Slide out supports - should we use them?

[Jpf8556]

We just purchased a new 2018 Georgetown Xl 378TS and we have heard / seen conflicting information on the slide out supports.

We will have the slides out for about 1 month at a time and will be using the motorhome for most of the year. Should we add supports for our slides or are the slides designed for this by default?

Also, if you suggest the supports, then what is the recommendation for the bedroom slide? It is up higher and it is just a flat surface (no bars to support).

Thanks for the feedback.
-Jeremy

[fonzie]

Lots to read on subject...I would not.

https://www.google.com/search?q=slid...iverforums.com

[Jpf8556]

Originally Posted by fonzie

Lots to read on subject...I would not.

https://www.google.com/search?q=slid...iverforums.com

This is great! I think we're settled on no supports. And, the biggest takeaway is my new way to search through Google! Thank you very much.

[cavie]

How many rigs have you seen at the dealer with supports under them?

[Jpf8556]

Originally Posted by cavie

How many rigs have you seen at the dealer with supports under them?

Pont taken!

[67L48]

Unless you and your wife each weigh over 450 lbs, don't worry about it. No supports. Money saved. Relax and enjoy a cool beverage.

Have a great camping season!

[Jpf8556]

Originally Posted by 67L48

Unless you and your wife each weigh over 450 lbs, don't worry about it. No supports. Money saved. Relax and enjoy a cool beverage.

Have a great camping season!

Haha! One of our favorite shows is My 600lb Life, but that show has motivated us to never get to that point. Thanks for the reply

[tjmezzan]

Our slide has a couch and a table and chairs. We belong to an RV group and sometimes have 3 (not so small folks) on the couch and 4 at the table, so I use the supports. If it was just myself and my wife, I wouldn't worry about it, but with 7 people on one slide, I worry without the supports.

[tomrob1161]

I haven't seen any recommendation for an RV Manufacturer for slide out supports. In fact, most say it will void the warranty. If a tire loses air, a stabilizer/leveler sinks in the ground you could put extra pressure on the slideout seals, etc. I wouldn't do it.

[tjmezzan]

Hi tomrob1161:
I think the chances of two tires on one side to both lose air would be unlikely, but maybe just one losing air would still cause the trailer to sink and lift the slide, so your point is well taken. Any thoughts about how much weight is okay on the slide? As I said, I sometimes have 7 people on the slide and that concerns me. I haven't seen anything indicating how much load can be put on a slide. Thanks.

[tjmezzan]

Since reading the different thoughts on the subject, I found this article:

https://terrytownrv.com/blog/do-rv-s...when-extended/

The consensus seems to be that slide jacks should not be used. I was convinced when reading this article, particularly the part that says, "if manufacturers were concerned, they wouldn't put couches and chairs in one slideout". It also said, "if slideout jacks were needed, they would supply them with the RV". Otherwise, I suppose they would be being hit with lawsuits for providing so much seating that the slide couldn't handle it.

[68 Whiskey]

We have slides out for weeks and sometimes months at a time without incident. I agree save money, relax and have a chilled beverage.