What is the maximum weight allowance on a Slide OUT while moving the slide?

[okin4]

-> Summary: I just want to know what then maximum weight allowance is for the Thor Four Winds 28Z slide-out in motion (dynamic) while sliding-out or -in.

-> In Detail: Please let me know if anyone has solid knowlage about the maximum / safe wheigt to be put into a slide out (in this case a bigger sofa)!
I would like to find out if we can safely take the dinette out of the slide-out and put an electric recliner sofa with app. 220lbs into the slide-out.

And I am not so concerned with the slide being NOT in motion - we only use the rv with 2 people (320lbs total body weight for us two).


BUT: Is the slide-out mechanic strong enough to slide in and out with the weight change from the dinette to the sofa - i guess an extra weight of app. 170 pounds?

I did not find any weight allowances in the thor 4 winds 28z (year 2017) manual. And I did NOT get any substancial feedback from Thor.

Best regards,
Peter Last

[16ACE27]

No issue with that weight increase. The same system is used on slideouts in all sizes with the only difference is; on full wall slides they use 3 tracks instead of two; and the number of rollers below the slide.

Even if someone had a real number, like 2000 lbs; you don't know what your slideout currently weighs so that max number doesn't do you any good.

[EA37TS]

Originally Posted by okin4

-> Summary: I just want to know what then maximum weight allowance is for the Thor Four Winds 28Z slide-out in motion (dynamic) while sliding-out or -in.

-> In Detail: Please let me know if anyone has solid knowlage about the maximum / safe wheigt to be put into a slide out (in this case a bigger sofa)!
I would like to find out if we can safely take the dinette out of the slide-out and put an electric recliner sofa with app. 220lbs into the slide-out.

And I am not so concerned with the slide being NOT in motion - we only use the rv with 2 people (320lbs total body weight for us two).


BUT: Is the slide-out mechanic strong enough to slide in and out with the weight change from the dinette to the sofa - i guess an extra weight of app. 170 pounds?

I did not find any weight allowances in the thor 4 winds 28z (year 2017) manual. And I did NOT get any substancial feedback from Thor.

Best regards,
Peter Last

Call and ask Thor

[MJC62]

I would call the slide system manufacturer, Lippert.

[Judge]

You will likely not get a good answer from LCI. There are too many variables such as.....

- length of slide
- extended length
- number of rollers
- current weight of items installed in the slide
- slide construction components

Thor may or may not give you an answer because they will say it was designed to hold the items they installed.

That being said.... I think you are safe. I had an Outlaw 29H with a similar size slide and similar configuration except instead of the dinette we had a jack-knife sofa. I replaced the sofa with RecPro theater seating, which was probably 150 - 200lbs heavier.

Most importantly... make sure your slide mechanism is in good working order. The Schwintek slide mechanism is fine for small ad lighter slides but it is a poorly designed system for larger and heavier slides like a full wall slide.

[okin4]

-> Doesn't the slide manufacturer has to give a max weight allowance the RV manufacturer?

-> How would Thor know what is safe to put into the slide? How can Thor give any warranty if it does not know what is safe?

That were my thoughts as I contacted Thor and asked for it. They did not give any substantial reply (tried twice!).

So, what do you think? Who is that manufacturer of the slide - shouldn't they know if I tell them the Manufacturer and model of RV?

Thank you,
Peter

Originally Posted by Judge

You will likely not get a good answer from LCI. There are too many variables such as.....

- length of slide
- extended length
- number of rollers
- current weight of items installed in the slide
- slide construction components

Thor may or may not give you an answer because they will say it was designed to hold the items they installed.

That being said.... I think you are safe. I had an Outlaw 29H with a similar size slide and similar configuration except instead of the dinette we had a jack-knife sofa. I replaced the sofa with RecPro theater seating, which was probably 150 - 200lbs heavier.

Most importantly... make sure your slide mechanism is in good working order. The Schwintek slide mechanism is fine for small ad lighter slides but it is a poorly designed system for larger and heavier slides like a full wall slide.

[CHS]

The slide on that unit (same as mine) is not deep at all, maybe 18 inches. That said, I don't believe you will have any weight issues. Just keep the tracks clean and gears lubed.

