Leaving Slide Out: Camper's Pain Or Gain?

Whether you're a seasoned camper or just starting out, you may wonder if it's harmful to leave your camper's slide out. While it may seem convenient to keep it extended, there are several factors to consider before making a decision. Firstly, leaving the slide out can make it easier for pests, such as rodents and insects, to access your camper's interior. Additionally, extended exposure to the elements can lead to costly repairs due to rain and UV damage.

Leaving slide-outs open can lead to pest infestations

Leaving slide-outs open can make your camper more vulnerable to pest infestations. In the short term, pests such as rodents and insects can more easily access the interior of your camper. This can lead to issues with pest control, which may require safe and correct pesticide use, or even professional help.

In addition, leaving slide-outs open can expose your camper to the elements, including rain and UV damage, which can lead to costly repairs. The slide-out gasket, for example, can be damaged by UV rays, requiring early and expensive replacement. Furthermore, leaving slide-outs open can cause issues with debris, such as dirt, rocks, and tree branches, which can get caught in the slide-out pieces and cause problems with retraction. This can lead to damage to the camper's frame and wall panels.

Therefore, it is generally recommended to keep slide-outs closed when not in use, especially if the camper is unattended or left for extended periods. This helps to protect the interior of your camper from pests and the elements, reducing the risk of infestations and costly repairs.

Long-term exposure to the elements can cause damage

Leaving your slide-outs open for extended periods can lead to several issues that may cause long-term damage to your camper. Firstly, the seals on your slide-outs are susceptible to UV damage and degradation from exposure to the elements. This can lead to leaks, which can cause water damage to the interior of your camper. UV damage to the seals will also require costly repairs or replacements.

Secondly, leaving slide-outs open increases the chances of debris, such as dirt, leaves, and branches, accumulating on your roof and slide-out tops. This debris can then cause damage when retracting the slide-outs and can also attract pests such as rodents and insects, giving them easier access to your camper's interior.

Additionally, extended exposure to harsh weather conditions, such as strong winds, snow, and rain, can put extra strain on the slide-out mechanism and awning. This can lead to structural issues, including sagging and bowing of the slide-out roof.

To mitigate these potential issues, it is recommended to keep slide-outs retracted when not in use, especially if the camper is unattended or stored for long periods. Regular maintenance and inspections of the slide-out seals and mechanisms are also crucial to ensure they are in proper working condition and to prolong their lifespan.

Slide-outs can be heavy and put pressure on the support structure

Additionally, strong winds can put too much pressure on the support structure, causing parts to break off or bend. This is especially true if the camper is left unattended. In high winds, it is best to keep the slide-outs retracted to avoid potential damage.

Slide-outs also require proper maintenance to keep their moving parts functioning correctly. Regular lubrication and inspection are necessary to prevent damage or sticking. If not properly maintained, the slide-out mechanism may fail, rendering the camper unusable until repairs are made.

Furthermore, the weight of an extended slide-out can cause it to sag over time. This is why some campers with slide-outs have support jacks under them. Leaving the slide-out extended for extended periods can accelerate this sagging and put additional strain on the support structure.

Slide-outs require additional maintenance and upkeep

Maintenance and Upkeep

Slide-outs have many moving parts that require regular maintenance and upkeep. Rollers, for example, can become damaged or stuck without regular lubrication and inspection. Other components, such as electric motors, hydraulic systems, and gears, can also fail over time, requiring costly repairs. By keeping the slide-outs properly maintained and inspected, you can help to extend their lifespan and avoid unexpected breakdowns.

Leakage

One of the biggest issues with slide-outs is water leakage. Seals around the slide-outs can wear out over time, especially if exposed to UV rays and harsh weather conditions. This can lead to water leaks, which can be challenging to trace and fix. Improperly installed slide-outs can also contribute to leakage issues.

Pests and Debris

Leaving slide-outs extended for long periods can provide an easy entrance for pests such as rodents and insects. It also increases the chance of debris and dirt accumulating on the roof, which can cause damage to seals when the slide is retracted. Keeping the slide-outs retracted when not in use helps to reduce the risk of pest infestations and debris-related issues.

Wind and Weather Exposure

Extended slide-outs can catch more wind and rain, increasing the risk of damage to awnings and seals. High winds can put extra stress on the slide toppers, potentially causing tears or other damage. Additionally, UV exposure can cause seals to deteriorate faster, requiring early replacement. Retracting slide-outs when not in use helps to minimise weather-related damage.

Setup and Tear Down Time

Slide-outs require additional setup and tear-down time. Finding a campsite that is wide enough to accommodate the extended slide-outs can be challenging, especially in older campgrounds or national parks. Jockeying the RV into the correct position and ensuring it is level can add time and effort to the setup process.

Slide-outs can leak and cause water damage

Leaving your slide-outs open for extended periods can expose your camper to the elements, including rain and UV rays, which can cause water damage. Water damage can be extremely detrimental to your camper, so it's important to understand the risks and take preventative measures.

Causes of Leaks

Slide-outs often leak due to damaged or old seals. When these seals are defective, water can enter the slide-out through cracks and damage the interior. Weather conditions, such as heavy rain or snow, can also contribute to leaks. In addition, if your camper is not levelled properly, it can cause leaks in the slide-out by pulling the seals away from the slide.

Signs of Water Damage

To detect water damage, check for soft or spongy areas above, within, or below your RV. Water damage can also manifest as discolouration, warping, or bumps around light fixtures and ventilation points. Mould and mildew growth near the slide-outs is another sign of water leakage.

Preventative Measures

To prevent leaks and water damage, regularly inspect your slide-out seals and replace them as needed. Use a seal protectant to protect against weather conditions and frequent use. Additionally, ensure your slide-out camper is always levelled properly to avoid putting strain on the seals.

Repairs

If you discover a leak, identify the cause and address it immediately. You can repair damaged seals by replacing the affected sections or the entire seal. Clean the surfaces, remove the old seal, and install the new seal firmly. Test the slide-out several times to ensure the repair is successful.

Frequently asked questions