Slide out or no slide out? My wife and I are looking for our next travel trailer and pondering if a slide out is in our future. Our current trailer is soon to be 13 years old and we are ready for something new. The next trailer will be number 6 for us since we married. Our first four trailers were family friendly, three of them bunkhouse units, and none have contained a slide out.
We began our search for a new trailer last year as availability and prices began to normalize after the pandemic. We quickly discovered that slide outs have pretty much been incorporated into everything except for the smallest travel trailers.
Those of you that follow our travels know most of our camping is out and about on public lands. Our RV serves as a base camp, someplace to eat, sleep, bathe and to carry/store our supplies and gear. Even when we are “at camp” we are sitting outside enjoying the sunshine or campfire. Rarely do we spend extended periods of time inside our trailer except at night when we are sleeping.
As we look and make remarks about new travel trailers with a slide out, most everyone tells us how spacious they are. While the spaciousness is nice, we don’t need open floor space, we need storage. Most all slide outs containing a couch or dinette lack overhead storage. In many cases, you also lose storage under the couch or dinette, when they are located in a slide out.
Slide outs can malfunction
Since slide outs have moving parts, it is just one more thing that can break or malfunction, making them problematic. As someone who has been in the industry long before slide outs were introduced, I have become somewhat jaded as to them being dependable.
“There are all kinds of motorhomes on the market today, but almost all of them have slide outs. This is generally good because slide outs can expand your living space. But they also create their fair share of frustrations and annoyances.” Per RVer blogger Emily Lawrence.
Original slide out designs required deeper steel frame rails under the trailer to accommodate the slide out and mechanisms required to move the slides in and out. Until recently, towable RVs equipped with slide outs were more expensive and considerably heavier than RVs of comparable length without them. Putting “frustrations and annoyances” aside, my thought was, who wants to pay extra, pull more weight and lose storage space for the benefit of “spaciousness”?
Non-slide trailers are limited
Maybe things have recently changed. Maybe it was time to join the masses and purchase a travel trailer with a slide out. Otherwise, it would be difficult to find a trailer that meets our needs as non-slide units are limited.
I began to study up on the most recent slide out mechanisms. As I studied the options, I decided a unit that utilizes a Schwintek mechanism seemed to be the best choice. The Schwintek is lightweight, self-adjusting, cost effective and easier to maintain as it provides easier access to the motor and track. These features eliminated my “cost more, weighs more” objections, and the design appeared nearly foolproof and easier to maintain.
However, that all changed when I went camping with a friend that has a new fifth wheel equipped with five slide outs, three which utilize Schwintek mechanisms. Upon arriving at camp they were unable to extend one of the kitchen slides. It would go out part way, become unsynchronized side to side and then jam.
Luckily, I recalled reading an article on RVtravel.com from Dave Solberg on how to override the system, and we were able to extend the slide, which let our friends access their refrigerator. Inspection found metal shavings, torn gaskets and other signs things have been amiss. It had to be overridden again to be retracted. A couple weeks later I heard from my friends that the other slide in the kitchen had begun acting up, too.
Schwintek motors can fail
Not long after, while on a Zoom call with other RVtravel.com contributors, I learned from a RV repair facility owner that they had “hundreds” of failed Schwintek slide out motors at their facility. Oh, and my friends with the new fifth wheel, after months of it sitting at a RV dealer without being repaired, they returned it back to the factory in Indiana for repairs.
Needless to say, my wife and I are back to square one of our search for a new travel trailer, one without a slide out. This was further confirmed by a recent RVtravel.com survey that asked the question, “Have you ever had a problem with a slide out that delayed your travel?” Sadly, 34% of the respondents replied they had. Keep in mind, these were just problems that delayed their travel, not any and all problems like leaks, damaged flooring or other problems.
For me, RVing is about enjoying leisure time away from life’s problems, not being held hostage by a problematic slide out. Have RVs become too complicated? This is a question I posed more than a year ago and my answer is now, and maybe always has been, YES! For now, I am staying as old school as possible. As I have said for many years, “As long as the wheels of my travel trailer go round and round, it will never leave me stranded.” Tires, wheels, brakes, and bearings I understand, can maintain myself and field repair when needed.
