Slides in or out?

[RKC02]

After our last trip we cleaned the rv and left the slides out, planning to reload for the next trip within a few weeks. Medical issues arose that have delayed any trips for the next couple of months.
The slides are still out.
My question is: Does it matter whether the slides remain out for a few months? Any downsides? I am thinking probably not since when on an extended stay, like snow-birding, the slides would remain out the whole time.

Just wondering. Easy enough to retract them but trying to understand if it makes a difference.

[avolnek]

It really doesn't make a difference as it is rated to be out like you stated for extended stays or full timing... I personally would bring them in and really don't have a really good answer as to why other than I feel it would provide a little better weather seal...

[gsnavarro]

My slide-out seals came off after 3 camping trips, make sure you continue to check those!!!

[Wiscampsin]

We're on a seasonal site and our slides are out from April 15th to October 15th. Never had a problem although I do treat the seals twice a season with Aerospace 303 UV Protectant.

[trudinator]

When we get home from a trip, we plug it in and run the slide out. It stays out until our next trip. The only time it is pulled in for an extended period is during the winter. Every RV dealership I've seen has all the slides out on the units in their lot 24/7/365. If it works for them.....

[speedmerchant]

For the time it takes I would pull them in. I get some rain accumulating on the dinning room slide out topper as it's a big area and doesn't hold enough tension for the water to bounce off. The others can hold a bit too so would hate to worry about weight and stretching the awning material over the slides, especially the big one as it does have some sag to it after a storm. And like someone mentioned here as well, makes for a better weather seal and the rear wardrobe slide cables aren't exposed to the elements either. Or the shafts in hyrdaulic cylinders for the other slides. I mean all little things that aren't too big of a deal but I'd sleep better knowing they were in a secure. My 0.02cents

[Brother Les]

Before you bring them back in, get up on top of the unit and clean the top of the slides off of any debris.

[AREA51]

I agree with speedmerchant.
Less wear and tear on the Toppers, keeps the Sun off the seals, a better seal and less places for those little guys who fly or crawl and always want to invade through any opening they can find.
GOOD LUCK
AREA51

[tmmar]

Originally Posted by speedmerchant

For the time it takes I would pull them in. I get some rain accumulating on the dinning room slide out as it's a big area and doesn't hold enough tension for the water to bounce off. The others can hold a bit too but not enough to worry about weight and stretching the awning material over the slides, but the big one does have some sag to it after a storm. And like someone mentioned here as well, makes for a better weather seal and the rear wardrobe slide cables aren't exposed to the elements either. Or the shafts in hyrdaulic cylinders for the other slides. I mean all little things that aren't too big of a deal but I'd sleep better knowing they were in a secure. My 0.02cents

X2!! I agree!

[ependydad]

Originally Posted by avolnek

It really doesn't make a difference as it is rated to be out like you stated for extended stays or full timing... I personally would bring them in and really don't have a really good answer as to why other than I feel it would provide a little better weather seal...

As sad as this makes me to say - I think I completely agree with avon. I don't have any real reason why I'd bring them, I just likely would.

[RKC02]

Thanks everyone for the great advice! I am sold on bringing in the slides rather than having all of the components exposed for no reason. Wouldn't be an issue if we were in it. I will check and clean the toppers, ensuring no debris on the slides, clean and treat the cables and pistons as well.
Thanks again.