Travel Trailer Slide-Outs: How Do They Work?

RV slide-outs, also known as slides, pop-outs, and bump-outs, are extensions that can be added to your RV to increase its footprint and living space. They are typically operated through an electrical system, but can also be powered hydraulically, mechanically, or manually. The slide-out construction consists of several components: the slide-out room, mechanism, seals, controls, and supports/stabilizers. While RV slides enhance the living space, they also come with certain disadvantages and rules to follow when using them.

Slide outs can be operated with a push of a button, using electrical or hydraulic systems

Slide outs can be operated with the push of a button, using electrical or hydraulic systems. Electric slide outs are typically used for smaller and lighter slide outs, while hydraulic slide outs are used for larger and heavier slide outs.

Electric slide outs are powered by an electric motor that drives a gear system. They are usually used for smaller and lighter slide outs. Electric slide outs can be prone to a few issues, such as motor or gearbox failure, or the shearing of drive pins in the main gear mechanism. Additionally, the motors can draw excessive amperage if there is any resistance in the slide, which can lead to breakage or tripped electrical relays.

Hydraulic slide outs, on the other hand, are used for larger and heavier slide outs. They require a motor/pump assembly to operate multiple slides. Hydraulic slide outs are more complex than electrical systems but can generate more pushing power. However, they also have their vulnerabilities, such as the potential failure of pumps, valves, or hydraulic lines, and the susceptibility of hydraulic fluid lines to excessive wear, friction, and heat.

Both electrical and hydraulic slide outs offer convenience and added space to RVs. However, they require regular maintenance and vigilance to keep them functioning correctly.

They can also be manually operated with a hand crank

Slide-outs, also known as slides, are a common feature in modern recreational vehicles (RVs) and travel trailers. They are room extenders that increase the living space of the vehicle and can be found in the bedroom, living room, kitchen, and even the bathroom. Slide-outs can be operated through an electrical system, hydraulics, or manually with a hand crank.

When manually operating a slide-out with a hand crank, the process will vary depending on the type of slide-out installed in the RV. Here are the general steps to manually operate different types of slide-outs:

Cable-Operated Slides

Locate the slide-out motor, which is usually found on top of the slide-out with cables and pulleys attached. Remove any interior fascia to gain access to the motor. Fit the appropriate square bit into the end of the motor and connect a flexible extension to the square bit. Secure the other end of the flexible extension into a portable drill. Finally, drive the drill counter-clockwise to bring the slide-out in until it is flush with the exterior wall of the RV.

Schwintek System (Worm Gear) Slides

Locate the slide-out's electronic control box, which could be in an underneath storage compartment or inside the coach. Bypass the electronic control box by following the instructions on the control box or in the owner's manual. Typically, this involves pushing a reset button multiple times and then holding it down. Depress the normal slide-out switch to test its function and bring the slide-out in.

Rack and Pinion Slides

Locate the extension rod attached to the electric actuator motor or the hex nut on the slide-out's electric actuator motor. If you find the extension rod, unhook the battery to prevent electric backfeed and then connect the manual override crank tool to the extension rod. Turn the crank handle clockwise to retract the slide-out until it is flush with the exterior wall. If you locate the hex nut, use a ratchet with an appropriately sized fitting to turn the hex nut clockwise and retract the slide.

General Tips for Manually Operating Slide-Outs

Before attempting to manually operate any slide-out, it is important to consult the owner's manual for specific instructions and recommendations. Ensure that nothing is obstructing the slide-out, both inside and outside the RV. Lubricating the slide-out regularly can also help prevent issues. When manually cranking the slide-out, do not over-crank as it can damage the slide mechanism. Always wear heavy gloves when manually operating the slide-out to avoid injury.

Slide outs are room extenders that can enhance the living space of your rig

Slide-outs, also known as slides, are room extenders that can enhance the living space of your rig. They are common in motorhomes, campers, fifth wheels, toy haulers, and virtually all types of RVs. While they weren't part of the first RVs on the road, they are now common and many campers expect to see slide outs on their RV.

