First Time Using A Slide Out

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 01:46 PM

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?

Mtelkman · 08-02-2019, 01:51 PM

The slide outs on my Flagstaff are often only partially opened and closed. I have never had any issues but it may have a different mechanism than the Mini Lite.

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 02:11 PM

Thanks for your reply. Does yours have the awning over your slide out. I understand that is where the motor problem may be not the motor that controls the slide out itself.

CincyGus · 08-02-2019, 02:16 PM

Awning covers for slide outs are generally not motor driven, usually just springs in the awning tube that place tension on the awning to keep it taunt.

gbaldwin · 08-02-2019, 02:17 PM

slide mine partially out all the time due to this same reason. I dont have any problem or see how it could cause a problem.

fonzie · 08-02-2019, 02:19 PM

There is no motor in the slide out awning (or topper). These have spring tension for awning to roll. So there is no issue.

**bikendan** · 08-02-2019, 02:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by fonzie

There is no motor in the slide out awning (or topper). These have spring tension for awning to roll. So there is no issue.

Agree, slide toppers are basically like manual awnings. They have no motor. So moving the slide partially out, has no affect on the topper.
Our old HTT had one that never had issues for the 10 years we owned it.
Not sure who told you, that this is a problem for the topper. But you may want to listen to members here instead.[emoji6]

5picker · 08-02-2019, 02:25 PM

It depends on the manufacturer of the slide out.

Lippert through frame slides can be stopped anywhere and put back in. They have a single motor... Schwintek, not so much as they are controlled by a logic board that synchronizes the motors (yes plural) and you must run those to the end of their travel (in or out) and continue to hold the button for several seconds to keep everything copacetic.

Our refrigerator is is a slide (through frame) with a topper and we often put it out a foot and back in.

llr · 08-02-2019, 02:59 PM

I believe the Schwintek have the slide rails on the sides of the slide body so they are easy to identify.

I do try to be sure I go far enough out that the seals flip properly, not sure if it really matters.

Also I believe it is not a good idea to go into most slides that are not fully in or out.

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 02:59 PM

Thanks all for your help. I will call our dealer who is installing the awning to find out what it has or doesn't have. We haven't picked it up yet since we just bought it new and waiting for our "walk through" appointment. Love this forum.

**bikendan** · 08-02-2019, 03:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dotsos

Thanks all for your help. I will call our dealer who is installing the awning to find out what it has or doesn't have. We haven't picked it up yet since we just bought it new and waiting for our "walk through" appointment. Love this forum.

Bottom line is that slide toppers don't have their own motors, to be affected.

ElDorado · 08-02-2019, 04:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by CincyGus

Awning covers for slide outs are generally not motor driven, usually just springs in the awning tube that place tension on the awning to keep it taunt.

For clarification, I have a slideout with a non-motorized topper and a motorized awning on the face of the slideout. I am pretty sure neither is affected by how much the slideout is extended. However, I was told, the seals aren't effective unless the slideout is fully in or out.

**Mr. Dan** · 08-02-2019, 04:46 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dotsos

Thanks all for your help. I will call our dealer who is installing the awning to find out what it has or doesn't have. We haven't picked it up yet since we just bought it new and waiting for our "walk through" appointment. Love this forum.

You need to clarify (at least in your own mind) whether you are talking about an awning OR a slide-out topper as the majority around here call them. Generally, around here, we view those terms as describing two types of equipment.

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 06:04 PM

I thought slide out topper and slide out awning mean the same. My concern is the equipment/material that covers the top of the slide out when extended.

okiecowboy · 08-02-2019, 07:37 PM

We have a 2015 2104S and use the slide a foot or so out all the time to access the fridge while traveling and unloading. Has caused no problems in 4 plus years. Slide awning and/or topper has no bearing on it. For 2 people or less you will love the 2104S.

rockfordroo · 08-02-2019, 07:40 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dotsos

I thought slide out topper and slide out awning mean the same. My concern is the equipment/material that covers the top of the slide out when extended.

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.

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 08:07 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by okiecowboy

We have a 2015 2104S and use the slide a foot or so out all the time to access the fridge while traveling and unloading. Has caused no problems in 4 plus years. Slide awning and/or topper has no bearing on it. For 2 people or less you will love the 2104S.

That's great to hear. Only 2 of us, too. Can't wait to pick it up and take a trip. Thanks

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 08:09 PM

Thanks. It is a topper then.

Malojeer · 08-02-2019, 08:43 PM

We have a 2017 2104s model and you do not have a Schwintek slide therefore nothing will get out of sync. On your model you have the Lippert thru frame slide and can open it partially as many times as you want to

Dotsos · 08-02-2019, 08:59 PM

Great to hear that, thanks

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