Knowledge Builders

how do you slide out an rv

by Jane Oberbrunner MD Published 1 year ago Updated 1 year ago
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  1. Make sure to park the RV in a spot that is completely clear of obstructions. ...
  2. Take a close look at the RV’s house battery to make sure it is fully charged. ...
  3. Press down and hold the In-Out switch that operates the RV’s power-retractable slide out system. If it does nothing, then you can turn to the manual override system.
  4. Locate the slide-out motor underneath the slide-out section. If you aren’t certain of where it is, you can refer to the RV’s owner’s which should have a diagram that ...
  5. Carefully disengage the slide-out sections brake assembly from the motor. ...
  6. Set the brake assembly aside, in some place safe and dry.
  7. Locate the crank extension. It should be on either the inside or on the outside of the frame near the RV’s slide-out section. ...
  8. Insert and attach the RV slide-out sections crank handle to the crank extension mechanism. ...
  9. Turn the crank extension by hand to manually extend or retract the RV’s slide-out.
  10. Carefully reattach the brake assembly to the slide-out motor by reconnecting the saved screws. Make sure to securely tighten each one with the screwdriver. ...

RV slide outs work by changing from an extended to retracted position depending on whether your RV is set up for camping or driving. They are typically operated through an electrical system on your RV's control center, where the push of a button can retract or expand the slide.Mar 12, 2021

Full Answer

How do I adjust the slide out on my RV?

The three kinds are as follows:

  • Electric slide out — this type has a motor that allows the slide out to move. ...
  • Hydraulic slide out — funnily enough, a hydraulic pump is used here. Generally, this is only found on the bigger RVs.
  • Tip out — this one has a hinge that you have to manually operate to deploy the slide out. ...

How to install the slide out seal on your RV?

To see this process in action, we went into detail on a recent installation below:

  • What type of seal you have (we usually refer to this as the profile or cross section)
  • What the dimensions of your seal are
  • How many feet you need to replace
  • How the seal is attached

How to adjust RV slideouts?

You can pick from one of the following three ways:

  • Connect your RV to shore power. This will allow you to operate the slide mechanism.
  • Connect your generator to use the slide out partition.
  • Start your truck and use the power generated from the engine to operate the slide mechanism.

How do you repair a leaking RV slide out?

  • Underneath of the slide seems to be spongy at certain locations.
  • The seal has cracks and looks worn out.
  • Moisture inside the camper, in the slide out location. ...
  • Condensation inside the slide out area. ...
  • Screws on the strips holding seal getting rusty due to moisture or water flowing through. ...
  • Splits in silicon on the seals.

More items...

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How do you slide out a camper slide?

0:030:54Using the Slide Out on Your RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou will simply go to your slide-out. Button it says in or out you're going to push down for out andMoreYou will simply go to your slide-out. Button it says in or out you're going to push down for out and it will slide out.

How do you do a slide out?

1:062:41Slide Outs In RV | RV How To: La Mesa RV - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's best to continue on the same way you were coming so if you're retracting the slide and you howMoreIt's best to continue on the same way you were coming so if you're retracting the slide and you how to stop it don't go ahead and extend it just keep on retracting to let it finish its cycle.

Can you drive an RV with the slide out?

You should never drive your RV with the slide out extended. Once you're ready to pack up your RV and hit the road, simply retract the slide out and you're good to go. Inside your RV the slide out can have furniture, cabinetry, or extra storage space installed.

Is it better to leave RV slides in or out?

When it comes time to park your RV between trips or for the winter, store your slide outs closed. This will help keep the elements from eroding the seals, and you won't run the risk of snow or debris accumulating on the slide out roof.

Are RV slide out supports necessary?

It may surprise you, but slide out stabilizers are not necessary to own and use on your RV. The newer the RV, the less likely you are to need them. In fact, slide out stabilizers may even damage your new rig!

Do RV slides work on battery?

