Community Forums

frankdamp · 08-12-2010, 08:20 PM

I've seen mention of these devices, but have no idea what they are or why they're necessary.

We are the new owners of an '02 Georgetown 325 with a small bedroom slide and an almost 13' long living room slide, which comes out about 20". There's no mention in the Forest River documentation about the slide-outs. We've been adhering to the "jacks first then slides" on deployment.

After our second 4-day trip, I was going through the various cupboards and came across what look like cheer-leader batons. Are these slide-out stabilizers? If so, how are they supposed to be used and why are they needed?

Previous owner never mentioned them during our pre-delivery inspection.

**NLOVNIT** · 08-12-2010, 11:05 PM

Those "baton" looking thingys are slide out locks.

They go between the wall & the front of the slide out when the slide is in to keep it from wiggling it's way out as you're travelling down the road. Our coach doesn't have them, but I've heard some do. If you choose to use them, just don't forget to remove them before trying to deploy your slides when you set up at your campsite or you'll hear a whole bunch of crunching

Lori-

H. Miller · 08-13-2010, 04:48 AM

"stabilizers" are "leg like" jack devices that are used at the outside corners of a large slide (between slide and the ground) to help stabilize the slide. Don't see them advertised much anymore probably due to stronger better designed slides. They might be handy for those staying weeks/months in one place.

Route 66 · 08-13-2010, 05:00 AM

Some RV manufacturers use slideout locks as Lori mentions.

I don't believe any RV manufacturer recommends external supports for extended slideouts as they are just not needed and the slides are not designed to be supported on that manner.

It's another solution to a non-existent problem.

swamphog · 08-13-2010, 05:25 AM

I was informed by many dealers that the slide outs are design to "hang", not using any outside support but I often wonder about the weight on the frame. But i suppose it really wouldn't hurt by adding a support just touching the slide out.

Richard S. · 08-13-2010, 06:08 AM

When using support under you’re slid out, if the ground settles or your leveling jacks were to bleed down this would cause upward force on you slide room causing it to bend or brake.

swamphog · 08-15-2010, 05:36 AM

now Richard S. that would be a good major reason why one shouldn't use a support for a slide out

frankdamp · 08-15-2010, 08:56 AM

Thanks, folks. Now I know what they are! With the type of hydraulic slides I have (an integrated hydraulic system with the jacks), I don't see a need to put things in the mechanism to keep them in. I might change my mind if I see the slides moving when we're on the road.