Slide out room props

[FLHTCI]

We got these slide out room props that are designed to keep the slide out in place while driving. The previous owner said he never used them. We have an electrical lock out let for the slides as well.

Do I really need to use these slide locks?

Thank you

[wallynm]

Several years ago a church bus converted from a school bus has the slide at window height sliced along the side by a RV slide out that extended while it was driven. We always used slide out locks!

[BurbMan]

dougrainer wrote:
--IF THE RV MAKER ENGINEERS AND BUILDS AND SUPPLIES LOCK ARMS THEN THEY ARE NEEDED.

Pretty basic. We had bars supplied with our Terry because they mfr said it took the strain off of the electric rack and pinion when closed. Current Big Country has hydraulic slides and according to mfr no locking bars needed.

[wa8yxm]

I have read several "Slide moves out while I'm driving" posts.


Guess they did NOT use the slide lock device.

[jdc1]

way2roll wrote:
I guess they would help in the event of a failure of the stock controls but I don't think there is much of a demand for them with modern slides. There is also the risk of forgetting they are there and putting the slide out and damaging a wall or trim.

Heavily agree. Toss them in the trash.

[ford_truck_guy]

My 1997 Holiday Rambler came with one…. None since

[dougrainer]

MountainAir05 wrote:
Yes, Our Newmar had them. No noise from the slide when moving. Also the torque control will stop the motor from tearing out the wall if you hit the switch. If worried about forgetting put in a pin with a red streamer or other color that catches your eye. They also saved the cat several times when it would jump down behind the slide and we did not see her and open the slide.

Yes and no:B Even tho the Intellitec Newmar slide control has a amp(torque) setting to shut down, usually it destroys/bends the lock arms. I had an exception. I had a customer that actually ran the manual arm thru the outside sidewall behind the drivers seat on a 2002 Newmar diesel. He swore that he released the arm and Newmar refused to pay even tho under the 3 year warranty. Doug

PS, those 2000 era Newmars had the Intellivoice that stated to make sure all items were out of the way and to make sure the lock arms were released 30 seconds before the Motors started to move. Of course, after listening to that all the time everyone including me ignored that warning.

[wildtoad]

My 2016 Newmar Bay Star Sport with three slides has manual locks. Two of the locks are a real pain to get to even with the supplied tool which if you’re not careful can damage the wall. Many don’t lock those lock as a result. I’ve not had any issues with not using the locks. I do set the locks that are directly behind the captains chairs main to eliminate the rattles from loose lock arms.

I can attest that should you try to extend the slides with the locks engaged you can cause damage that can be really expensive to fix. So do what you need to remind you to check the status of the locks, especially if you have taken the mh in for service. They may have set the locks.

[rgatijnet1]

My Monaco came with the slide locking brace and I use them. A little note by the slide switch reminds me to remove it prior to extending the slide. The factory installed a plate on the wall where the lock is installed.

[Lwiddis]

I’ve never considered using them.

[MountainAir05]

Yes, Our Newmar had them. No noise from the slide when moving. Also the torque control will stop the motor from tearing out the wall if you hit the switch. If worried about forgetting put in a pin with a red streamer or other color that catches your eye. They also saved the cat several times when it would jump down behind the slide and we did not see her and open the slide.

[dougrainer]

I have worked on Motorhomes with slide rooms since 1994. I worked on Newmar's since 1994. Newmar's with manual slide (props or lock arms) required them to be in place, until Newmar developed Electric lock arms. The reason was, the design of the Newmar slide room when retracted, the top was NOT sealed tight and the Lock arms pulled the top in that last inch to seal when retracted. Jayco's(towables and motorhomes) and National and early Monaco Class A's also used lock arms(props) to do the same thing and also to prevent excess movement when driving. I always told my customers when they asked your question---IF THE RV MAKER ENGINEERS AND BUILDS AND SUPPLIES LOCK ARMS THEN THEY ARE NEEDED. The rooms are not going to come out in transit. IF there is a malfunction the most a room will pooch out in transit is less than 6 inches. Usually less than 4 inches. I also have had customers come in and complain about excess slide noise/squeaks/rattles. I ask them if they are using the supplied lock arms/props. NO, they stated "experts" on line and campgrounds stated they were not needed.:B I install the lock props/arms and we test drive. Customer realizes that they WERE needed. Of course it cost the customer $100 for me to explain and show and test drive. Doug

[Ed_C]

4 motor homes 200,000 miles+ NO

[Old_Days]

I use 1 inch pieces of wood under our slide out when it is in travel mode for two reasons, when we stop for lunch we can sit in the slide out. But the main reason is because we go off road on some of the worst mountain trails.

[dodge_guy]

I’ve never had a set. I’ve had 2 TT’s and now the MH with 3 slides and have never found the need for them.