The motor is designed to run on DC battery power, so the slide outs can be moved when you are dry camping and not plugged into shore power. The motor does require a lot of energy, though, so it draws it directly from the battery instead of running through the RV's 12 volt electrical system.

Are RV slide outs a problem?

Slide outs can be prone to motor failure, misalignment, and leaks, just to name a few. Often times just knowing what model RV you have may not be enough to determine what needs to be done once you've diagnosed your slide out problem.

Do RV slides break often?

Most RV slides are pulled in and out using an electric motor. Occasionally, these motors will break, leaving the owner to manually pull the slide in and get the motor replaced.

Can you manually push in a slide out?

The control box should be right underneath the slide-out. On that box, there will be a manual override button. You can press that six times and then you push and hold on the seventh time and it will trigger a manual override so you can try to get the side in.

How long do RV slide outs last?

To some degree, the failure rate of RV slide-outs is a matter of how often they are cycled in and out. Generally, by the time they are 10 years old, they have started to become a maintenance issue.

How do you keep water out of an RV slide?

1:132:48HOW TO: Prevent an RV Slide-out Flood - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWhich is designed to attach to any standard threaded pole the slide out seals will certainly removeMoreWhich is designed to attach to any standard threaded pole the slide out seals will certainly remove the majority of the water without squeegeeing in advance.

Can you leave RV slide out in winter?

Slide-outs For RVs with slide-outs, it is essential to clean the snow and ice from the awning. Accumulated snow puts unnecessary stress on the slide-out, and when the heat from inside the RV begins melting that snow, you run the risk of water damage.

What to do if slide outs on RV are leaking?

One of the most common problems with RV slide outs is the rubber seal that surrounds them, which can wear down over time and cause leaks and water damage. To delay the inevitable, you can treat your slide outs with a rubber seal conditioner to prevent fading, cracking, and deterioration. If it’s too late, however, you may need to buy replacement rubber seals for your RV. For a quick fix, try using some RV sealant tape to patch things up until you can make a more permanent repair.

When was RV slide out updated?

Last updated on April 4th, 2019 at 01:22 pm. Originally published on December 13th, 2018. ( photo by Erin via FlickrCC) Traveling or living in an RV can make for tight quarters. But with an RV slide out, you get bonus square footage that conveniently tucks away when you’re on the road.

What is an RV awning?

An RV awning (also known as an RV slide topper) helps cool things down when it’s hot and sunny outside while also adding another layer of protection during rainstorms . During the winter, you may consider buying RV skirting, which can block winds and help insulate your rig.

What is an electric slide out?

An electric slide out has a slide out motor that extends the slide out with the flip of a switch or push of a button. This is the most common kind of RV slide out. A hydraulic slide out uses a hydraulic pump to deploy the slide out. This is usually found in larger motorhomes.

Why is my RV getting hot?

Because the walls of a slide out tend to be thin, this part of your RV can become extra hot in the summers or frigid during winter. The RV slide out awning is one feature that can help better regulate your interior temperature.

Is it safe to use a slide out on a RV?

Because slide outs can add three feet of space in either direction, extending them usually makes your RV wider than what’s allowed on the highway. Bottom line: It’s not safe and not smart to use your slide outs at any time other than when you are parked in an area wide enough to accommodate them.

Can you hook up an RV to a power source?

You’ll want to make sure you can do so without hitting anything next to your campsite, such as a picnic table, barbecue grill, or power source. On that note, it’s suggested that you hook up your RV to the water, sewer, and electric lines before operating your slide outs.

Why do people use slide outs in RVs?

Bedroom slide outs are the most popular, because bedrooms in RVs are notoriously small and can be cramped.

How much does an RV slide out weigh?

The mechanics of sliding a room in and out that weighs over a thousand pounds is an amazing feat that requires some extra attention. Watch the vertical stance of the slide as it moves to make sure its stable – it should not tip in or out as it is extended and retracted. Poor stability can damage your floor and affect the RV slide out rubber seal.

Can you use a slide out on an RV?

