Storing your camper. Slides in or out?

[SCSTTROOPER]

Hello everyone. I have a new 2017 30WTBSK with two slides. The camper is 34 feet long and I am able to park it under a 32' metal cover when not in use. My question is this...

Is it better to store the camper with the slides out or in and why? My metal cover is wide enough that I can store it either way but I was wondering what the "BEST" way is and "WHY"?

Thanks,
Jason

[doc73]

I store it with the slides in. I figure it keeps the slide inside out of the elements (not an issue for you) and keeps the stress off the frame and studs that need to support the weight of the slide hanging out there in the breeze. Hang around a bit and you will be shocked how crappy they put some of these trailers together.

[Ford Idaho]

Slides in, it is sealed better and I would be... bothered if the snow melted and found its way inside.

There is also a gap between the top of the floor and the bottom of the slide that would make a handy home for those things with six legs or more.

[Mdaniels4]

Ditto. Slides in for the reasons above.

[wahoonc]

Usually with the slides in... saves time when I am ready to roll on a moment's notice!

Aaron

[Oaklevel]

Either way for us.................. but if you look on a dealers lot they are almost always out.

[valleyduo]

Since you mentioned it being a metal "cover" I'd go slides in. Keep from any leaves or debris hiding up there when you want to move.

[itat]

If we are parking it for a week or two between trips we may leave the slides out but otherwise we store it with the slides in. As others have said, there is less stress on the unit when the weight of the slide is in and the seals are not exposed to the sun and weather. Our Rockwood is not designed to be a full time living unit so I figure it needs to be closed up when stored.

[bikendan]

IN!

[SCSTTROOPER]

OK... In it is! I figured as much but thought that I would ask what everyone else was doing.

[jtesta1]

I apply a spray film of wd40 to the seal then put slides in. Helps keep seals pliable.

[GreenImp]

You often see/hear the point that there is "less stress" on the unit when slides are in. I question this thought. Unless I'm mistaken, the only point to which the slides are connected to the rest of the trailer is where it meets the wall...whether that be the exterior end of the slide (when the slide is in), or the interior end of the slide (when the slide is out). When the slide is in, it does not rest on the trailers floor...it "hovers" directly above it. How is this less stressful on the trailers frame/wall?


I keep our slides in most of the time because we have slide toppers that I am looking to prolong the life of.

[Scubanut]

Is that a good idea, wd 40 i would be worried that the rubber may be degraded. I heard that talcum powder works well.

[Iwritecode]

Originally Posted by Scubanut

Is that a good idea, wd 40 i would be worried that the rubber may be degraded. I heard that talcum powder works well.

I use this stuff.

https://www.walmart.com/ip/Protect-A...&wl13=&veh=sem

[5picker]

Originally Posted by GreenImp

You often see/hear the point that there is "less stress" on the unit when slides are in. I question this thought. Unless I'm mistaken, the only point to which the slides are connected to the rest of the trailer is where it meets the wall...whether that be the exterior end of the slide (when the slide is in), or the interior end of the slide (when the slide is out). When the slide is in, it does not rest on the trailers floor...it "hovers" directly above it. How is this less stressful on the trailers frame/wall?


I keep our slides in most of the time because we have slide toppers that I am looking to prolong the life of.

The brunt of the slide's weight is supported by the slide rack and/or rollers. (depending on the slide design-Lippert) Also, Schwintek slides are a bit of a different story.

With that said, the slide is as mentioned, supported to some extent by the side wall, both in the open and closed positions.

When the slide is in, its weight rests centered more directly over the frame rail (on the rack and rollers) even though the floor of the slide may not touch the floor of the rig.

When the slide is out, most of the weight is cantilevered away from the frame by a couple of feet.

I'd have to believe there would be less stress on the frame when it is positioned in. That's not saying it creates undue stress when out, (they are after all, designed to be put out) I'm saying just less frame stress when in.

[twoclaws]

Originally Posted by Scubanut

Is that a good idea, wd 40 i would be worried that the rubber may be degraded. I heard that talcum powder works well.

Had a very experienced camper said to put talc powder in a sock and dust the "rubber" that's if it is like intertube rubber, other material may require a specific spray/foam to treat the material I too would not use wd40 either. In fact I ve read not to use it in door locks nor graphite but silicon spray instead
Old timer also said to put 3 bay leaves and 1/2 dog flea collar in a piece of nylon stocking and place in areas where spiders and mud daubbers visit ( it works!)
Just my 2 cents.

[itat]

RVgeeks say to use baby powder.

https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=X701hbSO_ko

[SCSTTROOPER]

Great video. Thanks.