Leveling Procedure Question

[BradnElaine]

We were told with our last travel trailer (27' single small slide) that the unit should be leveled/stabilized first, and then the slide goes out.
We were recently told by a Grand Design service tech that the proper procedure to level our 369RL is to put the slides out first and THEN level the unit.

How do YOU do it and why?

 

[Paul & Deb]

Interesting. at last year's Rally we were specifically told what you, and most of us, have always heard. Level first, then open slides.

I would take this recent information and throw it out as a mistake.

 

[perfpix]

Good question. We weren't told to do it either way, however I always level 1st. It would seem to me that pushing the slides out on an unlevel unit would result in extra wear and tear on the slide mechanisms.

 

[2butler]

Good question. We weren't told to do it either way, however I always level 1st. It would seem to me that pushing the slides out on an unlevel unit would result in extra wear and tear on the slide mechanisms.

perfpix is correct, As someone who has been in the camping RV world since I was 10 years old working the family KOA, level first, then open slides. Opening in a unlevelled position the frame can still be in a twist, causing a lot if issues and possible damage.

 

[Rclbud]

I felt like mine was settling a bit from being in the same spot for a while so I raised the front up a bit, and auto re-leveled with slides out. I think you can do either.

Procedure wise, I was told to level closed by my dealer.

 

[CWSWine]

I was told not to open the slides unless the RV is level.

 

[BradnElaine]

Thanks for all the replies.
It sounded backwards to me, which is why I asked for an explanation as to why he was advising this.
His response was that when the slides are out they DO put a load on the frame, causing a very small amount of flex. This in turn will change the angle and landing point of the jacks to actually support the frame in it's new (loaded) position. If the unit is leveled with the slides in, the frame/suspension will be in conflict with the jacks, putting more stress on the jacks and stress on the entire unit in locations where it is not designed to be.

Now let me be clear here, I am not arguing one side or the other. I'm just looking to do it right, and protect my unit and investment from any damage that could be caused by doing it wrong.

It would be nice if someone with GD (like an engineer maybe???) would weigh in on this and provide all of us with the correct method of leveling our units.

 

[TucsonJim]

It would be nice if someone with GD (like an engineer maybe???) would weigh in on this and provide all of us with the correct method of leveling our units.

If you post your question in the "Tech Corner" section, Grand Design will likely respond to your question. Just a thought. Does your Solitude owner's manual cover it?


Jim

 

[LCBoyer]

I think it's wise to level, open slides, check level, if necessary adjust.

 

[Paul & Deb]

His response was that when the slides are out they DO put a load on the frame, causing a very small amount of flex. This in turn will change the angle and landing point of the jacks to actually support the frame in it's new (loaded) position. If the unit is leveled with the slides in, the frame/suspension will be in conflict with the jacks, putting more stress on the jacks and stress on the entire unit in locations where it is not designed to be.

So sorry and take no offense but that is about the biggest load of BS I have heard yet!

It was suggested you ask in the Tech Corner and I'm certain Jess will get you the answer but at the Rally we were even advised to never open the slides when the levers (manual or automatic) are not down. The specific topic came up with GD and Lippert present when talking about over-nighting while hooked up, like at a Walmart or someplace.

I believe the "salesman" or PDI tech was pulling this one out of his butt. He should be nominated for an Academy Award for his performance!

Okay, that may have been a little tough but here's one online answer:

"The rule of thumb for the majority of RVs with powered hydraulic leveling jacks is to level your RV first then extend your RV's slides (check your RV's owner's manual to be sure). This procedure creates a level platform to start with and produces less strain on the leveling and slideout systems.

Let's try a little physics experiment so that you can get a better idea of why the level first method is best. For this experiment you will need a 10 pound weight or something that weighs close to 10 pounds that you can hold in one of your hands.

For this experiment your legs are going to act as your RV's leveling jacks and your arm is your RV's slideout. In this case we are talking about a 1 slide RV.

To start out just hold the weight in one of your hands with your arms relaxed at your side. That 10 pound weight is in your center of gravity and you should have no problems squatting with this extra weight. With the slides in the weight stays closer to your RV's center of gravity giving the leveling jacks an easier job of handling the weight.

Now take that weight and push it straight out to your side at shoulder level. You can now see that the 10 pounds seems much heavier and it may be a little bit harder to squat up and down because you are having to adjust for the uneven weight distribution.

In multi slide RVs, the slides are very seldom the exact same size and weight, So it would be like holding a 50 pound weight in your other hand, except slideouts weigh hundreds of pounds and you can see how this uneven weight distribution can cause strain on the leveling jacks.

Another factor is that most slideout systems are designed to be extended and retracted when they are level. The less level your RV is when the slides are being extended the more strain that is put on the leveling systems trying to push the slides out at an angle. On some mechanical slide out systems this extra strain is a good way to break the shear pins on the gears that move the slides in and out. When this happens the slides have to be manually opened and closed."

BTW, I checked the Reflection Owner's Manual and was surprised to read thatr they recommend leveling first, slide outs next but then finish by saying the order is personal preference. How's that for beating around the bush

 

[2butler]

Poppy you always seem to make me smile on your replies!

 

[Paul & Deb]

Poppy you always seem to make me smile on your replies!

My purpose in life

Now back to watching my team get there ass, I mean butt, get kicked.

Sent from my SM-G900V using Tapatalk

 

[joesmainship]

On my travel trailer, I was told to level the unit, extend the stabilizers for support, then extend the slides. Hope that's right.