still use them. I never have, but after adjusting the slide I’m thinking about starting. My manual is pretty vague, it says to “Place the bar mechanism between the wall and top edge of the slide out room” it also says “The Lock’R has a built in spring to preset the tension.” Mine are too short and I need to screw out the end to make it fit. Is there a procedure for getting the right tension? The top of the slide on the inside doesn’t look very robust.

Dennis, I used the locks for the first 2 or 3 years we owned our coach, haven't used them since. I do still carry them.
You are correct the flange on the top of the slide is flimsy at best and it did flex when I installed the locks but it did not deform permanently. As for " correct tension" I adjusted mine till it "seemed right"... what ever that means.

On our 10,000 mile Alaskan trip with many many frost heaves and 150 miles of dirt roads no issues with the slide without the locks.

barmcd · 06-07-2021, 09:19 AM

Thanks for the input. I guess I’ll leave them off. I’m a little worriededvabout one falling off and hitting me in the head anyway!

pneumatics · 06-07-2021, 09:57 AM

I bought two JUST in case there were needed. In case the slide wall motor or the gearing stripped and could not hold back any more. Cheap insurance.

GDGorsuch · 06-07-2021, 05:30 PM

Our previous MH had no bars—I was not sure what they were in our 07 Diplomat. I may use since I have a full wall slide.

Dwight
07 Monaco Diplomat ISL 400