Looking for help, slide out stablizers, yes or no?

[SinceDay1]

I have a 2011 5er with 3 slides, I was told by a salesperson at Camping Wold, I should get slide out stablizers for my slides to use on stays over 3 days, as well as the stablizer for the frontend. How many of you use them and do they help and are they worth it? Now, to give you some insight, I am a good size guy, as are some who will be staying with us. The main slideout has the dinette and couch area. Any imput is appreciated....

 

[TheLug]

I am a big guy as well. But I was told not to use them by more than a few people including my dealer. They said it can affect the weather seals.

 

[mnsprk]

Most manufacturers don't recommend stabilizers under a slide out. I'm on my 4th unit with slides (2 FW and 2 MH) and have never used them and have never had a problem. I do recommend the hitch pin stabilizer for the front though. Read through the owners manual for the unit your buying, see what it says.

 

[John VN]

Another vote for NO.

Once they are out they are positioned where the seals need to be and the pressure contacts need to be. Put anything under would upset the load bearing contact areas and that would not be a good thing.

 

[rapriebe]

We have never used the slideout stabilizers either and have read many reviews that do NOT recommend them. However, the front stabilizer is another story. We had several 5ers and we never used one until the last rig. If you use them properly, they will help stabilize your rig. If not done right, they are worthless.

 

[SinceDay1]

Thanks for the replies. I am leaning against using them for sure. It seemed like a lot of extra work and if they do not matter or can make things worst, then they are not worth the cost and trouble. On the front stablizer, I do plan on using that one, I have spoke with many and they seem to agree with you guys, but what is right way vs wrong way?

Also, on another topic, but one I am sure you all can help, I have a small leak with the bedroom slide out, it seems just enough rain is getting to the side of my bed and getting the carpet wet, I have been out in the rain today, looking and see if the seals are not right, but it all seems like it is right, anyone have any advice? Sorry for all the questions, but this has been the most helpful site for me and the DW.

 

[SCCamper]

Also, on another topic, but one I am sure you all can help, I have a small leak with the bedroom slide out, it seems just enough rain is getting to the side of my bed and getting the carpet wet, I have been out in the rain today, looking and see if the seals are not right, but it all seems like it is right, anyone have any advice?

If your 5'er is a 2011, it should be a warranty issue. I would take it and have them fix it as soon as possible.

 

[mnsprk]

If your 5'er is a 2011, it should be a warranty issue. I would take it and have them fix it as soon as possible.

x 2

As to the front stabilizer, I highly recommend the tri-pod style. You position it under the pin snug it up and then let the front down just a tad, you should see the chains tighten up. Always worked for me.

 

[medic9016]

Two things working against the slide stabilizers is the tires will cool after you set-up and the frame needs some flex while walking in the trailer. The stabilizers will prevent the slide from moving with both, that can cause the slide rails to get damaged.

Get with you dealer on the leak. Been there with a slide leak.

 

[caveat lector]

Another vote for NO.

Once they are out they are positioned where the seals need to be and the pressure contacts need to be. Put anything under would upset the load bearing contact areas and that would not be a good thing.

This question has long puzzled me. I get the Camping World advertisements, and the slide stabilizers have been prominently displayed many times. Your logic makes perfect sense. No stabilizers for me.
Thanks,

 

[rapriebe]

As to the front stabilizer, I highly recommend the tri-pod style. You position it under the pin snug it up and then let the front down just a tad, you should see the chains tighten up. Always worked for me.

You are right on the front stabilizer. I've seen so many campers just put it under the front pin and tighten up the chains. You need to have your 5er raised up alittle in the front before you put it under and then lower it down so it carries some of the weight.

 

[DisCamper]

Also, on another topic, but one I am sure you all can help, I have a small leak with the bedroom slide out, it seems just enough rain is getting to the side of my bed and getting the carpet wet, I have been out in the rain today, looking and see if the seals are not right, but it all seems like it is right, anyone have any advice? Sorry for all the questions, but this has been the most helpful site for me and the DW.

I hate to say this I had a leak on one of my new RV’s took it back many of time and even sent it to the factory. They never could find or fix the leak. I have heard this from other people too. Sorry

 

[LarryJ]

Two things working against the slide stabilizers is the tires will cool after you set-up and the frame needs some flex while walking in the trailer. The stabilizers will prevent the slide from moving with both, that can cause the slide rails to get damaged.

Get with you dealer on the leak. Been there with a slide leak.

While that might be a concern from what I have heard if you are not on concrete then over time the stabilizer jacks can sink at different amounts than where the slide out jacks are and then you are putting a large amount of pressure on the slide out that was not designed to carry or support and could damage the slide out mechanism.

Larry

 

[SinceDay1]

Thanks to everyone who gave imput, all that is said makes me realize it would not be good to get them, therefore, I will not. this is the most helpful board, glad I found it.

As for the leaking, I think we found the problem, I will know soon....

I hate to keep asking, but I have one more question, for now that is, what is your opinion of the slide out awnings?

Thanks again for all the help!

 

[Disney Bunny]

Thanks to everyone who gave imput, all that is said makes me realize it would not be good to get them, therefore, I will not. this is the most helpful board, glad I found it.

As for the leaking, I think we found the problem, I will know soon....

I hate to keep asking, but I have one more question, for now that is, what is your opinion of the slide out awnings?

Thanks again for all the help!

I recommend the slideout awnings. Keeps a lot of debris off the top of the slideout that you might pull into your camper when you close up. Also keeps DH from having to get on a ladder to clean the top of the slideout.

 

[luckycharm19335]

Slideout awnings are a definate plus!
Keeps all the crap (including critters that may be trying to hitch a ride) from coming inside.
Also, keeps rain from laying on the top of the slide. The water will roll off as the awning rolls up.

 

[dtum]

Big yes on slide cover. As our dealer told us, anything on the top of the slide when you bring it in comes in too. Also, a big no on slide stabilizers for the reason already mentioned. The way slides are made, they are made to carry the weight on their own and not tip over One thing on the tri-pod for the king pin. We have the mor-ryde pin box and it is made to cushion the shock when we tow. The dealer said putting the tripod under it would not stabilize because the pin box would still "float" or move. We put stabilizer bars between our front landing gear and that stops all the side-too-side movement and wheel chocks stop front-to-back.

 

[mnsprk]

I hate to keep asking, but I have one more question, for now that is, what is your opinion of the slide out awnings?

Wouldn't leave home without them.

 

[2goofycampers]

Wouldn't leave home without them.

Agreed

 

[SinceDay1]

Great!! I am going to get pricing on the awnings and have them installed. Skipping the slide out stablizers.

Thanks again for all the advice and help!