Correct slide out operation

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by the old geezer

the lock bars are used as a mechanical stay between the slide and the trailer body, placed inside near the top of the slide, and a bit like an acrow prop. I had one on my first trailer but never used one since. I don't think they are needed.
peter

I disagree with you on your statement about them not being needed. I guess the emergency trailer brake release or chains are not needed either?

These bars serve two purposes. First they lock the slide so it can't move. God forbid you break a shear pin or cable when you bring the slide in. These bars pull the slide in tight against the trailer so it can't move. Second is it pulls the top in tight so you can't develop a water leal between the slide and trailer.

They can be used for other uses such as a bar in the shower to hang wet clothes on.

Here are two photos. If you have a sticker on the trailer wall, easily seen with slide out, then you should have the bars. Maybe under the couch?

Jim


NOTE: I didn't measure them but they are fully adjustable from about 2 feet to 4 feet long.

[James Briar]

On my Rockwood 8318SS I used them for a while but they started to tear up the seal along the top of the large slide. Maybe it was my fault for putting them in wrong but I agree. You should use them if possible and they do have other uses.

[Iwritecode]

I have 4 slides on my fiver. 3 of them I can't get to once they are in because they are in bedrooms and the bedroom doors must be shut to bring the slides in. So I couldn't put any bars on them even if I wanted to.

I'm assuming they must not be all that important.

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by James Briar

On my Rockwood 8318SS I used them for a while but they started to tear up the seal along the top of the large slide. Maybe it was my fault for putting them in wrong but I agree. You should use them if possible and they do have other uses.

Did you have the rubber pads on the ends?

Jim

[James Briar]

No just a block of plastic. Probably why.

[spower]

Mine make the same sound.....I tried backing it off a tiny bit after it made the noise when I closed it and when I went out to check it it was not closed all the way, so it seems once it ratchets 2 clicks it is closed all the way. Hope this helps :-)

[bobm253]

Originally Posted by roaddiva

Mine make the same sound.....I tried backing it off a tiny bit after it made the noise when I closed it and when I went out to check it it was not closed all the way, so it seems once it ratchets 2 clicks it is closed all the way. Hope this helps :-)

mine too

[oldtool2]

Originally Posted by James Briar

No just a block of plastic. Probably why.

Yes. You can see the rubber pads on mine in the photo. They just slide on to a metel end and without them I am sure it would damage the seal.

Jim