Slide out or no slide out: What are your thoughts and experiences? Please vote in the poll below, and tell me why you voted that way using the comment box below. Maybe someone can change my mind?
##RVT1091
If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. Your years of experience with many TTs tells you your answer. Camp fires are no better with a broken slide out. Why change a program that has functioned so well for over 3 decades?
I see your point. So I’m sure you’re still pulling your TT with a 1970s vintage pickup correct?
Incorrect. 44 ft of class A luxury and 4 slides. What’s right for me matters not and seems inconsequential to the author’s question. He gave us his RV experience and REQUESTED our opinions, FOR HIS NEXT UNIT.
I went from a RV with 3 slides to none. Much less for me to take care (maintenance), a zero chance my slide will malfunction or leak. I want my RVing to be fun, simple, and enjoyable.
My #1 reason for hating the slide out in my last motor home was the inside space it consumed when traveling. A quick stop for lunch or sightseeing was cramped by the slide out. Also, a nap in a rest area or parking lot shouldn’t require putting out a slide. We won’t buy another RV with a slide.
Yes, because pushing the button for 10 to 15 seconds is so taxing and tiresome
Wew imagine not being stressed by looking like you’re planning to move into the Walmart parking lot
As for Daves type of camping, no slides would be the best option. Simple but totally functional and easy to maintain. Also, when getting items from the storage bins, it keeps the head bumping to a minimum
A slide out is just another upcoming repair one must prepare for. The way they are throwing these RV’s together now, I would pass! Keep in mind, it is a hole or holes in the side of your RV and that effects the integrity of the structure! In saying all this, we have a one slide coach that is easily accessible with slide closed and livable! First coach had no slides and wish I had that one back!
My current Rpod of 3 years, no slide has been great. 100% full access while traveling or at home when working on or setting up for next trip. Lighter weight = easier towing and possibly more cargo.
Why complication, why headaches? Try to find a floor plan that fit your needs without slides. Worst case, if you must get a floor plan with slides, make sure the RV is livable without extending them. Use your time enjoying what you love, not dealing with unnecessary problems.
I have a small camper with one slide, a schwintek, and so far no issues. I purposely bought this camper because it is completely livable without extending the slide. I once owned a fifth wheel that was unusable without extending slides, never again.
I don’t have a slide for the reasons you state and more. Costs less, weighs less, less maintenance, more room inside when traveling and stopping for a break, less chance of water intrusion, thinner wall in a slide (yes, sidewalls aren’t that thick to begin with), and the possibility of leaving you stuck when it doesn’t work. All for a little bit of extra space. I don’t think it’s worth it, others might.
No slide-out for Dave. Even if you never have an issue and forget the added maintenance, it’s the anxiety. Every time you move them you’ll cross your fingers. You have a method, stick with it.
We bought a 10 year old well-maintained 5th wheel. The bedroom slide motor, under the bed, stopped working and the replacement was over $1000 and a lot of frustration. We sold the 5th wheel and never another slide. One more costly thing to break. Remember this is camping in a camper. Quality camping is not about the space inside but the great outdoor space to enjoy.
Purposely bought an Outdoors RV without a slide for the integrity simplicity, and fewer air/water leaks. Don’t think they make them anymore. Happy with the simpler camping life.
Outdoors Rv 20Bd has no slides, but may be too small for some.
Our Apex Nano 187RB does not have a slide, nor bunks. Single axle. Ike you we use it for sleeping and storage. No regrets!
One of the reasons I have my current OLD motor home is because it did not come with slides. When I went looking for a new motor home a few years ago, the only unit that came without slides was a Hurricane and the build quality was junk. The used market at that time had a lot of no slide coaches and that was because everyone wanted a slide or two and they could not giveaway the non-slide units. We are very happy with our coach and heaven forbid we ever have to replace it.
Coachmen Pursuit 27XP has no slide. Don’t know anything about the quality.
We had an Everlite 35 with 3 slides. The two at the back were called ‘deep’ slides. Well we’re from Canada and took a 2 year trip around North America. When we were in Quartzite, one of those ‘deep slides’ stuck in the open position. That was the beginning of a 1 month nightmare to get it repaired. I swore never again to get a rig with ‘deep’slides. Now we have a beautiful little 24 ft trailer with tons of storage, and 1 very small slide on the opposite side to the access door. It’s a dream to pull and I do maintain it very well. And the slide and all of its rubber seals get regular attention.
