|
|
05-19-2016, 12:21 PM
|
#1
|
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 9
|
New Travel Trailer and a easy question about WH & Slide
Wife and I picked up a 2016 Salem KQBSS this spring. The maiden voyage was last weekend and it was great. The 4 daughters (19,10,7,5) all love it, but the 19 yo won't be with us too much. After 4 years of eyeballing a camper we finally made it work. I can't wait for the memories the kids will have.
Anyway, we are camping around a few different places this first month. Then, have a permanent spot for a couple months by some family not to far away. We are going to make it a "weekend getaway" for that time, then back to a few different places before winter comes.
My question is this... Do I need to or should I drain the water heater each time we come and go? It will be almost every weekend, but there will be the occasional time it will sit for two weeks. Then, do I run the slide in and out every weekend or just leave it out?
Thank you in advance and I look forward to the comments and advice for years to come!
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 01:17 PM
|
#2
|
Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,890
|
The water heater one is a fair debate. I personally wouldn't be emptying it. Just make sure you turn it off- no sense in heating water when you're not around.
As for the slide, most seasonal folks leave them extended between visits to the camper.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 01:25 PM
|
#3
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 250
|
Personally I wouldn't worry about draining the WH but like mentioned above I would turn it off.
The only way I'd consider leaving my slideout extended for two weeks unmonitored would be if I had slideout covers installed.
-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL
__________________
RJones
2016 Nitro 31FQSL
2017 2500 Denali Duramax
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:03 PM
|
#4
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Sep 2010
Posts: 2,219
|
New Travel Trailer and a easy question about WH & Slide
We owned a seasonal RV lot for a few years. Filled the water heater in the spring and emptied in the fall. Turned of the H/W when we were not there. Opened the slides in the spring and closed in the fall. Not sure what the slide cover statement above was supposed to mean. We don't have them and never wanted them. But remember to bring your awning in. We left our fridge on all season as well. I also jacked the trailer up every few months to rotate the tires a bit and kept the tires covered.
2010 F250 5.4L 3.73
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
Equal-i-zer 4pt 12K
__________________
2011 Flagstaff 831FKBSS
2010 F250 4X4 5.4L 3.73 LS
EQUALIZER E4 1200/12000
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:22 PM
|
#5
|
Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,074
|
As Ependy said the WH is debatable but I fill mine in the spring when 'summerizing' and it doesn't get drained until fall 'winterizing'.
I wouldn't see a need to pull the slide(s) in at a seasonal site (from a mechanical/structure standpoint) unless you felt there was going to be an excessive amount of debris (sap/leaves/bird crap/etc.) on the slide, if left out.
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=86
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:23 PM
|
#6
|
Professional Curmudgeon
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
|
As pointed out, draining the water heater isn't really necessary. I wouldn't leave stagnant water in there for any real length of time, though. You may want to run the hot water lines a few minutes before lighting the water heater just to "flush it out" a bit before use.
I leave my slide out nearly 100% of the time. Just about the only time it is in is while we are on the road, but then, I am in and out of the camper nearly every day. You might want to bring the slide in when nobody is using the camper because there may be space underneath that can allow critters access to the inside of your camper. I'd take a look at the bottom edge where the slide goes through the wall to see how well that area is sealed.
Slide toppers can help prevent the build up of debris on top of the slide, but they are also attractive havens for nest builders of all kinds. Just make sure the top of the slide is clean before closing and you'll be fine.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:27 PM
|
#7
|
I go RV'ing not Camping
Join Date: Nov 2013
Location: Lethbridge, Ab, Canada
Posts: 1,482
|
I have often wondered why people are leaving their slides out while the trailer is not being used. I always thought it was safest to have the trailer all sealed/closed up will not using it.
Is it a matter of wearing out the slide motor??
