Leave slides out for extended periods ?

[johncassidy]

Hello everyone,
We have our first “destination” trailer set up and are enjoying it on some land up north (Mich). Every time we leave I retract the slides. I’m thinking about just leaving them extended for the entire summer ) next year). Less wear and tear on slide mechanisms although some things prefer to be operated vs sitting. What do you do ?

[Warhorse6]

Hard to determine what you mean when you say “every time I leave”. If you mean when you go home for a week or two, then come back, I’d pull them in. If a day or so, then probably not. Reason is storms can really tear up slides and covers. Even when we’re out, when strong winds come up or big storms, I run mine in. Not willing to accept the risk of damage. I’d risk the wear and tear on the slide mechanisms before leaving them out for long periods unattended.

[Bigd9]

Other then wind and slide toppers, I don't see any problem. Now I;ve been hearing rumors that Michigan can get some of that white stuff called snow in the winter, so I would probably pull the slides in when not using them at that time of the year.

[hamm2018]

Originally Posted by johncassidy

Hello everyone,
We have our first “destination” trailer set up and are enjoying it on some land up north (Mich). Every time we leave I retract the slides. I’m thinking about just leaving them extended for the entire summer ) next year). Less wear and tear on slide mechanisms although some things prefer to be operated vs sitting. What do you do ?

When we used to have a seasonal site in SW Ohio, 45 miles north of Cincy, we pulled in the slides when we left for the week. If you leave the slides out and a bad storm comes thru, more area to be exposed to damage.

[Pointerman]

I have had a slide seal fail while I was away for a weekend. Came back to a very wet couch...
I pulled them in after that.

[Alpine36]

I leave ours out when we're at home until the hard rains come, then everything gets closed and retracted.
I agree with the others, if unattended more than a day or two pull them in.

[153stars]

If around trees ,bigger target for falling limb and if one falls the topples down the side . Seen many damage Rvs from trees . It doesn't have to be a storm . Slide roof and edge/frame is probably nowhere as tough as main roof and sides.

[Arch Hoagland]

Don't do it.

Mine were out for just a day while we were away shopping and a big windstorm came up.

Ripped the topper rail off the side of the motorhome. AAA insurance covered it as they have a way of tracking "Wind Events" and verified that I was in a wind event that day.

[Camp CA]

Originally Posted by johncassidy

........Every time we leave I retract the slides. I’m thinking about just leaving them extended for the entire summer next year)..........What do you do ?

When we had or fifth wheel trailer in Lake Tahoe for the winter in a campsite we retracted the slides to mitigate the risk of wind, rain, snow and falling tree limb and leaf/needle damage and rain and critter ingress. Exercising the slides is not a big deal.

[shootist]

I only retract to move the coach. Once in awhile for washing and waxing

[Vibeman]

Leaving the slide out could make it easier for insects and rodents to enter.

[Sweetbriar]

If I'm not actively using the rig the slides are in. Seals up pretty well to keep out +60MPH winds when on the move unlike when extended.

[johncassidy]

Thanks everyone. To clarify, when I said leave, I meant for 1-4 wks at a time. We don’t have slide toppers (yet) so not too worried about wind events - I can certainly see how it would be an issue if we had them. I realize the slides are designed to be cycled and for most people (who tow their rigs) that is how they are used. They just seem to be working so hard, especially the 13’er and broken slide mechanisms aren’t exactly rare.

[mrboyer]

Wintering in Arizona, our slides are out for 5 months.