I voted no for all the reasons you gave – mainly you spend most of your time outside and use the RV for sleeping. The extra space would be esthetic but not really used by you. I have a motorhome with slides and I love it but I do fret when it comes time to pull in the slides. No slides equal one less bit of anxiety.
We downsized from a 38ft. fifth wheel with 3 slides to a 25ft. no slide travel trailer and have no regrets at all. In our opinion, no slides fewer problems. As a side note, we are full-time RV’ers and have been for 26yrs.
Absolutely should have slide outs. They are mostly reliable and easily repaired if not. And add so much luxury to any travel accommodations
we have traveled and workcamped a lot. Our last two motorhomes, a class C and a class A have not had slide outs. We traded our C for a Class A when we found a 34’ Dutch with out slides. After owning a Class A with slide we did not want slides. When we travel we stopped over night and never used the slide out when we had it. We would never buy a RV that required slide outs to be out to get to every thing in the RV.
It’s not if they will leak, it’s when
We’ve never had a leak in any of our trailers/slide outs. They do take maintenance though.
When we bought our first travel trailer Coachman Apex Nano 19′ (187RB) we purposely got it because it didn’t have a slide and had a ton of storage. We loved it. We live outside as well and are only inside on rainy days. We filled the storage space-lots of it. All well and good until we realized we were a bit overweight (amazing how much little stuff adds up). How could they give us all that storage space and cargo load only be 714 pounds?!?! ) I am as minimalist as I want to be so we ended up with a 21′ Radiance with one slide-some storage underneath couch. The trailer is heavier of course, but our cargo capacity is around 2300 pounds. We currently have 1500 pounds of cargo so we are underweight and very happy. We have plenty of storage just in a different configuration. The room from the slide out is nice on rainy days-currently we are on day 3 of straight rain!
I have a rack and pinion slide in my Jayflight 29RKS. I haven’t had any trouble with it, but I cringe when I open and close it. I’ve read that the Schwintek slide is the most problematic slide. Because manufacturers use them in too large a slide. They claim the small Schwintek slides don’t have a issue. But let others chime in. I’m looking at buying a Outdoors 20BD which has no slides and is small. Have to take wife for ride across country to see if she approves. She likes storage and enough room in Bathroom to dry and fix her hair. Looked at the Gray Wolf 20RDSE BlackLabel, but not enough storage for wife. Be nice if RV manufacturers would make slightly larger travel trailers without slides. Hell Airstream sells a lot of travel trailers without slides, but are too expensive.
Airstreams might not have slides but they still don’t have a lot of storage. The back of the cabinets are curved so you are limited on the height of things that you can put in there. Our Outdoors 24RKS has a huge amount of storage inside and that’s with no cabinets above the dinette… Can’t even imagine filling it up. IF you did, you can put up to 3000 lbs of cargo capacity.
Again… It’s the windows that limit the cabinets. Nice big windows, to enjoy the views and/or air flow are what limit cabinets. Little or no windows and you can have cabinets/storage in their place.
We have 1 slide (Shwintek) which is just the dinette and so far no problems. And everything is accessible with the slide in.
We have owned both with and without slides. Slides make a world of difference in how much room you have and we have never had one fail. I do maintenance routinely so that helps I believe. While we spend most of our time outdoors, we really appreciate the extra space when we have been driven in by the elements or whatever. We will always opt for slides having experienced without but we are also cognizant of layout, ensuring we can access what we need , bathroom, fridge, bed, etc if in a restricted situation.
Voted no. With the way component quality for everything seems to be going down I’d be worried about you getting 5 years out of a new tt with slides. Do you suppose a preemptive tarp over the slide will keep it nicer for longer?
Keep it Simple…Keep it Manual…
No slides.
No automatic awnings.
No automatic levelers.
We specifically searched out our trailer to be as manual as possible.
There are still plenty of things to fix without adding the stress and expense of maintaining and replacing motors.
More time “camping”
Less time “fixing”
Just how we see it!
