Slides in or Out

[meierjn]

Our 5th wheel (Westwind WW246; 2003 by Kustom Coach) sits on a lot for 90% of the time in the summer. We spend most of the weekends out there traveling too and from home on Friday's and Sunday's. I generally put the slide back in when not in use during the week. My question is can the slide be left out during the week when the trailer is not in use? Are there any issues (or resulting issues) with leaving it out. Its no issue cranking it in before leaving, I'm just curious.

Thanks.

 

[John From Detroit]

I would bring them in. Less to damage. if they are in.

 

[Rene T]

We would go to FL for the winter and the slides were out while there and never had any issues. As long as the gaskets seal, what’s the difference

 

[UTTransplant]

Do you have slide toppers? If a heavy wind blows up, your toppers could be ripped far before the slide itself it damaged. Plus it is just more space to get hot or cold, depending on the climate. We had a seasonal site one summer, and we just brought the slide in each time we left. After all, it only takes a few minutes even if you have four or more slides.

 

[Gary RV_Wizard]

Bringing the slides in reduces weather risk, but often there isn't much risk in many areas. The seals around the slide walls/top seal whether you are there or not. And if they don't, you have a problem while you are there.

Some things to consider: Is your region prone to nasty thunderstorms? Does the RV have slide toppers that can get wind torn or punctured by falling tree limbs? What about plain old dirt & tree sap on the topper?

Some folks figure any risk is no good and it doesn't take much effort to pull the slides in. Others opt for greater convenience when departing & arriving. Make your own call.

 

[meierjn]

Thanks for the replies. You all raise some good points. To answer the questions about the slide toppers, we do not have these. I didn't even know they existed until a few years ago! The one slide only comes out maybe a couple of feet. Although not exposed to the elements it is under a lot of trees that are constantly dropping their "stuff" from branches, leaves, and sap bombs in the spring. I think I will continue to close it when not in use. It isn't an electric slide, but it still doesn't take much effort to crank it in and out once a week.

 

[Kirk]

It isn't an electric slide, but it still doesn't take much effort to crank it in and out once a week

So do you have a manually opperated slide? What is the RV?

 

[meierjn]

The model is in the first post. Its a 5th wheel. The slide manually cranks in and out but I have a socket adapter that I use on a cordless drill that works very well with both the slide and the rear stabilizers.

 

[DutchmenSport]

Others posted good points above. As far as hurting the camper, no it does not hurt the camper to leave the slides out. The thing to be concerned about is environmental, and all of those arguments are posted above.

Personally!!!.... I think closing the slides when you are gone is the best thing. Less risk of "things" happening when they are enclosed. Yes.... it's a pain in the neck to pick everything up and make sure stuff is out of the way to pull the slide in, but at least yours is somewhat permanent, and you don't have to repack every item sitting out and secure it, like has to be done when traveling!