Slide Supports or Not?

[cgani93]

Lots of differing opinions online and with my local repair facilities regarding slide supports. I have a Windsport 34J - and entire wall slide - and my local shop recommended that I purchase and use slide supports to give the slide out a bit more support during use. There were caveats of course (not while it's wet, not installing the supports overly snug, making sure the coach is level, etc.) but there seems to be more negative than positive outcomes for this.

Curious if you have an opinion or case study on why I should or should not use them.

[The Gritz Carlton]

Sounds like just another profit driven item. I've seen a few older travel trailers using them. The slides on trailers are much deeper than slides on a MH and the general quality of components goes up with the price you pay. IMHO...if they were structurally necessary, they would come with the unit new.

[EA37TS]

If you believe something like that is needed for your coach get rid of the rig and get something that gives you more peace of mind.

[ducksface]

Using it as park model full time with someone plopping their 400lb butt into a sofa/slide dangling 3ft from its only mount?
Yes.

Regular rv use with thoughtful folk?
No.

[lwmcguir]

I have had slides since they were invented as slide outs, prior they were tipouts

No way would anyone ever put anything under one of mine

Think of the consequences if the rig settles or if you forget to remove the support

Shouldn't be required as noted in a properly functioning slide

[Bob Denman]

NoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
What if your rig settles a bit on it's jacks, or rocks a bit on it's suspension?

[16ACE27]

Another vote for NOT NEEDED.

[Lt Keefer]

I have never seen a slide out support in use at a campground and didn't even know they existed. I don't recall seeing any documentation in my coach owners manual about them either. Sounds like snake oil to me.

[cgani93]

Originally Posted by Lt Keefer

I have never seen a slide out support in use at a campground and didn't even know they existed. I don't recall seeing any documentation in my coach owners manual about them either. Sounds like snake oil to me.

Snake oil perhaps - but the consensus is not to use them so I'll go with that. Appreciate the help.

[cgani93]

Originally Posted by Bob Denman

NoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNoNo
What if your rig settles a bit on it's jacks, or rocks a bit on it's suspension?

Yeah, that's the issue right. If the coach moves even slightly (which I would imagine they're prone to do, especially here in gusty Colorado) they'll do a ton of damage. I agree. Not getting them.

[Elite Washington]

Only time I have seen slide supports being used was on a rig that never moves and was basically being used as a lake cabin. The whole rig was on a concrete slave or pavers to limit settling. We don’t have levelers on our coach but I would think any rocking could cause some damage.

[Geronimo73]

We have a ‘17 34J with the super slide out that we bought new. We were never told to use additional supports and we’ve never had a problem. We just make sure the rig is leveled before we operate the slide out. 50k miles so far! (KoW)

[simidrm]

Man you got the gusty part right, 2 yrs ago I almost got blown over at the Kansas Colorado state line, when you can see daylight under the drive tires it’s too windy.