I voted no as my new 2021 Reflection has one slide out that has been repaired twice since we bought it in March of 2021. We’ll see if it survives our big trip this year.
We use our slideout about half the time when we travel. If we stay at Walmart, it stays in. If we’re late getting to a campsite or the weather is bad, we may leave it in. About every 3 days, we put it out just for the extra space.
Our aged (is 50yo antique?) GMC motorhome was built long before slides were popular. That is fine with me because we often don’t want to make it obvious that we are going to spend the night where we landed at the end of the day. We do a lot of stealth camping.
For all the reasons stated by the the writer, we prefer no slides. We tend to go with quality and comfort…yet on the smaller side. Less maintenance, more camping options, and less hassle. So if you don’t need the floor space, there seems to have more positives without slides.
Based on what I read, I do not think Dave’s RV experience will be enhanced by having a slide. He sounds like a true camper. This is someone who spends most of his time communing with nature and only needs a vehicle that gives him a bed, potty and storage capabilities. However, I require more than those three things when we are traveling and having slides on my camper makes my life easier. I have to admit that I am no longer a true camper. My husband and I are snowbirds in the winter and spend 6 months in Florida. That means that I am “living” in my camper, not just camping and communing with nature. I enjoy spending time outside, fishing, swimming, taking walks and of course, having evening cocktails with friends. However, I also enjoy some alone time, inside my camper, reading, knitting, baking and cooking meals that are not conducive to being outside on the grill. My slides make my winters more comfortable.
No travel trailer slide-out. Only 2 of us, we need storage, don’t need significant additional weight & more parts to fail and or maintain. Don’t want the rooms blocked when stopping for a break. Don’t need the additional cost.
I voted yes. BUT… It depends on how you use it. Short 3-7 day trips are probably not bad so not having a slide would be okay. Long term travel/usage is far more enjoyable with one. We’ve owned 3 trailers with slides, no problems so far. Our current trailer (Outdoors RV 24RKS) has a Schwintek and hasn’t given us any problems. Also, this model allows us to use/get to everything without putting the slide out.
Every trailer that we’ve owned has had storage under the dinette. And storage above the sofa (and 1 had storage under it).
Not sure what models/manufacturers that you’ve been looking at. Windows, the more and the bigger they are are what can limit storage/cabinets.
If we aren’t out exploring on our bikes we love to sit outside to read, nap or whatever ‘when’ the weather cooperates. The last 3 weeks it’s been in the mid 50’s with 10-20 mph winds (wind chill). Not really sitting outside weather…. We are currently in AZ having spent the last couple of weeks in NM.
Mike, Outdoors RV is one of the few manufacturers that has overhead cabinets in their slide-outs. The cabinets still aren’t as tall as a non-slide unit would have though.
Ours, a 24RKS doesn’t, BUT, it has a ton of storage throughout the rest of it.
Since you spend most of your time outside enjoying the campfire and the sunshine and only sleep in your RV, I voted no.
I voted no. Just by reading your article, I can tell you wouldn’t be happy with a slide out. You stated your own reasons: you use your RV to sleep in and to store things. I, on the other hand, do like our slide outs. I like having more living space. We’re currently living in our 5th wheel while our house is being built.
I said “No” to slide-outs because Dave convinced me that he doesn’t need or want them. Alternately, perhaps I am attributing my own desire for a motorhome with no slides to Dave. DW said “no way” when I suggested that our recent search for motorhome #2 include used motorhomes without slides. 🙁 So, motorhome #2 has slides, three of them including one that is a “full-wall.” Oh well, at least it is “more spacious” when we are parked. 😉
I voted for no slide outs. Because my big slide is broken and the mechanism is a m-tech slide that is no longer available. I would have to replace the whole thing to get it to work again. I have had many trailers without slides. They have had no problems. That would cost hundreds or even thousands of dollars to fix.
