We're new to slides with our 2002. What are the pros and cons of leaving slides out when not using the coach?
Larry
I know of no pros
I leave mine out at home, because I sometimes use it as a "guest house". But try to keep the sealing areas on slide, well waxed, so the inflatable seals won't stick to slides.
I wish we could drive the roads with the slides out.
Maybe in RV heaven..
Leaving the slide in or out still requires the bladder too seal. Leaving it out presents some problems with the awning in high wind situations and the awning tends to collect water. You will also get some water on the top of the slide which may be more of a problem if the bladder seal is not good. The awning fabric/stitching will also suffer over time (years) from the sun exposure. Also, water can accumulate in the pin lock holes if the drains are not clear. I leave mine out at home for extended periods of time (weeks/months). It makes it a lot easier to get in and out of the coach.
Hope this helps,
Rich
Good points, didn't think about the pin lock holes and awnings. My coach does not have awnings or locks, and if seal is not inflated , that annoying yellow light just keeps flashing.
Don't see any cons with leaving it out, as long as you do your due diligence before bringing it in.
I generally leave the slide out long term when I need it out, but bring it in otherwise or if high winds or Texas hail is expected.
Here's HWH (Joe Portelli's ) response to my recent inquiries whether any protectant needs to be applied to the seals; and while in storage, whether it's necessary to retract and extend the slides periodically. Hope this info from HWH is helpful to the group.
There is nothing you should be putting on the air seals at all. They
should be fine just the way they are. As far as extending and retracting
the room while it is in storage, here is what we basically tell people,
if you go out to the coach once a month to start the engine then run the
HWH systems also, if not you still should be fine.
Thank you
Joe Portelli