Slide out supports / stands. Worth it?

[MachWun]

I used to have a single slide out RV and did use manual crank stands. The turning mechanism was at the top which made it a bit of a challenge.

Now I have a Reflection 312 with 3 slide outs. The one in the bunk really extends out. Logically, would seem like you want some stands under it and at least the kitchen given all that weight.

Some are not expensive bit does add that much more **** I am haulin and setting up. Soliciting feedback on merits of using them.

[avf100]

We have a 303 rls and in the owners manual it states not to use slide out stabilizers. They could potentially damage the slide mechanism. I used them on our old TT without any problems, but they were a pain in the butt to set up. I haven't used any on the 303 and no problems either.

[Canyonlight]

As @avf100 noted, the GDRV owners manuals state to not use these. Hopefully you have your manual and can look through that section. If not, owners manuals are available on the GDRV site.

When one thinks about it, if the main body of the RV would shift for some reason (leveling system/stabilizer failure, ground sinking under these, etc.) the slide outs and main body of RV could have minor to major damage. Yes, the chances are remote but since the potential damage could be significant, one can see the "better safe than sorry" logic.

Dan

[Richter]

We have a 303 and have never seen a need/desire for anything like this. Everything stays level and in place, after we have it set up. Our fridge is a POS, and I want to give it every opportunity and crutch to help it along, so I usually re-check for level after extending the slides, and a couple of times during the stay, and have never seen a time where these would have been needed.

I second the idea that supporting the slide, in a manner that would give a more “solid” footing could be a major issue if parked on softer ground and the trailer/fifth-wheel settles. It would settle “down” while the slide would stay “up”. Not a pretty picture in my mind. I’ve always looked at them as an answer that is really looking for a question that could go with it. I haven’t found it yet.

[OurNewEra]

I used to have a single slide out RV and did use manual crank stands. The turning mechanism was at the top which made it a bit of a challenge.

Now I have a Reflection 312 with 3 slide outs. The one in the bunk really extends out. Logically, would seem like you want some stands under it and at least the kitchen given all that weight.

Some are not expensive bit does add that much more **** I am haulin and setting up. Soliciting feedback on merits of using them.

I researched this before getting our 2021 2970RL with two slide outs. I had never had a TT with slides so my first inclination was to use them. But after my research I determined it was best not to use them. Primarily because the owners manual says not to. I think the use of slide supports is an 'old school' method and not necessary with todays slides, especially a Schwintek which doesn't come out much at all. I believe shifting of the core trailer is the biggest risk to using slide supports. Oh yeah, did I mention the owners manual says not to use them.

But, to each his own.

[FT4NOW]

Agree, dont use them. We lived in our Momentum for 3 years and never used them, no issues. Just because a product is made, doesnt mean it's good or required to use.

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[livinthelife]

As @avf100 noted, the GDRV owners manuals state to not use these. Hopefully you have your manual and can look through that section. If not, owners manuals are available on the GDRV site.

When one thinks about it, if the main body of the RV would shift for some reason (leveling system/stabilizer failure, ground sinking under these, etc.) the slide outs and main body of RV could have minor to major damage. Yes, the chances are remote but since the potential damage could be significant, one can see the "better safe than sorry" logic.

Dan

Regarding the bolded, I know when we've been in a site for more than a couple of days (especially gravel or dirt) the rig does settle and we need to relevel.

[Richter]

Agree, dont use them. We lived in our Momentum for 3 years and never used them, no issues. Just because a product is made, doesnt mean it's good or required to use.

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Or, as the engineers say, “Just because you can, doesn’t meant that you should...”

[MachWun]

Researching it, it appears the piston is not all that far back in the underbelly. I am not an RV slide engineer and I know homes are different than an RV. But some concepts I would think apply. When you cantilever out in a home, the joist must be 2 feet within the foundation for every foot you go out. So, if it is not doing that in an RV, my next thought was around metal fatigue.

Enough are saying no that I will forgo but this was my logic in considering them.

[fez111]

I made stands for our previous FR 5er with two slides. I had four old pop-up camper jack stands with the large nut and handles to turn the screw. I cut 2 x 6's into squares, bought 1 inch galvanized pipe flanges along with some 1 inch pipe and large washers to fit over the jack screws at Lowe's. I screwed the flanges to the 2 x 6's. After measuring the height for the middle of the jack threads, I cut the pipe to the correct length, screwed the pipes into the flanges, and painted everything black. These worked very well for that RV...

Then we got our Solitude. I used the jack stands for one trip, then realized that I may be doing damage to the slide mechanisms if the RV settled on the hydraulic jacks or if one or more jack sink further into the ground. I still have them. There are four with pairs of each of two heights. I would be agreeable to selling them cheap....