Schwintek slides are a headache awaiting a time to happen, SIL and daughter had one in a 23’ TT just big enough to hold the loveseat. In normal setting it would hang up half in or out, he would have to manually override it. Several days of troubleshooting and replacing a motor one customer service rep sold him an engineer suggested the wiring harness. Replacing that solved the problem, apparently during assembly the fresh water tank was installed and the wiring harness was trapped under the tank and a wire got damaged in the assembly. I will only buy a slide equipped unit using the time tested rack and pinion system. It’s heavier but I’ve never had a failure. My first 5th wheel had a hydraulic slide and after many modifications installing flow control valves to keep it traveling the same speed on both cylinders it worked good. Anything that interfered with movement would cause it to twist and bind, after my mods it was good. Possibly having only one cylinder would solve that.
I have had both with no problems living full time. One thought would be that it may be easier to sell at a later date. We never know what tomorrow brings.
Dave’s money Daves choice. I don’t know Dave or what his plans or abilities are .
I’ve had 2 failures and 2 floor repairs.I repaired them myself. The space our opposing slides give is great. No skinny aisle.
Life is a constant compromise and there are no absolutes
After reading your article, I agree with those who say “no” to the slide for you. Your article is a convincing statement for why you do NOT need a slide. And I cringed when you said the Schwintek mechanism would be your choice of slides!
I voted no slides, both for me & the author. I bought a lightweighted fiberglass camper, which doesn’t permit the use of slides and I’ve not missed them. They increase trailer weight and do diminish storage. & there are mechanical issues as well. There are some surprising large molded fiberglass trailers. Is the wife going to be a full partner in the RV, doing her share of maintenance, driving, backing up etc? If not, you might want to rethink the amount of input she has.
I voted Yes. But with conditions…
I am a firm believer in keeping things simple. That said, a slideout is a nice thing to have, especially on cold, rainy days when all you want to do is hole up inside.
I would advise keeping it to 1 slide only, and be sure it has a manual override.
A lot of times people get in trouble retracting/extending slides because they’re not level, or the frame is twisted while parked. It is essential to level properly.
Our motorhome requires the engine being run while operating the slide because it will drain a battery pretty quickly. Many people don’t realize that. Not sure how that would work with a TT, but I would assume being plugged in to shore power would be desirable. If boondocking, you’d want to be sure to have a healthy, fully charged battery.
Another yes vote, I believe slide-out technology has improved, even Schwintek though I would not buy any rig with their system.
To me the added space provided a single slide, say a small dinette S/O is well worth the chance something may go wrong.
No slides if you can live with it. Simpler is better. I’ve got a 20 year old Newmar Mountain Aire DP with 3 slides. They’ve never stopped working, but my curbside short bedroom slide has issues that I have to address for the second time since I bought this in 2017.
We kept our 30 ft TT (2008 komfort)and permanent parked it on our hunting camp property, put a metal shed cover over it..it became our seek away camping place, 2 slides never had a problem pulled it from Alaska to Mazatlan, Mexico and to the east coast, Texas, until we bought a 19ft leprechaun motorhome in 2017..no slides and perfect for our travels..funny it’s worth more now than when we bought it..we can park anywhere you can park a full size PU..wouldn’t go back to a Huge rig again..we have finally reached that time in our lives that less is better..but whatever get out and see this wonderful country we have..
We never have had one as we do not need it or want to deal with any.
We have a HOST Mammoth truck camper with three rack and pinion style slides. Makes a huge difference inside and so far after nearly 5 years of use, only issue has been a fuse. We love our slides.
I votes yes because they make the RV so much more livable. With the caveat that the slides are other than Schwintek I am a tech and I have replaced many motors and whole mechanisms. other slide systems are much more reliable
If you do most of your living outside, as you say you do (and as we do), why would you need a slide? Additional potential headache with little to be gained. Check out the Escape 21′ or the upcoming (or maybe already released) 23′ molded fiberglass trailers out of Canada . No slides (no leaks either!) and see if it has enough storage for you. If a person does most of their living inside (or maybe full-time), I can see where they might want slides–makes it more house-like.
I didn’t vote because Dave and his spouse are the only ones that can determine if a slide out is of value to them.
I can only say that we have had slides on every RV we’ve owned since 1999. We have never had a slide not properly deploy or retract. But, we also do our homework and only choose units with robust slide systems AND we properly maintain them!