__________________
312QBUD Owners Thread
2015 Wildwood Heritage Glen 312QBUD
2000 Chev 2500 Extended Cab 6 Liter
1400lbs Equal-i-zer Hitch
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:31 PM
|
#8
|
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 9
|
All excellent comments and suggestions. I don't think the water will ever get to the point that it sits in the WH. With a family of 5 using it, even dishes, hand washing (kids love to leave the water running) and routine day to day activities should use a good portion of the water in it. I have seen a couple anode rods with a valve right in them to do just this, but didn't know if it was even needed.
Slide covers. That is a new term for me. I think I know what he is talking about, but never actually knew what they were called. I will have to check and see. Not to install them, but to educate on what they actually are.
Good idea about moving the tires and stuff. We have a grass spot were we will be so i bet getting them moved once and a while will extend the life if not stop the other side of the tire from getting jealous.
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:40 PM
|
#9
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Jun 2013
Location: Between Pickles Gap and Toad Suck, AR
Posts: 6,070
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0wsw
All excellent comments and suggestions. I don't think the water will ever get to the point that it sits in the WH. With a family of 5 using it, even dishes, hand washing (kids love to leave the water running) and routine day to day activities should use a good portion of the water in it. I have seen a couple anode rods with a valve right in them to do just this, but didn't know if it was even needed.
Slide covers. That is a new term for me. I think I know what he is talking about, but never actually knew what they were called. I will have to check and see. Not to install them, but to educate on what they actually are.
Good idea about moving the tires and stuff. We have a grass spot were we will be so i bet getting them moved once and a while will extend the life if not stop the other side of the tire from getting jealous.
|
I got the slide cover option on new 5'er. Basically, they are the same as awnings, but just cover the top of the slides and automatically deploy as the slides deploy, and vice versa.
__________________
"Next to prayer, fishing is the most personal relationship of man" Herbert Hoover
"American by Birth, Southern by the Grace of God"Lewis Grizzard
FROG AR-0019-242
2016 GMC Denali 3500Dually--2017 CC 36CKTS
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:54 PM
|
#10
|
Professional Curmudgeon
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgourlie
I have often wondered why people are leaving their slides out while the trailer is not being used. I always thought it was safest to have the trailer all sealed/closed up will not using it.
Is it a matter of wearing out the slide motor??
|
I do not know the answer to this. I leave mine out because I am in and out of it quite often. In fact, I keep the 'fridge stocked and will go out to relax and watch tv, Netflix, a DVD, etc.
Of course, I've been known to put the awning and chairs out and sit to enjoy the breeze of an evening too...
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:55 PM
|
#11
|
Pickin', Campin', Mason
Join Date: Aug 2015
Location: South Western PA
Posts: 19,074
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0wsw
...
... Slide covers. That is a new term for me. I think I know what he is talking about, but never actually knew what they were called. I will have to check and see. Not to install them, but to educate on what they actually are.
|
Here you can see the slide toppers on the back side of our 8529IKBS.
__________________
2022 Cedar Creek 345IK 5th Wheel•Solar & Inverter•2017 Ford F-Series SCREW 4x4•Factory Puck•B&W Companion•TST Tire Monitor w/Repeater•Sinemate 3500w Gen.
F&AM Lodge 358 Somerset, PA - JAFFA Shrine - Altoona, PA
Days Camped ☼ '19=118 ☼ '20=116 ☼ '21=123 ☼ '22=134 ☼ '23=118☼ '24=86
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 02:57 PM
|
#12
|
Site Team
Join Date: Mar 2014
Location: Grayson County, Texas
Posts: 21,502
|
Slide cover... aka slide topper
5picker was quicker on the downbeat!
Sent (I think)
__________________
2015 FR Wildcat 295RSX / GMC Sierra
Nights Camped: '13 = 49/'14 = 74/'15 = 74/'16 = 85/'17 = 110/'18 = 111/'19 = 86/'20 =108/'21 = 115/'22 = 135/'23 = 78; Booked for 2024 = 69
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 03:17 PM
|
#13
|
Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,890
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by jgourlie
I have often wondered why people are leaving their slides out while the trailer is not being used. I always thought it was safest to have the trailer all sealed/closed up will not using it.
