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View Poll Results: Extend the slideout first, or the stabilizer jacks first?
Slideout first, then stabilizer jacks 22 31.88%
Stabilizer jacks first, then extend slideout 47 68.12%
Voters: 69. You may not vote on this poll

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Old 04-29-2013, 08:53 AM   #1
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Slideout or stabilizer jacks first?

Just curious about this topic.

Is the prefferred method to extend the slideout first and then put down the stab jacks, or the other way around? This is assuming side to side and front to rear have been leveled.
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Old 04-29-2013, 08:57 AM   #2
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I usually put my slides out first, but don't have a reason for doing so.

On edit: I'm interested to read how others do it and plan on looking at my owner's manual next time I go to the camper.
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Old 04-29-2013, 09:00 AM   #3
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We do all the outside stuff first which includes the stabilizers and then go inside and check for open cabinets or drawers before opening the slideouts.
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Old 04-29-2013, 09:01 AM   #4
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I always slide out first then stabs afterwards, this way no second adjustments to stabs as camper slightly tilts due to weight differences of slide outs extended.

Just my reasoning for doing it this way...



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Old 04-29-2013, 09:07 AM   #5
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Oppps poll results skewed.
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Old 04-29-2013, 09:21 AM   #6
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It all depends how fast the DW is setting up the inside. I don't think it matters, I'm sure I've done it both ways with no significance in difference.
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Old 04-29-2013, 09:27 AM   #7
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The only thing I can think of is if you parked on uneven ground there might be a chance that the frame is slightly twisted, and if you extend the slides with a twist in the frame they might bind or distort! Therefore I level first, slides out second!! Just my logic!
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:03 AM   #8
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Slides out first....since they're "stabilizer" jacks, I get the camper leveled and slides out, and then deploy the stabilizers. This way I only have to touch them once and I don't risk overloading them. I've seen it done vice versa and have seen the stabilizers on one side or corner come off the ground after slides go out.....what do you imagine might be happening to the ones that are on the ground??? Just my personal preference, but seems to spare over stressing the stabilizer jacks and twisting the frame.
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:24 AM   #9
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Oop's I mis read the OP question, I would put the slides out first then stabilizers, same rationale as LaydBack
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:31 AM   #10
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Slides then stabilizers or you will put a very large amount of pressure on them (especially if you have 2 slides on one side) and as has been said they are stabilizers not jacks.
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:32 AM   #11
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On our unit, the auto leveling system deploys the stabs as part of the leveling process. IMO, either way would be logical if the trailer is level before putting the slides out...
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:45 AM   #12
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It should be slides out first and then stabilizers.

But I hang my head in shame. I do the reverse, I realized that when I read this thread. Then I have to go and readjust the stabs. Sigh ....
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Old 04-29-2013, 11:09 AM   #13
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Goomph View Post
It should be slides out first and then stabilizers.

But I hang my head in shame. I do the reverse, I realized that when I read this thread. Then I have to go and readjust the stabs. Sigh ....
That's ok...that's why Stabilizer Anonymous is here on the Forum...LOL



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Old 04-29-2013, 12:44 PM   #14
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90% of the time we level, slide then stabilize. There are those times due to the campsite I chose to stabilize then slide.
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Old 04-29-2013, 07:18 PM   #15
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My manual says to level and stab before slides. If it is twisted or not level, it could put strain on the slide and damage something.
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Old 04-29-2013, 07:27 PM   #16
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we slide then stab, because with 3 slides on one side if it leans I can correct
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Old 04-29-2013, 07:44 PM   #17
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We are going out for our shake down cruise this weekend so I have only got to play in the driveway for the last month. I see the logic of the slide 1st then the stabilizers but with the super slides, per manual and warning sticker on control panel it says to put jacks down 1st.
Is anyone concerned with the weight of the slide ect?

And a twist to the question... I made the mistake of closing my slide with the jacks up and the top almost scraped the ceiling on the interior due to the angle. I had to stop and put the jacks down.
Last time I do that!
I assume everyone closes the slides with the jacks still down?
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:13 PM   #18
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I am new the slide out world since I haven't pick up my trailer yet. It would seem to me that if you are afraid to lower the stabilizer before putting out the slides because it might add addition weight to the stabilizers then would that not mean that if the stabilizer is not down then the trailer is going to be out of level because of the weight of the slide, and since the stabilizers are not used to level the trailer you are now going to have an unlevel trailer when it is all done. Sounds like a catch 22 situation!

Just my observation and trying to learn.
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Old 04-29-2013, 10:22 PM   #19
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Engauge,
I balance side to side so that the slide side is a little higher. Then I extend the slide and the trailer is balanced.
Takes a little practice but you'll get the hang of it.
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Old 04-30-2013, 07:30 PM   #20
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I level out first if camper is not level you take the chance of bending the slides. I learned this the hard way with a pop up years ago camper was not lever and snap the lifting cables and a pop up roof is a lot lighter then a slide
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