First Time Using A Slide Out

[5picker]

Originally Posted by rockfordroo

Both terms are similar, but the fly in the ointment is that some newer TTs are coming with curb-side slideouts. The AWNING extends over the entire length of the TT and therefore also over the slide out - but it is not attached.



So you need to be clear if you're discussing a slideout topper or simply your awning which happens to also cover your slideout.

I would use "topper" for the thing attached to the slideout and "awning" for the thing attached to the TT.

Originally Posted by Dotsos

Thanks. It is a topper then.

And to add to the terminology confusion.. many of today's R/Vs are coming with a roll out awning mounted to the side of the slide.

They are often called patio awnings but some folks call them slide awnings.

So now you have awning toppers, awnings that cover the slide and patio/slide awnings.

Here's ours...

[Tundra 2014]

Great to have slide-out awning, no problem w/ 1' out. Actually solves problem of slide partially out, keeps bugs and rain out-some.

[Freetyme]

Originally Posted by Dotsos

Hi all, we recently upgraded to a Rockwood Mini Lite (2104S). This is the first time we will be have a TT with a slide out and it also has an awning cover.
Our slide out, while fully retracted inside, covers up access to the fridge. Our dealer says that if you need access to fridge while loading or unloading to/from trip, you can just open slide out without extending all the way to obtain access needed. Slide out opens 3 1/2 feet outside but fridge inside is accessible if opened only a foot.
Since we live in a development where we need to park camper while loading/unloading, 3 1/2 foot extension sticks well out into the road or will cover the sidewalk. Driveway too small to drive camper onto it.
We have heard that if you don't always open it all the way at all times you can damage the motors used to extend slide out awning and they can get out of sync. Is it true about always needing to open slide out all the way or can we just open partially when needed?

I need to bump out the main slide about 12" to access the bedroom on our 2511s mini .Also the bedroom wardrobe half way to change bedding etc. I believe the wardrobe is Shwintek. Never had a problem with either partially extended when needed. I always retract again soon after. Never heard of the schwintek issue.

[Jakieboy]

We are on our third RV with slide-outs, and we always park our RV in the driveway alongside our house between trips. There is not enough clearance to extend the slides all the way out, so we carefully extend the slides part way out to access kitchen and bedroom. Never a problem. The slide toppers (awnings you call them) are spring actuated and pose no problem to partial extension.

Welcome to the FR forum. You will get great advice from the veterans and experts on this site.

[Dotsos]

Again, thanks to all for your responses. They are very helpful.

[zamazoz]

I have the same TT. I also have an awning on the slide out. I open the slide out part way to access the frigid too. Never had any issues with it. But if I open the slide out all the way, I always lower the stabilizer’s. I think I read that somewhere.

[Tracyt]

We had a 2104S for 5 years, and yes, the slide covers up the fridge when closed. I used to occasionally partially open the slide in order to get to the fridge-but mostly kept a small cooler in the truck for drinks and snacks while traveling. It’s a great camper-we thoroughly enjoyed ours. Enjoy!

[Dotsos]

Thanks, glad to hear that

[Scrapper]

Here's 3 pictures of my TT with the slide-outs Patio Awning and Slide Topper. The first pic is with the patio awning extended, the second pic is a side view of the first pic, the third pic has the patio awning retracted. You will see the toppers better if you zoom in on the pics. The patio awning is on the left side of pics 1 and 3 with the main awning on the right side.

[cromhouse]

We had an older version of your trailer for three years and quite often partially opened the slide. You have nothing to worry about.

[Bob.n.Denise]

Good conversation. I learned something today.

On my ’18 2703WS, sounds like my dining room & living room slides are Lippert, so it’s ok to partially open them to allow access the back and fridge while traveling. I also try to release the button so it only makes 2-3 clicks/ratchets at the end.

Sounds like my bedroom wardrobe is Schwintek and I should only open it to full extension (I did not know that). And I should allow the motors to work 2-3 seconds after closing to sync. Thanks for info!

[Brother Les]

Originally Posted by Bob.n.Denise

Good conversation. I learned something today.

On my ’18 2703WS, sounds like my dining room & living room slides are Lippert, so it’s ok to partially open them to allow access the back and fridge while traveling. I also try to release the button so it only makes 2-3 clicks/ratchets at the end.

Sounds like my bedroom wardrobe is Schwintek and I should only open it to full extension (I did not know that). And I should allow the motors to work 2-3 seconds after closing to sync. Thanks for info!

The 'in sync' is when you are fully opening not closing. Hold motor buttons on for 2-3 seconds when fully opening also to get max out board sync. There are some manuals on this page that you can click on and look at on this page for your Schwintrek.
https://support.lci1.com/in-wall-slide-out

[Dotsos]

Thanks, those pics are helpful

[Dotsos]

Thanks

[NorSnrub]

The only problem, I see is whether, and creatures getting in theough gap.