Slide - In or Out

[pbeverly]

I have noticed driving around that many people have their slides open while camper is not in use. Perhaps they are using them but I don't think so.

Curious about opinions on this. I would think it would be better to keep it closed when not using.

[CharlesinGA]

RICK-ards Red wrote:
hondapro stated "Unless there is a chance of getting snow or ice build up on them".
I agree with hondapro but-----

I had noticed that a local RV dealer this past winter had kept most of the trailer slides open during the winter with a build up of snow on each one. I might just stop in one day and ask "why?"

Most of those trailers probably don't have batteries in them and they want the slides out to show them to customers. They dont care that the snow will melt and run inside and damage stuff.

I fail to see why slides would be left out. Dirt and leaves, bird poop, everything can collect on the slides. I would want them in. Only when I would be setting up for a trip would I want them out.

However, I don't have a slide and glad I do not, one less step to set up and take down and one less mechanical problem to maintain, worry about or have fail.

Charles

[rexmitchell]

I can think of zero harm in leaving them in when not in use. There is variables that can’t be avoided when they are left out. Simple as that.

[poorboy]

I always keep the slides in when parked at the house until I get ready to go camping or maintenance or cleaning.

[GrandpaKip]

I keep mine in for the simple reason that a branch broke and poked a hole in the slide roof about 3 years ago. I now keep it in.

[RICK-ards_Red]

hondapro stated "Unless there is a chance of getting snow or ice build up on them".
I agree with hondapro but-----

I had noticed that a local RV dealer this past winter had kept most of the trailer slides open during the winter with a build up of snow on each one. I might just stop in one day and ask "why?"

[ScottG]

I think it's marginally better for them to be in but since I'm in and out of there all winter doing projects and such, I leave the main slide out.
Either way isn't a game changer IMHO.

[ford_truck_guy]

This is another question that will get 50/50 answers, with none of them being wrong.

I usually keep my IN while not using, ONLY because it is in my driveway and when the slides are out, they are over grass on the 1 side. I cannot get to the grass under those slides when cutting, rather than closing and opening every grass cut, I choose to keep them closed.

I am plugged into a dedicated 50amp power source with the fridge on during camping season.

when I winterize in late October, they go IN and usually stay in till a few weeks before our 1st trip of the season...

[kellem]

Trailer sits beside the house plugged up with both slides out year around, never an issue.
A well maintained trailer I might add.

Oh, I do put them in while traveling.....better gas mileage.

[Lwiddis]

My slide is in when the RV is not in use. Personal preference.

[wildtoad]

My thoughts are when they are in birds and other critters have fewer places to get in or build nests. Water has less small openings to come in through. In most cases but not all I have access to areas I need to get to inside. Access to storage bays is easier when slides are in. May be different with a TT.

[pennysmom09]

Always in during storage. I see too much daylight underneath and in corners for insects, moisture, etc. It looks nice and tight when closed.

[JIMNLIN]

Mine stays in when not in use.

[hondapro]

As long as the trailer is set up and leveled there is no harm done in leaving the slides out. Unless there is a chance of getting snow or ice build up on them.