Like your idea though. I would love to get rid of the dinette and install a wrap around couch . Anything but a dinette. Wife against it though.
We just replaced the Euro-chairs (which replaced the original jack knife sofa) with the RecPro Charles 58" Double RV Wall Hugger Recliner Sofa RV Loveseat. Very happy.

[Judge]

Originally Posted by okin4

-> Doesn't the slide manufacturer has to give a max weight allowance the RV manufacturer?

-> How would Thor know what is safe to put into the slide? How can Thor give any warranty if it does not know what is safe?

That were my thoughts as I contacted Thor and asked for it. They did not give any substantial reply (tried twice!).

So, what do you think? Who is that manufacturer of the slide - shouldn't they know if I tell them the Manufacturer and model of RV?

Thank you,
Peter

The slide mechanism is Schwintek made by LCI (Lippert Components) but the physical slide box is custom made by each manufacturer based on each model they make.

My response was what it was because while LCI may be able to say how much weight an H-Column (part of the slide mechanism) may be able to support and how much weight a 300:1 or 500:1 motor may be able to move, they don't know how many rollers are in place or the construction materials used by the manufacturer of the slide box. For liability purposes they will likely be reluctant to give you an answer.

All I can tell you is this..... the Schwintek Slide mechanism is ok for small and lighter slides but it is a horrible design for large and heavy slides. I have a full wall slide in my Magnitude and had the Schwintek Mechanism replaced with the Vroom Slide Mechanism.

Your slide is considered relatively small and light and I had a similar sized slide in a prior coach so I believe an extra 170lbs would be ok.

All of that is just my opinion..... your mileage may vary.

[Grumpy Grampa]

Your coach slides are engineered to move the slide weight in and out, based on the specs of your coach. Any additional weight added above spec weight is user be ware.

[16ACE27]

Originally Posted by Judge

The slide mechanism is Schwintek made by LCI (Lippert Components) but the physical slide box is custom made by each manufacturer based on each model they make.

Exactly! And Thor gives no thought to the "GVWR" on the completed slide assembly.

We have a full wall slide using the two rail Schwintek system with the 300:1 motors. This slide contains and moves the entire kitchen and master bed. It also has cupboards above and below the counter in the kitchen, a slide out pantry, storage below the bed that moves and cabinets above the bed and a nightstand that you can pack to your hearts delight. I would say 85% of storage space in this RV is in the slide so you could probably pack all of the GCWR in it.

The OP's slide uses the same mechanism so I don't think he'll have an issue with an additional 170 Lbs.

[VNrver]

I told every one off the slides and check anything block the slide. while the slides move in and out keep an eyes on the slide like a hawk. is it in sync moving... if not stop and investigate. a little rag, a roll paper towel will screw up... been there done that

[Galobo]

I agree with 16ace27, we did the same modification that you are asking about without any problems.
We have a four wind 24 ft that we put a loveseat in. I would suggest getting a wall hugger.

[okin4]

I asked Thor two times separately: No substantial reply from them.

Originally Posted by EA37TS

Call and ask Thor

[okin4]

Hence, I understand that you have put more weight in with NO problems so far.
I guess this is the best TEST for such a situation.
So, most likely we will just put the extra 160lbs (heavy FLEXSTEEL 68" recliner, a home-furniture, not made for RV!) onto the slide and listen very carefully as the slide moves ...
Wish us good luck!
Thank you so much for your input!
Peter & Christina

Originally Posted by Judge

You will likely not get a good answer from LCI. There are too many variables such as.....

- length of slide
- extended length
- number of rollers
- current weight of items installed in the slide
- slide construction components

Thor may or may not give you an answer because they will say it was designed to hold the items they installed.

That being said.... I think you are safe. I had an Outlaw 29H with a similar size slide and similar configuration except instead of the dinette we had a jack-knife sofa. I replaced the sofa with RecPro theater seating, which was probably 150 - 200lbs heavier.

Most importantly... make sure your slide mechanism is in good working order. The Schwintek slide mechanism is fine for small ad lighter slides but it is a poorly designed system for larger and heavier slides like a full wall slide.