Storing the RV with slides In or OUT

[wallymann]

I'm guessing by shear # of observations, that "somewhere or someone" recommends storing RV with slides OUT. Anyone know the reason, or has seen any real difference in either practice? Thanks, Wally

 

[huntindog]

I'm guessing by shear # of observations, that "somewhere or someone" recommends storing RV with slides OUT. Anyone know the reason, or has seen any real difference in either practice? Thanks, Wally

The seals will last longer if the slides are kept in.

 

[wallymann]

That was my thought too! Thanks!

 

[boyscout]

The seals will last longer if the slides are kept in.

@wallyman so will the slide toppers and slide roofs. Probably also metal parts of slide rails. Maybe parts of hydraulics (if equipped). Likely side window seals. Where have you seen all the arguments for storing with the slides out? I'm surprised that notion is popular.

 

[wallymann]

Just driving around, noticing that when they have room, most the "stored" RVs have their slides out. It may be that people want frequent access to stored RV, made easier by leaving the slides out. IDK. Thanks for the response!

 

[Calbar]

I'm guessing by shear # of observations, that "somewhere or someone" recommends storing RV with slides OUT. Anyone know the reason, or has seen any real difference in either practice? Thanks, Wally

My 297RSTS is stored with the slides in all the time. I don't see any benefit to exposing the slide toppers, slide roof and side windows to the weather if I don't have to. As well if for some reason the slide doesn't come out it is so much easier to tow the trailer for repair than it would be if the slide got stuck when it was out. Plus as others have stated the seals last longer as well.

Rob

 

[wallymann]

All great points, thks!

 

[Canyonlight]

And if one can prevent any type of damage to slide by having it retracted - damage such as from a vehicle, kids bikes, mower, vandals, and lord knows what else, this damage can be prevented or minimized significantly.

Dan

 

[wallymann]

A BIG reason I don't is the Miller moth invasion here occurring most springs. Even shut up tight the RV still suffers a significant invasion...no matter what I do, moth balls ect....

 

[Txfivver]

I leave the bedroom slide and the street side living room slide out if it's going to freeze, like it did here last month. These two slides partially block the furnace vents in those areas. Luckily I have indoor storage so it's not an issue for a few days. The rest of the time it's definitely slides in.

 

[Cajun Couple]

Keep mine in the backyard under a metal cover. In hot and humid SE Louisiana I leave my slides open and one AC on to keep humidity down. I'll pull the slides in once a month and wash down the camper with wash and wax. Birds make a mess on the camper and make their nest under the roof of the rv cover. I use the camper as a mancave and go in and watch TV when I want. We get many hurricanes down here so I'll pull in the slides and hope for the best! Good to exercise the slides about once a month anyway.

 

[wallymann]

Yep, mildew / mold would be a problem if you didnt try to manage it.

 

[rootusrootus]

Lippert says store it slides in. I usually do, unless I'm doing work inside the trailer.

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

According to the Lippert manual on the Through Frame Slide-out System, it clearly states on page 5: "Note: For long-term storage: It is recommended that the room be closed (retracted)."

Not that anyone reads the manual. It also states: "Although the system is designed to be almost maintenance free, actuate the room once or twice a month to keep the seals and internal moving parts lubricated."

Just parroting what the manual says...

 

[SGT ROC]

According to the Lippert manual on the Through Frame Slide-out System, it clearly states on page 5: "Note: For long-term storage: It is recommended that the room be closed (retracted)."

Not that anyone reads the manual. It also states: "Although the system is designed to be almost maintenance free, actuate the room once or twice a month to keep the seals and internal moving parts lubricated."

Just parroting what the manual says...

Nice to know that last part..... now. Not that I plan on walking through the snow next winter to run my slides in and out

 

[MoonShadow_1911]

Nice to know that last part..... now. Not that I plan on walking through the snow next winter to run my slides in and out

Lol! I wonder what we will do when we full-time... Probably just kick the wife and dogs out for 5 minutes and run them in and out... Hrm... Maybe have her run them in and out while I take the dogs? Safer for me than kicking her out?

Sent from my phone using Tapatalk

 

[SGT ROC]

Lol! I wonder what we will do when we full-time... Probably just kick the wife and dogs out for 5 minutes and run them in and out... Hrm... Maybe have her run them in and out while I take the dogs? Safer for me than kicking her out?

Sent from my phone using Tapatalk

My wife is almost a full foot shorter than me, and more than 100 pounds less. I still ain't mess'n with that

 

[The_Lovells]

FWIW I Try Not To Store Our RV

I'm guessing by shear # of observations, that "somewhere or someone" recommends storing RV with slides OUT. Anyone know the reason, or has seen any real difference in either practice? Thanks, Wally

Living in Coastal NC, where it does freeze and rain a lot near the coast we store our 297RSTS under a 18WX41X12H (side walls) shelter. We use it every month, and when not used the slide outs are in. However they get put out/in etc.. at least once a month, when we use it, sometime once a week when I fiddle with it. This is the second TT we have owned with slides, and I never stored either with the slides out, and both were under cover as well. As others have pointed out there is a lot of things that get unnecessarily exposed for no reason to weathering etc.. As an engineer I know that the worst thing for any machinery is for it to sit unused. Hence the Lippert, and other manufacturers recommendation to use the slide system to keep it serviceable.
Additionally if it is humid where you are, and electricity is available I recommend a dehumidifier in the RV to keep the moisture under control. We have one that travels with us and lives in the WD closet when we are set up, the bathroom when the Rv is stored, but it is always on, unless we are moving.

 

[hduncan]

Keep the slides in during the winter and the slides out during the summer. Set the AC's to 84 degrees and run a dehumidifier during the summer to keep moister down, which is why slides are out during the summer. Cannot stand a musty smelling RV.

 

[SGT ROC]

I just leave the vents open (Maxair Vent covers on them). Never had any issues yet with humidity or musty smell.