Are Slide Locks Necessary

[tom39]

I have a 2011 Rockwood Ultralight Signature Series - model #8288SS. I brought it used last year and it came with slide locks for 2 of the 3 slides. My question is whether the use of the locks are necessary when traveling. I ask because others that I know do not use slide locks and it leads me to believe that it is an option and not a requirement.

[bob caldwell]

Owners choice...

[Oaklevel]

Depends the type. Some do some don't. Our camper did not come with nor require the use of slide locks. Just my opinion there is a reason they came with them or the manufacturer would save the couple of dollars and not include them.

[5er_tom]

I had a 2013 Rockwood 8289ws that did not come with slide locks. On a sharp downhill right turn, the kitchen slide tilted out at the top about 8". Used slide locks every time after that. Our current Wildcat does not have slide locks and there has not been any problem. I suspect the issue with the Rockwood was the very heavy slide. It had the refrigerator, stove/oven and hide-a-bed on it. Had trouble with that slide from day 1.

[jrmartin67]

If your slide ever extends while you're moving they become necessary! Not a normal or frequent occurrence, but what a mess if it happens. Having said that, I've only used ours once or twice, and never had one extend unless I wanted to to...

[Brewhedd]

The locks are a safety measure used just in case something should happen allowing the slide to freely move. Never thought of just the top moving but looks like that's possible. I don't use mine and my slide has never moved at all but probably should to be 100% safe. The only downside would be forgetting them and moving the slide out.

[itat]

Our current TT and our previous Roo both have them and I've always installed them. I think only certain types of slides come with them. I feel the same as Oaklevel on this - if the manufacturer supplied them there must be a reason. I figure the slide will never move with them installed so why not take the 1 minute needed to put them on.

[caburn]

We us them in our Berkshire 390RB especially if we know the roads are going to be rough, bumpy or high winds. We also place a note where our control panel is for the slides reminding us to remove the slide locks...Prevents that "senior moment". Then oh ****!!

[TacBear]

Though the possibility of an unwanted slide opening is very rare and usually is not prepared for, I suspect the manufacturer often provides the locks to mitigate the possibility of a law suit, should one result from an incident/accident.

Tacbear

[RFGTLG]

If you do use it, I would suggest putting a long red streamer down from the end of it to remind you.

[DrLewie]

Our bedroom slide sometimes comes out a bit when the 5er is in storage. Never on the road. So I use a lock when its stored. I also rigged a tag which I place over the slide switch when the lock is in place because extending a slide with a lock in place can cause a real headache.

[fonzie]

Lots of threads on subject.......

https://www.google.ca/search?q=slide...HqzAjwTn2oOIBw

[D. J. Schuler]

Watched a fellow RVer pull out and the slide went out. The bolts snapped when he brought the slide in, he knew one was broke. We tied the slide in and he made it home. The TT was over 6 years old and had snapped a bolt before.

[jtesta1]

2012 8288ws no slide locks and no problems. Go camping and have fun making memories.

[arich4387]

2014 8327ss and my slide lock sits in the wardrobe closet and has never been used.

[helferdm]

Originally Posted by tom39

I have a 2011 Rockwood Ultralight Signature Series - model #8288SS. I brought it used last year and it came with slide locks for 2 of the 3 slides. My question is whether the use of the locks are necessary when traveling. I ask because others that I know do not use slide locks and it leads me to believe that it is an option and not a requirement.

Not necessary until you need 'em! Our driver's side slide failed two years ago while were in Clovis, NM. I had sufficient lumber on board to brace it closed, but it was an interesting experience. I carry the locks now.

[Stew_Pudaso]

I don't use mine in the 2007. I've never had an issue.

[tom39]

Thank you everyone for your advice, suggestions and web links. Since, I have owned the RV (approx. 7mo) I have used the locks. The locks also came with a tags attached that hang down to alert me that they are still in place/use. However even with a tag, it did not stop my wife who decided to put out the TV slide with the lock in. Fortunately the TV slide has a short throw and she only got it 1/4 of the way out before I had gotten there to stop her.
They are not a real pain to install and in total it only takes a few minutes to put them in and take them out. Guess I am just being lazy and trying to skip a step. Looks like I will continue to use the locks and play it safe instead of being lazy.

Thanks again,
Tom

[Gumpster808]

Just another note on them.... traveling with our group to Sturgis a couple years ago it got so windy that a couple of the large motor homes actually had their slides start getting sucked out.

No locks on our Forester and the big class A's referred to above don't have either but if you have the option I'd recommend it.

[aceinspp]

They came with my 2011 V-lite and never used them and never any issues. Later RJD