By Dustin Simpson
Today, join me in my RV shop as I explain the importance of using slide-out stabilizers and locks for your RV. Slide-outs are fantastic features that provide additional living space inside your RV, but they can also pose challenges if not properly stabilized and secured. That’s where slide-out stabilizers and locks come into play!
Why use RV slide-out stabilizers?
• Enhanced stability: Slide-out stabilizers provide additional support to your RV’s slide-outs, reducing movement and sway, especially when walking inside the RV.
• Prevent wear and tear: By reducing movement, stabilizers help minimize wear and tear on the slide-out mechanisms, extending their lifespan and reducing the need for repairs.
• Improved comfort: Stabilizing your slide-outs can enhance your overall comfort by reducing vibrations and movement, making your RV feel more solid and stable.
• Safety: A stable slide-out is less likely to shift or become misaligned, reducing the risk of accidents or injuries caused by unexpected movements.
Why use RV slide-out locks?
• Added security: Slide-out locks provide an extra layer of security by preventing your slide-outs from accidentally extending or retracting while you’re on the move.
• Protect against theft: Locked slide-outs are less accessible and more challenging for potential thieves to tamper with, adding an additional level of protection to your RV.
• Prevent damage: Using slide-out locks can help prevent damage to the slide-out mechanism and seals by ensuring they remain securely in place during travel.
• Peace of mind: Knowing that your slide-outs are securely locked can give you peace of mind while traveling, reducing worries about potential damage or malfunctions.
Stabilizers and locks are slide-out essentials
Using slide-out stabilizers and locks for your RV is essential for maintaining stability, enhancing comfort, and ensuring safety while on the road. Whether you’re parked at a campsite or traveling to your next destination, these simple yet effective tools can make a significant difference in your RVing experience.
Investing in quality slide-out stabilizers and locks is a smart decision that can help protect your RV’s slide-outs, extend their lifespan, and provide you with added security and peace of mind. So, if you haven’t already, consider adding these essential accessories to your RV toolkit and enjoy a more stable and secure RVing journey!
Happy RVing, everyone!
Products featured in this video
- Am.Tech Slidelock, 13-inch compressed length; 23-inch extended length
- Am.Tech Slidelock black, 17-inch compressed length; 34-inch extended length
- Am.Tech Slidelock Jacks & Leveling, 24-inch compressed length; 44-inch extended length
More from Dustin
Make sure you check out my website, California RV Specialists, and our YouTube channel for more helpful information, and see our published articles on RVtravel.com and other social media pages.
RVT1246
most of the other “authorities” I have read, strongly recommend against using slide out stabilizers. I guess everyone has their opinion
All I see regarding slide out locks is don’t use them. Our camper uses a Schwintec slide system. This is different from the video. Can cause a ton of damage if you forget to remove the lock.
No. No to locks and stabilizers. My 5-er is nice and solid with the auto-leveling system. And, when my slides are out, we don’t walk on any of the floors of the slides. It’s just the way the RV is designed. The only “footprints” you’ll find on our floor is in front of the couch when we sit on it. As for locks, for the two opposing living room slides I would have to climb over the kitchen counter to get to where I could put the slides in place. That’s not going to happen at my age. Manufacturers just don’t seem to be putting locks on any of the new RVs that I’ve seen in the last twenty years.
Maybe cheaply built RVs don’t have slides that are built to stay in during travel, or that cannot support the weight of a person on them. Don’t know. But in 45 years of adult RVing, we’ve had numerous RVs with good quality slides and mechanisms that don’t need aftermarket locks or stabilizers.
I do like the built in slide locks on the Newmar DPs. It’s an automatic system that uses the pressure of the slides’ motor or hydraulic mechanism to open or close the locking function. Also never felt any sagging, swaying, etc. in these slides.
I am a bit confused about the slide room stabilizers…all I’ve heard on forums and social media is that they are bad for slides and even manufacturers warn against them…..can you clarify??
Thank You
joerone
That is all true. This is a bad article.
As always use wisely. 1st make your RV frame as stable as possible. If your frame is bouncy, don’t use slide room stabilizers as the twisting can damage your slides. 2nd, the purpose of a stabilizer is just that; keep bounce and twist away, DO NOT apply so tight as to lift the slide!
We have a 4X14 foot slide (cable type). The floor is the typical OSB with no support other than the edges. You can see the bow when people sit on the slide furniture. I use 2 stabilizer jacks and a 2X4 in the center of the floor; firm, not lifting, so the distance is no more than 2-3 feet from some form of support. Pretty sure we would have had to replace the floor before long without the additional support.
My thoughts on why you should not use Slide Stabilizers.
They are used on the slide by placing a solid support between the slide and the ground which prevents the slide from bobbing up and down as the trailer (Class A, C. 5th. etc) moves such as when people are walking in it even with frame stabilizers properly deployed.
That puts stress on the where the slide frame meets the trailers outer wall and where the slide mechanism attaches to the trailer (depending on which type is used).
Also that could cause the slide seals to create a gap letting in the weather.
The trailer and all of its components need to move as a single unit so that the leaf springs and shocks (if you have them).
Dustin….Can you please comment and clarify? This is obviously a controversial subject and I am confused