Should We Level First And Then Put Out Slides, Or Vice Versa? | RV Lifestyle (2024)

FAQs

Should We Level First And Then Put Out Slides, Or Vice Versa? | RV Lifestyle? ›

The Consensus: Level First and Then Put the Slide Out

If we are somewhat level I may deploy slides first, but more often than not, we level rig first. Once level our slides go out smoothly without drama from slide motors.

Can You Level an RV with the Slides Out? In most cases, you're not going to want to extend your slide-outs until you've secured the RV in place, whether it's a motorhome or a travel trailer.

When it comes time to park your RV between trips or for the winter, store your slide outs closed. This will help keep the elements from eroding the seals, and you won't run the risk of snow or debris accumulating on the slide out roof.

The easiest way to do this is to place the level on the tongue of the trailer. This will let you know if one side is higher than the other, which will inform which side you want to raise. Now that you know which side is too low, put boards or leveling blocks behind the wheels you need to raise.

If your RV is not level, you are adding stress to many areas including door frames, plumbing, cupboards, and even the chassis. An RV was built to be level so you could be causing long term issues and damage if you are using it without it being properly leveled.

Getting your floor level is an important first step for any flooring installation process. A level subfloor will help your flooring last longer and keep the finish attractive.

After this experience I don't worry at all if the auto level puts wheels in the air or not. Truth be told, there's more stability if wheels are touching, but not so much I worry about it. We travel about half-time, switching campsites every couple/few days.

Leveling your RV isn't just a matter of comfort. It's critical to ensure all your RV components and appliances work correctly, to prevent damage to the exterior of your coach, and to keep you safe and secure where you're parked.

Washing your RV is a much more detailed process than washing a car. The entire body will need to be washed and waxed on all sides. Be sure to thoroughly wash your undercarriage and roof as well. Put your slides out to clean the top, bottom, and sides of those as well.

What are the disadvantages of RV slide outs? ›

All that extra space on the inside can be a problem outside. Slide outs require additional maintenance and upkeep to keep their moving parts moving. Slide outs can leak. Keep on reading and then decide if a RV slide out is really worth it to you, or if the best RV for you is one without a slide.

Install the levels low on the body of your trailer. The closer they are to the ground on which your trailer is resting, the more accurately they will read.

Yes, it is advisable to level your RV when storing it. Leveling your RV during storage helps to maintain its structural integrity and prevent potential issues. When an RV is not level, it can put unnecessary stress on its frame and suspension components, potentially leading to damage over time.

Should You Use an RV Slide Out Stabilizer with Your RV? While stabilizers sound like a logical idea for slide outs, in most cases they should not be used. There is more chance for slide outs to be damaged by these supports. In the event an RV becomes unbalanced, slide outs can be easily damaged by stabilizers.

Complete Slide Closure

Never leave your slide partially open or partially closed. Leaving your slide in an intermediate position can lead to structural issues, water leaks, and potential damage. Ensure your slides are either fully extended or fully retracted to maintain proper sealing and prevent costly repairs.

No section of a toddler slide should be steeper than 30 degrees. Preschool and school age slide chutes should have an average slope no more than 30 degrees. No section of a preschool or school age slide should have a slope greater than 50 degrees.