RV slides are some of the best features to hit the RV market. They allow you to expand your living space significantly, thus increasing your comfort wherever you are. Imagine having the option to make your house bigger when you are hosting a dinner party or have guests over. That’s essentially what RV slides do and it’s wonderful. They give you the option to live in a smaller space or invite some friends along and expand.
There are two basic types of RV slides: electric motor driven slides and hydraulic slides. Your RV dealer will be able to tell you which one your RV comes with and also provide training to you on how to operate.
Electric motor slides are used on smaller, lighter slides. As the name implies an electric motor powers the slide gear, thus expanding and retracting it. These are super convenient when they’re properly manufactured, however, if even a small error is made during manufacturing you can run into issues. Don’t blindly trust the manufacturer. Test the slide before you buy and look for anything that might be alarming, including glitches in retraction and expansion. Common issues encountered with Electric motor slides includes overloaded motors, breaking of the gear box, and drag during use.
Another type of RV slide is the hydraulic slide. These are commonly used in large, heavy slides. Oftentimes these are the types of slides that hold kitchens and living rooms and run the length of an RV. If you are looking at an RV that has hydraulic slides bear in mind that the mechanics of a hydraulic slide are quite complex. As a result, common issues include failure of the valve, pump, and hydraulic line from excessive heat or wear.
Now, if you’re shopping for an RV inspecting slides it is important. Whether you’re looking at a new or used RV be sure to check around the top, bottom, and sides. An opening in a slide is not something to take lightly. It can invite pests, water, and mildew into your RV and ultimately ruin it.
Properly caring for your slide isn’t difficult. Wipe away any dirt as it shows up and lube your slides generously. Anytime you expand them give them a quick once over. These simple steps will help ensure you catch issues early and prevent any problems from occurring in the future.
What tips do you follow to make sure your RV slide is in tip top shape? Share with us on Facebook or Google+.