If you are considering a slide, do as Dave did and do your research. I wouldn’t have a Schwintek system if it was the last slide system on earth! Nor would I ever have a cable system. All of ours have been HD hydraulic rams or open and accessible electric motors using rams and cogs. We have also avoided full wall slides or dual motors requiring synchronization. Construction designed to avoid leaks is also critical. Slide toppers are a must for us.
We voted “Yes” to a single slide but only if it’s rack & pinion and does hold not heavy kitchen appliances. A slide must also allow full functionality of the rig when retracted in “road mode” for quick potty breaks and polite boondocks. NO to Shwintek, had one it failed!
Slides make the difference between something like an airstream RV that is cramped and has very limited mobility, as opposed to one more open allowing for a few more square feet of room making a Huge difference in usable space.. I would never have an RV without slides.
I voted no. Sometime, somewhere, there will be a problem with the slide out, whether it’s stuck, won’t come in or go out, n leaks. I camp (full time) for pleasure n to see the country, not to work on my camper. Less stress without them. I personally don’t need the extra room as I prefer to be outside more.
I voted No based on their need. We do the same thing. It is for sleeping only and fixing a meal. We do not spend time in the trailer.
From reading his article it seems apparent he’d be worried a lot that it was just a matter of time before the slide malfunctioned. For piece of mind he should go slide-less.
The selection of trailers with no slides is going to be frustrating. Slides can be troublesome but having them outweighs the disadvantages.
We’ve had slideouts in all our rigs, but just one slideout. The key for us is that all the interior features and capabilities must be accessible and useable with the slide stowed.
My last RV purchase (2022), was without slides and high maintenance rubber roof! Also went from a 30’ 5th whl to a 19’ TT and with a fiberglass roof!
You just never know when you may have to set up somewhere for an extended period of time. Like months and months. A slide makes this a LOT more livable. I know this from personal experience. Our 30′ TT has served us well in these unplanned and unexpected extended stays. We primarily boondock like Dave, but there are times when this is just not possible.
We had one problem with our slide out which is 18 years old. We have storage above and below. The problem was poor welding done by the manufacturer. The repair person strengthened both sides. We’re better than ever.
As RVers, if we let the potential for parts failures dictate our purchase options, we’d be traveling in an empty cargo trailer. Even then, those axles and wheel bearings might fail.
I’m on my 2nd RV, a class A with 2 slide outs (one living room, one bedroom). My previous/first RV was a class C with 1 slide out (living room). They’ve been mostly reliable but my class A living room slide out sometimes shears a bolt or two in the drive axle, and I have to crawl under and replace the bolt. A hassle but not a disaster. And not uncommon.
The recommendation on the Tiffin and other forums I read is to AVOID Schwintek slide outs. They are horribly unreliable. Sometimes it’s the fault of the RV mfr for not installing the slide room box level and straight; sometimes it’s the Schwintek components. Many folks are spending thousands to replace their Schwintek with VROOM slide mechanisms, and they are 100% happy with the results.
Finally, if you’ve never had a slide out, you won’t miss not having one. If you don’t have kids and dogs to walk around and you don’t spend much time indoors, then avoid a slide out and enjoy the better reliability.
I have two slideouts on the rig I have now. The last one had four. The one before that I had two. Only problem was with one over thirty years of camping. But should you have a slide out. I would say No, it is not your style of camping. I don’t boondock that much and I like the space that they give me. Your space is outside and a slide out takes up that much of your room. I do enjoy your comments and articles
Twice. Once in Canada the slide would not retract. We got it within 2 inches of retracted manually and got home. Another RV slide quit, it was electrical. They had poorly crimped a wire on the activation solinoid causing the connection to overheat and disconnect. I fixed it temporarily with solder joint, then completely rewired that control box after getting home.
KISS. I have replaced 4 electric window mechanisms in my autos and one electric door lock mech. I have never had to work on the old manual systems. Drove home 3 hours one night in the rain with a downed driver’s window with plastic bag and duct tape flapping in the wind. Me? Slide-out? Sorry No. I go somewhere to get somewhere – not to stop and repair.
Based on GREAT advice here and elsewhere, with maintenance all seems to work well. I’m into 10 years and two rigs with dual slides and not experienced any problems. The extra space is definitely worth it, IMHO.
