Slide mod long term implications

[Qultnfool]

Hi, total Noobs and not sure if I am even posting in the correct space, apologies if I am wrong. DH and I prepping to buy an older Foretravel or Beaver for fulltiming within the next 2 years or so. I am finding floor plans in both I like with some tweaks. Initially we were looking at no slides, but we stay stationary for at least another 7 years due to employment (he likes his job) so opening up to considering a slide to ease the wet winter confinement induced claustrophobia in the PNW. We really are ready to downsize just not ready to follow the sunshine.

So, the question of interior modifications come into plan with a slide. What I want to do is remove the dinette and sofa currently in the slide, replacing with a custom built sewing cabinet, wingback chair and a cat tree. Can slides be adjusted after a modifications to account for uneven weight distribution, like a counterweight? Is there a long term problem to anticipate or a maintenance to counter act such a problem? Every floor plan I see still has us placing the sewing cabinet in one corner of the slide (replacing dinette) with the cat tree behind the driver's seat. Love any input from techs and people living long term with slide modifications.

[ThePowells]

The issue on your slide will be weight, but what you describe will not be an issue as your replacement items will weigh less that what you are removing.

If I understood your posting correctly, you are shopping now for a RV to use in 7 years? If you are, I hope that you will at least be able to take some weekend trips and a longer one from time to time. The RV sitting will do as much damage as being abused and neglected. The slide will need to be cycled on a regular basis along with maintaining the seals.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Qultnfool

Hi, total Noobs and not sure if I am even posting in the correct space, apologies if I am wrong. DH and I prepping to buy an older Foretravel or Beaver for fulltiming within the next 2 years or so. I am finding floor plans in both I like with some tweaks. Initially we were looking at no slides, but we stay stationary for at least another 7 years due to employment (he likes his job) so opening up to considering a slide to ease the wet winter confinement induced claustrophobia in the PNW. We really are ready to downsize just not ready to follow the sunshine.

So, the question of interior modifications come into plan with a slide. What I want to do is remove the dinette and sofa currently in the slide, replacing with a custom built sewing cabinet, wingback chair and a cat tree. Can slides be adjusted after a modifications to account for uneven weight distribution, like a counterweight? Is there a long term problem to anticipate or a maintenance to counter act such a problem? Every floor plan I see still has us placing the sewing cabinet in one corner of the slide (replacing dinette) with the cat tree behind the driver's seat. Love any input from techs and people living long term with slide modifications.

Also consider a Country Coach in addition to the Beaver & Foretravel.
If you could find a coach that has a dining table & chairs set up, it would be easier to convert me thinks...
I can see very few issues with the slide in any of the three choices.
You would have to insure that the additions are secured to the floor and are not much heavier than what items you remove. (for when you are traveling)
These are pic's of our 40' coach's living room slide appointments.

If you get a 40',42' or 45' coach, might be able to retain the dinette , or if equipped, a dining room table & chairs.& opposing slides would give you even more space....(eating in comfort is nice)

Here is a link for a "Custom built all electric", 42' that has a bedroom slide as well,,lots and lots of storage in this one (yes I have been inside and toured it)


http://www.oldtownmotorcoach.com/2003-foretravel-u320-42-.html

And here are several that may fit the bill..

http://motorhomesoftexas.com/c#/coac...lt/all/all/all

Dream Big..You might be surprised what can happen...
Happy Quilting

[MSHappyCampers]

Hi ! Welcome to IRV2! We're sure glad you joined the gang!

Unless you decide to put a large safe in there I would not worry about it!

Good luck, happy trails, and God bless!


Merry Christmas!

[Qultnfool]

We will stay in the PDX area for at least seven years but DH works 4-10s so the plan is several weekend outings per month to get and keep skills and systems running. Plus annual trips to eastern MT and CO to hang with family.

Thanks for insights on weight in the slide, had a thought to redesign the cat tree for storage under it (maybe cabinet for a printer) that will help distribute some weight. I insisted on a 1000 pounds of payload, paying attention to weight and distribution is certainly a new thought process from s&b!

[Qultnfool]

Originally Posted by saddlesore

Also consider a Country Coach in addition to the Beaver & Foretravel.
If you could find a coach that has a dining table & chairs set up, it would be easier to convert me thinks...
I can see very few issues with the slide in any of the three choices.
You would have to insure that the additions are secured to the floor and are not much heavier than what items you remove. (for when you are traveling)
These are pic's of our 40' coach's living room slide appointments.

If you get a 40',42' or 45' coach, might be able to retain the dinette , or if equipped, a dining room table & chairs.& opposing slides would give you even more space....(eating in comfort is nice)

Here is a link for a "Custom built all electric", 42' that has a bedroom slide as well,,lots and lots of storage in this one (yes I have been inside and toured it)


2003 Foretravel U320 42'

And here are several that may fit the bill..

ALL Pre Owned motorhomes Inventory

Dream Big..You might be surprised what can happen...
Happy Quilting

Saddlesore, we had planned 36' but are already creeping to 40' trying to draw the line at there. :-D . Your living space is what I am liking but with a fabulous quilting space in the slide complete with a cat diversion area.

[saddlesore]

Originally Posted by Qultnfool

Saddlesore, we had planned 36' but are already creeping to 40' trying to draw the line at there. :-D . Your living space is what I am liking but with a fabulous quilting space in the slide complete with a cat diversion area.

IF You are "Full Timing"..The extra length makes all the difference in the world between "Living" and just "making Do".
If I had to buy or replace our coach, a 42' or a 45' Foretravel/Newell or Marathon (all with tag axle) would be at the top of our short list.
Don't let the length scare you, yes a few camping spots will be a "no go" but I have (with a little research) never been denied my fishing spots (I mostly dry camp).
and do check out the links I sent.

And here is a county campground we really like, especially if we can get a river front/shoreline spot.

http://www.campgroundreviews.com/regions...ista-park-5691