However, some people are uncertain about purchasing an RV with a slide out, or about using slide outs on occasion, because they worry about taking up too much room with their rig, or about how long it will take to set up and take down the slide out. Contrary to fears, slide outs are easy to set up, but there are a few things to consider about ...

Can RV slide outs tip in?

Watch the vertical stance of the slide as it moves to make sure its stable – it should not tip in or out as it is extended and retracted. Poor stability can damage your floor and affect the RV slide out rubber seal. Sealing slide outs is another challenge, especially when they’re extended.

Can you retract a slide out of a motorhome?

If your slide out does fail at some point, many motorhomes have a manual override that allows you to retract the slide and head somewhere for repairs. However, some do not – leaving you with the sides out and requiring you to find an RV repair company that will come to you to fix the problem or get you to their shop.

Can you camp in one spot for a long time?

If you tend to camp in one spot for a long time, you may want to consider an RV or camper slide out. However, if you tend to spend just one or two nights before driving again, you may not want to set up an RV slide out each night.

Can RV slide outs leak water?

RV slide outs are a major source of water leaks, especially as the RV slide out rubber seal ages and stiffens. You’ll need to make sure you keep the rubber seal in good shape and well soft ened so it doesn’t crack and allow water in.

What is a slide out in an RV?

All a slide out is really, is a separate section of your RV that slides outward providing you with more living space. That little extra space can mean the difference between a happy marriage and one filled with strife and stress. There are two types of slide outs available.

How far out can you slide out an RV?

On average slide outs can extend between 2 and 3 feet out from the normal sides of your RV. If you have slide outs on both sides of your rig, then you can figure on an 8 foot wide RV extending to 12 to 14 feet wide when using your slide outs.

What is an electric slide out?

Electric operated slide outs are gear driven and are usually found on smaller lighter sections. If they are not overloaded then you should not have a problem. The hydraulic version usually found on the larger and heavier versions use one motor or pump to move more than one slide out into position.

How wide is a slide out?

How Wide are RV Slide Outs. Depending on the manufacturer and the class of RV, you can get anywhere from 1 to 3 feet of extra width by using a slide out. If you have them on both sides of your vehicle, then you would get anywhere from 2 to 6 feet of extra space.

How much does an RV weigh?

Also, RVs are heavy, some weigh 19,000 pounds and many weigh a lot more. It stands to reason that an extra 1200-1500 pounds on the slide out will not affect the RV at all. Just try to keep the weight off when you are opening and closing the slide out to be on the safe side.

How to get an RV motor working?

With the electric version, you need to make sure you have enough electricity flowing through your RV to get the motor working. Also, you should make sure any bearings you have are well greased. Once those two items are done, you just start the motor and use the control panel to move the section out.

Is a slide out RV good for a small RV?

For some people, that answer is yes. They do not like being cramped in a small RV space, and as large as a Class A RV is, it is still small in comparison to homes with yards. Other people do not think that the extra money it costs, the maintenance and time are worth the benefit that you get when using a slide out.

How to extend RV slide out?

Step 1: Make sure to park the RV in a spot that is completely clear of obstructions. Then take the time to level the RV properly before attempting to open the slide-out.

What is retractable slide out?

RVs with retractable slide-outs are a very popular way to maximize the interior living space, while also giving you a more compact, streamlined rig while driving down the road. You see them most often in fifth-wheel camper trailers and motorhomes. Though in recent years they have become increasingly popular in travel trailers.

How to remove 110V from a power post?

Step 1: Close all of the circuit breakers, including the main input breaker. Step 2: You then need to completely disconnect the 110VAC power from a power post or shore power connection. Step 3: At that point, you can carefully remove the electrical panel screws with a screwdriver and pull out the panel.

How to fix a corroded power converter on a camper?

Step 1: Make sure to disconnect the 110 Volt AC power. Step 2: Visually inspect the RV’s power converter for signs of scorching or white flaky acid accumulation. Step 3: If you see obvious signs of a damaged or badly corroded power converter, you should contact the nearest, qualified RV repair technician.