Schwintek = Junk, no manual operation for getting slide in or out. I could rant for pages about it. The system is so bad that there is a company in Tucson AZ that makes a complete replacement system. They are booked out about a year. Then the trailer manufacturer installs them with bad interior layouts that makes servicing the system even more difficult. I ruled out several trailers where things weren’t accessible with the slide in.
From the description of your camping style, I’d say no slide out. Slide outs also add weight to the trailer that will take away from how much gear you can carry.
Voted no, even more so if you plan to actually travel. After reading all of the comments, only one, Ron, honestly states that slides have, do, or will leak. It took us 3 years to find a floor plan without slides that worked for us. Slides seem to have become the equivalent of obesity, 12 foot long kitchen islands, 4-door fridges or 5000 square-foot homes. And, with all of these, problems usually appear, some more serious than others. Good luck finding what you really need.
I vote No, No, No. I have been a mobile RV tech for a little over two years. I have had WAY too many calls for slide room issues. The In-wall systems are slick, when they work. A lot of my calls were when the room caught the wire and yanked it out of the motor housing. I agree to the “obesity” comment Alain made about campers these days. The campers with 4 or 5 slides usually overhang into the next person’s campsite space – just like oversized people overhang on airplane seats. People have many different ways and styles of camping, but if a product or feature is cool but then leaves you stuck somewhere it is not “bullet-proof” enough for camping. The In-wall systems require that people maintain their batteries (which they don’t), require the structure of the RV and the room box to be plumb and square (which it isn’t). The motors that go bad are usually on the side that is slap up against a bulkhead. OK, Rant Over – Back to – we love to camp and don’t want the hassle.
I voted NO. If Dave likes to boondock he likely travels on some rough back roads. Our 22′ travel trailer has less than 20,000 miles on it (nearly all highway) and the small slide has separated from the outside wall. Screws holding the outside frame to the wall got stripped, likely due to road vibration. I doubt that my next trailer will have a slide. As others have mentioned, Schwintek slides are especially problematic. I believe that rack and pinion type are more mechanically robust.
my no was for me personally, he has to make his own decision…. reason for no, upgraded from Aliner so even with no slide I had way more room. 1. Wanted 4 season camper (yes I know it is really 3 season). 2. wanted to have lower weigh. 3. wanted few mechanical problems. Have Outdoors Rv Mountain Trex
Our 5th wheel is 22 years old. It does not have a slide out. We would like something newer but everything has a slide out. We don’t want a slide out for all the reasons listed. And, I don’t like the idea of being cut off from anything in my trailer if the slide out isn’t out.
Three RVs with slide outs and never had an issue with them. I know it happens, but people also have issues with their stabilizers, water heaters, refrigerators, etc. Following procedures and maintenance requirements reduces risks for all those items.
No for me too, for many of the same reasons listed. Trying to live more simply, not add on problems.
5 RV’s over 20 years…all with slideouts. Never a problem with one. Personally, wouldn’t own one without slideouts. I like my creature comforts when the “wildlife” outside (2, 4, 6 & 8 legs and sometimes wings) makes it uncomfortable to sit out. YMMV
Questioning it = not happy with it. You will have more widgets of happiness without. Plus anyone who may possibly borrow or rent will not have an issue.
My criteria is that the RV must be marginally functional with the slide retracted. Bathrooms & sleeping area must be accessible, refrigerator and some food storage should be accessible as well. If a rig meets this criteria then having a slide is a bonus but the RV is still usable if the slide fails. Our Arctic Fox 5th wheel had 2 slide outs and very little was lost if the slide failed (which did happen on one trip). I would never buy a rig if I couldn’t assess the functionality with the slide in.
The smaller the trailer or motorhome, the greater the fractional increase in the internal volume. It’s simply a math solution. So, if you’re thinking about getting a small RV or trailer , get one with a slideout.
No slides = less maintenance or problems. If you full time then slides give you more room. If you are just short tripping (30 o 60 days on the road.)
I would go with no slides.
If you don’t want it and don’t need it don’t get it.
As with most things in life, it depends. With your camping style (and ours) slide outs are unnecessary. We were a bit concerned about not having them before purchasing our older diesel pusher, but found with just the two of us and spending most of our time outside we don’t miss the extra space. The added bonus is being able to move around freely while on the road.
