Damaged it the first time out

[Phydeauxman]

Took our new 2015 323BHS out for its first trip this weekend...only 5 miles from the house. Everything went fairly well except for when we were putting the last slide out...the one in the back for the bunkhouse. When we went to put the slide out, it would get 1/2 way out and then bind. Cycled it back in and out a couple of times to no joy. With it out to the point it starts to bind...I was able to squeeze into the room to check the blind side of the slide...the one that was binding. Discovered that one of the cabinet doors had popped open on that short 5 mile drive and the slide had ripped the lower portion of the door from the face of the cabinet.

Dealer said they would take care of it since it is only 3 weeks old. But in spite of carefully checking that everything was secure before putting the slides in...we learned another lesson that we need to Velcro the handles of those doors to further ensure this does not happen again.

 

[Steve and Cill]

Sorry to hear that. On our 369, I always check the Recliner Sofa to make sure the foot rests are always locked in place so they don't open while traveling.

Steve

 

[Eaglehead]

Sorry to hear what happened glad it wasn't worse and great that the dealer is going to take care of it. We always double and triple check things and sometimes "stuff " happens anyway.

 

[Kamper]

So sorry to hear. I know it makes you sick that it happened. Velcro sound like a good idea. Glad to hear the dealer will fix it for you. Don't let it get you down, there are allot of happy memories out there to make in the future. Happy Camping!

 

[ACDW-Ottawa]

Can also use plastic child locks on the drawers and cupboards. Pro: won't forget to put them on when closing up trailer. Con: always have to push plastic piece down to open drawer.

Don't feel bad. Similar thing happened to us once errr a few times. And many other surprises and mistakes to clean up and fix. So get used to it. It sucks, but part of the fun

 

[Renee]

So sorry to hear this Phydeauxman.
It happened to us also on our 305RE. Louisiana roads are rough, and after a trip, and putting the 305 under the storage shed, I put out the slide to unload the pantry. Well, unknown to me the rear cabinet drawer on the passenger side had popped out. Ripped the cabinet up. Fortunately, our insurance covered it. I now travel with the white plastic baby latches on all of the cabinets in the rear of the camper.

 

[Happy Kansan]

We had our new Reflection 337 out for the first time this weekend. Very similar occurrence with the small cabinet door by the sofa. The door didn't come off and the slide didn't get stuck, but the door latch mechanism on the cabinet was bent and rendered useless. I like the child proof latches idea, we'll have to try that.

This forum is great for sharing tips. Very helpful y'all are.

 

[Dave and Monica]

On our 337, I open the kitchen slide just enough to be able to get to the back of the camper and ensure that the cabinet doors are closed...learning experience from our last camper.

Dave

 

[CentralMichBo]

We put the child proof locks on the doors of the end cabinets by the couch - we also just about ripped the cabinet door off when opening the slide - the driver side door always pops open but with the lock, it only comes open a little ways - don't have to worry anymore (but we do anyway).

 

[Flat top]

The first one always hurts the most. I had to relevel my 303 after we had unhooked ( second time Out ) and forgot to check if the slide closed on the hitch, and drove out from under it. Trailer is ok but sure screwed up both bedsides. A lesson learned that day. Still had a great time in the great outdoors.

 

[dchrist1733]

I had a similar experience with my kitchen slide on the 369RL although my trailer was 18 months old. Went to extend the slideout and it started to bind. Was able to bring it back in and crawl to the back area of the trailer and found that the metal frame around the fireplace had come off and was laying on the floor. I always check things before using the slides but did not think about the fireplace. Fortunately it did not do any damage and the slide works fine, but now I noticed a few gouges on my floor from the other slideout may have to have that checked out.