Is it a matter of wearing out the slide motor??
|
I'm not positive, but I believe that a slide should be equally sealed when fully extended vs. fully retracted.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 03:46 PM
|
#14
|
Junior Member
Join Date: May 2016
Posts: 9
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by 5picker
Here you can see the slide toppers on the back side of our 8529IKBS.
|
OK, I have seen them before. Just didn't know the term for them.
How do they weather in a storm? Noisy from flapping or do they stay pretty quiet? I could see some benefits from them. Debris, rain, bird crap as one put it.
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 09:50 PM
|
#15
|
Professional Curmudgeon
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
I'm not positive, but I believe that a slide should be equally sealed when fully extended vs. fully retracted.
|
I can attest that my slide is sealed when retracted but when extended there is a section in the center underneath where the seals don't cover the gap between slide and frame. Too small for a squirrel, perhaps, but big enough for all kinds of other critters.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
|
|
|
05-19-2016, 09:52 PM
|
#16
|
Always Learning
Join Date: Nov 2011
Location: Four Corners, FL
Posts: 21,890
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by kb0wsw
How do they weather in a storm? Noisy from flapping or do they stay pretty quiet? I could see some benefits from them. Debris, rain, bird crap as one put it.
|
You'll get mixed reviews on that. Most say no issues. Some say they get some noise.
To me, the benefit far outweighs the negatives.
__________________
Officially a SOB with a 2022 Jayco Precept 36C
Checkout my site for RVing tips, tricks, and info | Was a Fulltime Family for 5 years, now we're part-timing on long trips
|
|
|
05-20-2016, 08:20 AM
|
#17
|
Senior Member
Join Date: Feb 2015
Location: Florida
Posts: 250
|
Quote:
Originally Posted by ependydad
You'll get mixed reviews on that. Most say no issues. Some say they get some noise.
To me, the benefit far outweighs the negatives.
|
X2
-R.Jones
Nitro 31FQSL
__________________
RJones
2016 Nitro 31FQSL
2017 2500 Denali Duramax
|
|
|
05-20-2016, 08:38 AM
|
#18
|
Site Team
Join Date: Oct 2014
Posts: 15,266
|
Draining the WH would depend on the quality of the water. If it is decent treated water then it should be OK. If you have lots of iron or sulfur in the water( untreated well water) then I would drain it. If it is an Atwood, just replace the drain plug with a 1/4turn valve and the task is very easy.
__________________
2015 Freedom Express 248RBS
TV 2015 Silverado HD2500 Duramax
TST Tire Monitors
Honda 2000I + Companion
2 100W solar panels
|
|
|
05-20-2016, 12:19 PM
|
#19
|
txkreddog
Join Date: Dec 2014
Location: Arkansas River Valley
Posts: 70
|
We don't drain the WH but we do make sure the city water source and WH are turned off, just in case a leak develops. We leave the slide out for the weekend, but if we are going to be away from the camper for more than a day or two we retract the slide. We always retract the awning.
|
|
|
05-20-2016, 01:25 PM
|
#20
|
Professional Curmudgeon
Join Date: Sep 2013
Posts: 754
|
Stowing the awning is mandatory if you want to keep it. You never know what kind of weather you're going to get, but most of it is entirely capable of destroying an awning.
__________________
2022 Cougar Half Ton 24RDS fifth wheel
2014 Coachmen Catalina 253RKS (sold)
2017 F350 6.7L DRW CC LB 4x4 Lariat
|
|
|
|
|
Thread Tools |
|
Display Modes |
Linear Mode
|
Posting Rules
|
You may not post new threads
You may not post replies
You may not post attachments
You may not edit your posts
HTML code is Off
|
|
|
|
» Recent Discussions |
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|