Slides - Out or In?

[ShadyAcres87]

I would like to ask a question about slides on our Landmark Grand Canyon. What is the best practice and/or recommendation for slides when not using the RV? Leave the slides out or in?

 

[danemayer]

Hi ShadyAcres87,

Welcome to the posting side of being a member of the Heartland Owners Forum.

We always keep the slides closed when the rig is in storage. We have slide toppers which would keep stuff from collecting on top of the slide outs, but I don't think I want the Texas sun beating down on the fabric. I'm not certain about the possibility of water intrusion, but I would expect to be more vulnerable with slides open than with them closed.

Less likely, but in the event of a failure of the slide out hydraulics or electric motor(s), if the failure occurs with slides out, you have to get them in before you can tow to a service location.

Others will no doubt have various opinions.

 

[Garypowell]

We close ours too. It seems more water proof that way and less vulnerable to wind.

 

[jnbhobe]

We close ours up too when we aren't using it.

 

[JohnDar]

While in winter storage, naturally the slides are in. When the rig is on our summer seasonal site, the slides go out in early May and don't come back in until the end of September, whether we're there or not. The only thing I retract is the main awning when we leave. Four summers and no leaks or other problems.

 

[pegmikef]

We keep ours closed except for a couple of days prior to departure or after return for loading and cleaning. It keeps the debris from collecting on the slider and reduces the footprint of the rig in our yard.