How much of a mistake is it to NOT get a slide

[hammersley]

with a pull Trailer ? I mean we are looking at getting a good used trailer, an Arctic Fox, and do not plan on living in it or spending much time in it when using it ... . we think... . only for nights etc..... recommendations regarding slide or not..... and i know they have more room... but is it something you would always get?

 

[Hoefler]

Depending on your needs and budget, only you can make that decision. For me, I would not buy one with out slides. Depending on the size of the slides and number, you can add 20%-70% to you floor space. With out slides, you have a narrow corridor down the middle to get from one area to another. Slides offer more options for floor planes. I would suggest the you find some where to rent one similar to what you are looking at and go spend a weekend in it and see how it goes. A couple hundred dollars spent for research to help you make a decision is money well spent.

 

[AMink]

The only problem I had with our slide was after several miles on a dirt, washboard road. One of the nuts that holds the slide to the extension ram came off and the slide wiggled out a bit. It was an easy repair and makes me wonder if the manufacturers have ever heard of Locktite! Anyway, I love the slide. You can get a shorter overall unit with the same living space as a larger one w/out a slide. Some things to consider with a slide: can you access your fridge, sink, bathroom, and cabinets with it in? This is nice while traveling so you can snack or pee w/out having to open it up in a parking lot. Does it have a backup system? I imagine they all do, but check. If you battery dies you don't want to be stuck with it out!

In theory, a trailer without a slide has one less thing to go wrong, but I think the benefits outweigh the drawbacks.

 

[Wertles]

We've had one trailer without and three with. I have never had an issue with any of the slides. All mine have been able to operate without a battery as long as I was plugged into the truck and all have had a back up hand crank system. Whether you need it or not is completely dependent on your personal needs. Our first camper was without and it would have been great for just my wife and I but was horrible with children. The only thing I would add is that the resale of a unit with slides might hold a little better as most consumers are looking for a unit with slides. Happy hunting and don't forget to post pics with what ever you find.

 

[GaryCarter]

There are pluses to no slides. The units are less likely to leak, not as prone to hot/cold spots in the slides, and can be more rugged.

If you overnight on the road you can use the inside while parked without compromise.



We have had units with and without. It's just an option, like one of many others.



AF in general is a very good brand.

 

[Gonzo 1066]

IF you use your RV often or in tough conditions the slide can be a high maintenance item. Even a well built high end unit will need seals and motor attention after a few years. Leakage is a issue if you do any rough roads. I had a custom trailer built and did not get a slide for these reasons. I use my unit commercially and I did not want to take the risk of costly repairs. IMHO

 

[hammersley]

Thanks for all your help.....

I do intend to use the trailer on forest service roads and that info was very helpful.....

 

[Bob Cochran]

Such a subjective thing I currently have 3 slides but spend a lot of time in it living. For me I am happy with just a place to put my head on a pillow. On the other hand my DW is a whole different story. Whens shopping we sort of mad a deal. I looked at all the mechanical, construction she looked for floor plans. Actually worked out pretty well for us.

 

[Dieselnerd]

We live in our trailer for 4 months every winter so slides are a must to avoid cabin fever.



They can have problems. Had a slide on a previous trailer pinch an electrical cable and short out a bunch of stuff. I had to fix it while lying on a tarp in the snow. We were on the road of course. Had a gear strip on the bedroom slide with my current HitchHiker with 3 slides. They sent me a whole new drive motor and controller at no cost but it took several hours of work with me bent like a pretzel to install the add on controller that kept the torque low enough to prevent stripping the gear again. Also had a nut fall off like a previous poster. That happened on the road too. Put it together with locktite so it won't happen again.



Still, all in all it's worth it to gain all the extra room.

 

[Jim W]

I have only one question for you. Are You married?

Take this question up with momma, if she would like a slide or not in the camper?

My only advice after forty years of marriage is. If MOMMA is not happy then no one is happy. I do not care what anyone else says, you have to keep momma happy. She cooks your dinner!!

Jim W.

 

[Bill Stockard]

I have only one question for you. Are You married?

Take this question up with momma, if she would like a slide or not in the camper?

My only advice after forty years of marriage is. If MOMMA is not happy then no one is happy. I do not care what anyone else says, you have to keep momma happy. She cooks your dinner!!

Jim W.

:-laf:-laf:-laf

I know what you mean... I too have been married in excess of 40 years... wifey's happy, I'm happy.



Bill

 

[JMetzger]

When we bought our 96 HR slides were just coming out & there were problems with them so we didn't get one. We have used our trailer A LOT since 96 & my wife is happy without the slide. We spend about four months in the winter in the RV. Ours is a 32ft, if we bought a new trailer we could get by with a 28ft with a slide & have plenty of room. Like others have said it gets a little close but sometimes closeness in good. Guess that is why we have been married 51 years.

 

[SMcGrady]

with a pull Trailer ? I mean we are looking at getting a good used trailer, an Arctic Fox, and do not plan on living in it or spending much time in it when using it ... . we think... . only for nights etc..... recommendations regarding slide or not..... and i know they have more room... but is it something you would always get?

When we bought our trailer, the wife and I climbed in and out of probably 150 different trailers. . We looked at everything. We ended up settling for a 24' Komfort without any slides. It took a while to find one with a floorplan that suited us. Bottom line... Taking time to find something that both the wife and I liked was worth it. My wife loves the layout and does not feel cramped (me too). I like the fact that I am not hauling the extra weight that slides add, less to worry about mechanically, and less chance of leaks.



As others have said... Happy wife, happy life...

 

[RustyJC]

Yeah, chances are that not having slideouts is going to hurt at resale time, but who are you buying the RV for, your family or the next guy? Having had slideouts on our last 3 5th wheels, we couldn't do without the additional space they provide now that we're used to it, but if an RV with no slides works for your needs, go for it.



Rusty