Can an RV slide out system get stuck?

Though just like anything with moving parts, it is entirely possible for an RV’s slide-out system to get stuck, breakdown or even fail at the worst possible time. Chances are it might even happen when you are at a campground, remote campsite or RV campground that doesn’t have a mechanic with RV slide-out experience.

Do RVs have a fuse box?

These days most RV’s use circuit break ers, though there are still some older RVs on the road that have a traditional fuse box. If a fuse or a circuit breaker connecting the power retractable slide-out system has burned out or thrown, then it could be preventing power from getting to the mechanical components.

Types of RV Slide Out Seals

The seals will be the area where the water is coming in from, so keeping them in a good condition will help to prevent leaks. I’ll discuss how to properly maintain your RV slide out seals later in the article.

How to Waterproof an Existing RV Slide Out Seal

If your seals are in a fairly good condition and you don’t need to replace your RV slide out seals then you can reseal them.

How to Replace Your RV Slide Out Seals

If your seals are not in a good condition then it’s best to replace them to get a waterproof RV slide out. It’s not a difficult task and not too expensive either if you do it yourself. Before you get started you will need:

How to Maintain Your RV Slide Out Seals

Now you should have a waterproof RV slide out, you’ll need to know how to maintain it to get the longest life possible from your seals.

Common Slide Out Seal Problems and Solutions

There are a couple of common causes for RV slide outs to start leaking here are the problems and simple solutions for them.

Waterproof RV Slide Out – Final Thoughts

Waterproofing RV slide outs isn’t as difficult as you think, it will only take half a day to replace your seals and a few hours to maintain them.

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1.Videos of How Do You Slide Out an RV

Url:/videos/search?q=how+do+you+slide+out+an+rv&qpvt=how+do+you+slide+out+an+rv&FORM=VDRE

17 hours ago  · Using the RV slide out mechanism. There are three main types of RV slide outs, each with their own way of operating: An electric slide out has a slide out motor that extends the slide out with the flip of a switch or push of a button. This is the most common kind of RV slide out. A hydraulic slide out uses a hydraulic pump to deploy the slide out. This is usually found in …

2.How Do RV Slide Outs Work? - (Everything You Need To …

Url:https://www.jeffsetter.com/how-do-rv-slide-outs-work/

4 hours ago  · Step 9:Turn the crank extension by hand to manually extend or retract the RV’s slide-out. Step 10:Carefully reattach the brake assembly to the slide-out motor by reconnecting the saved screws. Make sure to securely tighten each one with the screwdriver. This will prevent the slide-out from accidentally moving.

3.How to Use RV Slide Outs - A Quick Guide to Your RV …

Url:https://rvshare.com/blog/how-to-use-rv-slide-outs/

30 hours ago  · Also Know, how much does it cost to add a slide out to an RV? Depending on the size and location of the slide-out you may find the cost starting at around $15,000.00. The larger the slide-out and the more modifications that have to be done to the motorhome to accommodate the slide-out; the more expensive it will be.

4.RV Slide Out Guide - Read This First - RVshare.com

Url:https://rvshare.com/blog/rv-slide-out/

4 hours ago  · Make sure that you also measure the length of the wiper seal to ensure it will be long enough to seal the slide out. 2. Remove the existing seal. Your next step will be to remove the seal that you want to replace. The first thing you want to do is to lay masking tape along the edge of the old seals.

5.12 Facts About RV Slide Outs You Need to Know

Url:https://thecampingadvisor.com/rv-slide-outs-facts/

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6.How To Manually Extend Or Retract An RV's Electric Slide …

Url:https://www.rvingknowhow.com/rv-slide-out-operation-and-troubleshooting/

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7.How to Operate a Slide Out - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eyzN5qJNAhs

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8.RV Slides - Emergency Slide-In and Manual Retract …

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6lTGFQ0vax8

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9.How To A Waterproof RV Slide Out [Explained] | The …

Url:https://thervingsite.com/waterproof-rv-slide-out/

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