Fifth Wheel Slide Question

[merc1100sc]

I guess this isn't specific to 5th wheels but that's what I have.

Anyhow, I just purchased my first unit with a slide. It is a 2012 Keystone Cougar SRX325 5th wheel toyhauler.

While opening the large left side slide (dinette and sofa) I notice the bottom of the slide starts moving and then the top starts to go. The slide does not slide out square top to bottom. The same while retracting. Is this normal?

Thanks

[Dayle1]

Totally normal, with under floor mechanism it is the only way to keep pressure on the upper slide seal to keep it weather tight in normal use. If you look at the movie 'RV' with Robin Williams, when he makes the fast right hand turn at the beginning of the movie, the top of the main slide tilts out about 8" during that turn.

[2012Coleman]

Make sure you keep the gaskets on all sides well lubricated. It will make opening much easier and you wont hear that sucking sound as the slide pulls away from the seal. Buy the stuff in the spray can.

[laknox]

My old Komfort had a "flush floor" slide, so it had to move the =bottom= first. At it hit the end of its travel, the top would stop, and the bottom would keep moving 2-3 inches and would drop down so it was nearly flush with the main floor. On retraction, the bottom would start first, then the top would follow after that same 2-3" of travel. I know I wish the new KZ had that for the dinette-side slide. The 2 chairs closer to the center of the FW are half on the slide, so you sit tilted. Not real comfortable...

Lyle

[merc1100sc]

Great. Thanks for the replies everyone. Just making sure.

[azdryheat]

The slide isn't attached to anything at the top, all the mechanics are underneath. I've closed a couple of slides where the top hung up while the bottom came in. A little un-nerving when the top finally let go and came crashing in.

[ReneeG]

Yes, same here. Normal.

[MFL]

This is normal for most larger slides, that tip upward as it comes in. It should be square at the wall when fully extended. Many/mine should not be stepped/walked on, when pulled in/tipped up, due to lack of support to under edge.

Jerry

[kaydeejay]

Slides I have experienced did the same. I have always assumed it was to ensure the top seals against the side of the trailer before the mechanism pulls the bottom all the way in. If they closed "square" there would be no pressure on the top weather strips to keep the rain out.
Don't overthink it - you're OK.

[fj12ryder]

Our 2010 Fuzion toyhauler does the same thing. It's been like that since new.