Level up systems and slides - which comes first

[westie0506]

There is a discussion on the Grand Design web page on leveling first and then extending slides - but others were told to extend slides first and then level....Kept hoping someone from GD would comment but so far it hasn't happened. Does anyone know which is first? We were taught to level first and then extend slides - but it was a different 5vr and we never thought to ask about this particular 5th wheel.

[Renee]

On p. 93 of the Solitude Owners Manuel under Slideout Systems Operation, it says "1. Level and stabilize the RV."

It also says "If the RV is not level, the
slideout rooms and/or mechanisms may become damaged as
leveling helps keep the RV square so the slideouts
extend/retract and seal correctly."

When in doubt...follow the manual!

[westie0506]

Thanks Renee - That's what we've always done - but we've got GD owners who are saying they were told specifically to level after putting out their slides. Just wondering if there was a change to the manual and regular mode of operation. Hoping GD techs will clarify or reinforce for everyone.

[dchrist1733]

I always put my slides out after leveling, that is what I was told to do, even on previous units I owned. It seems like that should be the way to do it because after extending the slides it seems like it would be more uneven to lift the unit and level it. I also think it would put more stress on the frame. Not sure if the rules have changed but I also put the slides back in before retracting the leveling legs and hitching up to my truck.

[mtpocket]

I do it the same as Debbie. Seems to me though the more square and level everything is when the slides are deployed the better.

[ohman_stm]

Wife and I are the proud owners (since April, 2014) of a 379FL. About 2 months ago, she noticed one of our sofas (specifically the one on the camper door side) had damage. Specifically, the foot rest had pulled away from the sofa. We're thinking this occurred during the bump in/out of that front slide. While I can't say 100%, I'm suspicious that it happened when I bumped out without all 6 jacks being down, and the camper level. Again, can't say for sure, but now, anytime I bump out, at a minimum I ensure the camper is level front-back, left-right. I still don't retract all 6 jacks when between camping trips (sometimes weeks at a time), but definitely level. Fortunately, we were able to get it fixed, free of charge from our dealer. All that said, there is NOT much (if at all) clearance between the camper floor and the foot rest...it's tight, and in my opinion barely enough.