You have clearly already convinced yourself you do not want a slide. Buying one makes no sense. I am guessing you are a full timer. We are not, we thoroughly enjoy the space a slide provides. I cannot imagine why people need so much storage as you described. We never come close to our max weight. I mean clothes, food, small grill, couple lawn chairs do not weigh much. We have empty storage in our trailer. Go with your gut. Or rent a slide trailer for a short trip to experience the feel. Then decide.
The most expensive trailers DON’T have slides! (example: Airstream)
Slides are great- until they aren’t.
Especially bad: Rigs that are essentially unusable unless slide is extended.
My little Rockwood 2106S has 1 shallow slide with a couch in it. When the slide is in, its just as accessible and usable as when the slide is out. I like that- especially, when I pull over for a “pit stop” or a quick snack in a crowded roadside rest, shopping center…or even when parked on a residential street in front of my house. If the slide fails, it has a sure-fire manual crank mechanism, too.
Dave Helgeson, It sounds like you need a trailer geared for outdoor use. Look into the LANCE 2075. It has no slide , geared for an outdoor kitchen, 2 outdoor awning areas for seating, pass through windows.
You mention those who follow your travel. I’m interested. How do we follow?
Hi, Van. Thanks for asking. All you need to do to read more of Dave Helgeson’s posts (always very interesting!) is click on his name in the byline at the top of any of his posts, or click here: https://www.rvtravel.com/author/dave-helgeson/ Have a great day. 😀 –Diane at RVtravel.com
Yes if it is not a Schwintek! I am having my Schwintek’s changed out to Vroom next week.
Some units with one slide out can be fully functional with slide out in. The key is shopping for the layouts you prefer. If you can be happy with slide out in. Keep it as an option.
The way I use my RV (a 1996 Class B van) does not jive well with slides. Mobility is key, I get off the road, sleep, and get back on the road. Slide-outs would be an unnecessary complication for the type of travel I do.
I’m literally the same boat. 13yo TT no slide, no problems. Kids are grown and wife and i are looking at a classC and are going no slide as well. Just me her, couple dogs and occasionally adult daughter. We spend our time outside except to sleep or raining.
Yes only because”maybe” wasn’t offered. Schwintek work very well on smaller (up to 8′ length) slides without a lot of extra weight added to the interior by the owners. Many mobile RV techs will affirm that Schwintek failures are commonly associated with 3 things:
Overloaded with heavy “stuff”
Not doing regular maintenance
Not synchronizing with every extension/retraction
All of the above are covered in Schwintek product literature which can be acquired from Lippert.
I had an extensive discussion with an RV tech about slide-outs. He said all have problems. He mentioned Schwintek as very difficult to repair. If you can do without slides, do so. They’re a blessing (if they work) and a curse (twice). My next RV (if there is a next) will have as small and few slides possible. God help you if you have 3 or more slide-outs or have monster slides (like 10’+).
Ditto!
Agree there should have been a “maybe” response.
My feelings are based on how often the owner will be relocating. If you stay a week or more in one location, and travel for months at a time, slide-outs can be a true sanity saver. No way could we stay our stationary seasonal 6 months without a bit more room.
But we have a 2nd, much smaller travel trailer for touring (and the seasonal relocation as our big RV is stored in the seasonal locale). This smaller TT has no slide-outs. Slide-outs add towing weight and when touring, we live as much outside our TT as in it.
We’ve owned a 40’ 2006 Monaco Knight PDQ since new with pana-slide. Finally got fed up with slide issues and bought a class B. Problem solved.
During our travels I sometimes visit a well known national RV chain, and when approached by a member of the sales team and asked what I’m looking for, I tell them I’m looking for a new travel trailer without slide outs and without swooshes painted on it. They never have one. They are persistent in their sales tactics and I say, “Nevermind, I’ll just keep my Airstream.”
We love having slideouts for the obvious reasons. Having said that we just paid $6000.00 to have the inadequate schwintek system replaced with the Vroom system on or 2022 Grand Design Imagine 2970rl. We now have Pease of mind that the slide will go out and back in. Maybe one of these days the manufacturers will wake up and start using Vroom as OEM. Now back to camping without worrying.