Community Forums

Stan&Jacquie · 01-10-2014, 09:11 PM

A few slideout lock bars came with my coach but I haven't used them. How important is it to use these?

TBS-POPS · 01-10-2014, 10:07 PM

Mine are in the basement, in the plastic bag I believe since new. I don't think they have ever been used since 2004. They are a safety device just like the safety latch on some refrig doors just in case. Should prob use them but I don't. But then I have been one of the lucky ones that have never had a slide come out on the road. I do know people that have had that happen. No proof but I have heard that it is mandatory in some states to use them.

Tony Lee · 01-11-2014, 12:10 PM

My concern would be whether there was an interlock to prevent the slide mechanism being powered up when the locks were in place and if not, or if the interlock failed dangerous, what sort of damage would be done if the slide was inadvertently operated.

My slide does have a manual isolator in one of the bays under the slide, but apparently the previous owner never bothered with fitting the physical locking pieces.

GaryKD · 01-11-2014, 12:14 PM

Hi Stan&Jacquie,
I have used my locking bars each and every time. The bars are there to allow the slide and the fixed side wall of the coach to join together. This provides additional support for the coach. I do not know about your brand of coach. On a Newmar coach when the ignition switch is in the on position, there is no power to any of the slide motors.

Darwin · 01-11-2014, 12:28 PM

I always use the slide lock, as others have stated it is a safety measure. If something else fails the slide stays in. I compare it to seat belts, most or the time they are not necessary, but when you need them they could save you.

Dupdyke · 01-11-2014, 02:24 PM

My 2003 Monaco Dynasty has hyd rams for the big front slides and no provision for the safety bars that I have had in older Winnebagos with gear drive slide. I have 94,000 miles on this one and I have NEVER had any issue with slides moving. Now I have had fun getting the slides to move in or out until I got angry and bent the brackets for the safety switches so they make solid contact with the bay doors.

If you have the less frills gear drive coaches they designed it with safety lock bars perhaps they know something and intended for them to be used. My elect motor that moves the slides will not move if the ignition key is on. No pump no fluid movement.

Good luck D

38 Special · 01-11-2014, 03:46 PM

I no longer use them. It only took one time for me to deploy the slide, not watching close, till the huge bang and trim boards went flying. Trip to town for a brad nailer, and a few hours of persueding the aluminum frame and the wood trim back in place cured me. I threw it in the campground dumpster.

SteveCal · 01-11-2014, 08:38 PM

2005 Southwind. 77.776.5 miles. Never used the lock bars.

Stan&Jacquie · 01-11-2014, 11:19 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by SteveCal

2005 Southwind. 77.776.5 miles. Never used the lock bars.

To All Responders.....many thanks for your insightful thoughts on this subject.

Stan

vsheetz · 01-12-2014, 09:59 AM

Did not know such a thing existed until reading this thread. So I guess I don't need them.

meffrig · 01-25-2014, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 38 Special

I no longer use them. It only took one time for me to deploy the slide, not watching close, till the huge bang and trim boards went flying. Trip to town for a brad nailer, and a few hours of persueding the aluminum frame and the wood trim back in place cured me. I threw it in the campground dumpster.

Same thing happened to me. They are pretty loud when they hit the floor. I don't mess with them any more.

Doggy Daddy · 01-25-2014, 04:02 PM

Have Never ever used it. Might be recommended if traveling on uneven/wash board road and off road just to ensure/keep the slide from bouncing off the tracks.