Slide-outs work by changing from an extended to a retracted position depending on whether your RV is set up for camping or driving. They are typically operated through an electrical system on your RV’s control center, where the push of a button can retract or expand the slide. There are also hydraulic or manual mechanical slide outs.

Slide-outs are built to evenly distribute weight and maneuver smoothly. Inside your RV, the slide out generally has furniture or other features that, when expanded, offer added interior space to your RV.

When you’re getting ready to drive or you’re on the road, your RV slide should be in the retracted position so that your rig is as aerodynamic as possible. Under no circumstances should you drive your RV with your slide out extended, as doing so can be dangerous for you and others on the road. You should only extend your RV slide out when you’re ready to camp, which is when you can open the slide to extend your RV’s interior space. Depending on the location of your slide, extending the slide can add space to the kitchen, living room, bedroom, or even the bathroom.

There are several types of slide-outs, including electric motor slide-outs, rack and pinion slide-outs, and hydraulic slide-outs. Electric motor slide-outs utilize an electric motor for extending and retracting the slide-out, and are ideal for RVs in many capacities. Rack and pinion slide-outs operate on a toothed track with a gear fitting within the teeth, allowing the slide-out to move along the track. This type of slide-out is most likely what you’ll encounter with a new RV. Hydraulic slide-outs operate on a similar level to rack and pin slide-outs, but use hydraulic lifts. They are best for rigs with very heavy slide-outs, as hydraulic systems are capable of handling a much higher weight.

Slide-outs can be a great way to enhance the living space of your rig, but it's important to consider the potential drawbacks as well. Slide-outs require additional maintenance and upkeep, and can leak. They also add weight to your RV, which can affect fuel efficiency and towing capacity. Additionally, when not extended, slide-outs can block cupboards and walkways, making it difficult to access certain areas of your RV.

They are typically found in the bedroom and living spaces

Slide-outs, also known as slides, are room extenders that can enhance the living space of your rig. They are typically found in the bedroom and living spaces of recreational vehicles (RVs) and can be operated through an electrical system, hydraulics, or manual mechanical means. Slide-outs can increase the square footage of the living space, providing more room for relaxation, entertainment, and comfortable living.

Slide-outs are designed to evenly distribute weight and manoeuvre smoothly. They can be extended outward to increase the camper's living space and then retracted to bring the rig back to its compact size for travelling. This functionality allows RVers to enjoy a larger living area without necessarily upgrading to a bigger model.

The operation of a slide-out typically involves an electric motor or a hydraulic pump that drives the movement of the slide room. Electric slide-outs usually utilise one or two electric motors that power a worm gear system or a rack and pinion setup. On the other hand, hydraulic slide-outs are operated by a hydraulic pump that moves hydraulic fluid through lines to pistons attached to the slide out, making them ideal for heavier slide outs.

Slide-outs offer several advantages to RV owners. They increase living space, enhance the living area in smaller RVs, improve resale value, provide versatile living arrangements, enhance comfort and privacy, facilitate entertaining, and simplify organisation and storage.

However, there are also some disadvantages to consider. Slide-outs involve complex mechanisms that may require a higher level of maintenance and understanding. They may face repair and maintenance issues, such as malfunctioning motors or misaligned tracks. Additionally, there is a risk of leaks, insulation challenges, weight considerations, and the necessity for slide toppers to protect against water and debris.

Slide outs can weigh up to 1000 pounds

The weight of slide outs can also impact the campsite options available to RV owners. For example, older campgrounds and national parks often have narrower campsites. This means there may not be enough space to extend slide outs, and RV owners may need to consider the extra space required when booking a site.

Slide outs are designed to be used when an RV is stationary, and should always be retracted before driving. Slide outs can add up to 12 feet of interior space to an RV, but this extra space comes at a cost. The additional weight of slide outs can add complexity to a trip, and impact the overall experience.

The weight of slide outs is an important consideration for RV owners, and prospective buyers. While slide outs offer the benefit of increased living space, they also add significant weight to an RV, which can impact fuel economy, tow vehicle requirements, and campsite options.

Frequently asked questions