slide out room extensions

[dabubba]

hey stan- just call me I'll bring mine up- you're just a hop skip and a jump away from me- I head up that way quite often- this is my second 5th with slides no leak- both on a cheepie and a mid level----- if you're worried about rain leaks when they're parked look into the carefree slide/window awnings that are independant of the slide they are the bomb #ad
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-

 

[One Old Dog]

No leaks here, I have a 28ft prowler and have been in some good down poors and have had no leaks. I will say that you need to keep the seals clean and soft so that thay will seal every time.

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

AS an aside - and not a smarta$$ - curious how many of you folks with rigs over 28 ft long or so, and slides, get refused space in places you like or USED to camp in because your NEW rig is too long or wide for most of the spaces you used to fit in? Have you had to change your camping habits or locations with the upscale rigs?

I ask, because we RV in a 24 ft Kit fiver - and have seen MANY places where the longer/wider rigs were being turned away due to their size, while we were waved right on thru... Now, I suppose we COULD change our camping style to match a "wealthier" RV - but not sure it's worth the price! #ad
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Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

 

[paccool]

Good point Gary. My wife and I have noticed the same thing. We have a 23' older Nomad TT now and want to stay around that size when we get a new one. We have been in some camps in Oregon and Washington that have lots of sites that will handle 24' or so trailer but much longer and things start getting real cramped, especially if only stopping for one night and staying hooked up to the truck.

The one thing to keep in mind though is the fact that a fifth wheel about 30' long is about the same as a 24' tag-a-long. I keep thinking of that and am trying to convince the wife to at least consider a fifth wheel. Sure wish we could make up our minds as to which way we want to go.



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Stan
93 2WD extended cab, Banks Power Pack, K&N Air Filter, PW Injectors,Auto w/4. 10 rear with limited slip, US Gear Exhaust Brake, 31/2" Exhaust, 5K air bags, Boost/Pyro/Tach Gauges, Green/Silver, new 40-20-40 bucket seats, 149K

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

STAN - sounds like you guys camp the same places and style we do - we spend lots of time in CGs along the Oregon coast and in more isolated Sierra ones that offer few improvements - most PARKING spaces are limited in length and width - but the overall sites are relatively large and scenic - just the atmosphere and environment WE prefer. BUT, much over 25 feet length in an RV leaves you out - or perhaps forces you to park the tow vehicle in the distant "extra vehicle" lot, at an extra charge to boot! We have looked at one KIT fiver floorplan that was 29 ft long with 2 slides arranged in a manner that could be decently used in narrow spaces with one or both slides left in - but that is about the only prospect we've seen that has had any promise in a slightly longer/wider rig...

AND, like I said, I sorta figure our preference of camping PLACES is still more important to us than the level of LUXURY we do it in! #ad


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Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

 

[Steve M]

Very good point and something to consider when buying a TT/5th with slides. We passed on a nice 5'er because with the slide in, it couldn't be used. No access to the bedroom or bathroom. We're still looking at the possibility of trading our brand new 25' Jayco for a bigger unit. Although Jayco is a lower end unit compared to the big boy$, they do have nice floorplans that are usable with the slides in or out. This is good for small places and also great for stopping in rest areas for lunch and rest. As far as 5th versus TT, I will not go back to a TT now that I've towed a 5th wheel. The truck rides better with the 5th wheel on than empty. The TT about back slapped us silly.

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98 2500 CC SB 4X2 12v 5spd 4. 10, -silencer, AFC+20, Edelbrock IAS, VDO gauges, Reese 15k Classic
97 Dodge Stratus 150HP
92 Harley Fatboy, Dynojet fuel management, Supertrapp 2-1
00 Jayco 25' 5th wheel, single slide

 

[dabubba]

Yes you guys bring up a good point- #ad
but we have not been turned away from any parks with my 29 double slide-- I know ca state parks are out but untill this year I could find alot of places to go with water/elect for the same $16-18 per night. and if you have been in ca's state park system it's no loss- I did put my 30' in a couple places it shouldn't have been in but with a little creative parking statagies i got the slides out- #ad
- With a little planning you can go upscale in your destination location without sinking a hole in your budget--- #ad
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[N5SBP]

I have a 33' fifth wheel with two slides. As a precaution and a nice touch we had an awning installed over each. As the slide goes out the awning unwinds. One additional step extends the awning down another 3 feet to partially cover the window(s) in the slide (45 degree angle). As it comes back in the awning rewinds. I don't think they would have leaked anyway. We are considering selling the whole rig... truck and trailer. I love my Ram A LOT but can't justify all this power without the 12,000 lb "Embassey Suites" behind it! #ad
More likely I will just sell the trailer and the 5th wheel.

 

[Big MAK]

Don't be too concerned Steve; Trailers are like trucks -- a-lot depends on the dealer. If your dealer will do what it takes to get it fixed if it leaks; then you'll be happy. The quality coming out of the Jayco factory is quite sporadic; but the dealer can take care of that.

One really funny story: I was at the Jayco dealer and a new unit came in with the step TWO FEET LEFT OF THE DOOR. Now is that zero quality control or what? Yes, if you took the step you smacked into the exterior wall. However, I had two Jayco pop-ups and they were great.

Oh yeah -- if I had it to do over again I'd keep my length 32' or less (just to tow less length). We haven't had any trouble camping where we wanted but we always call ahead. However, now the wife won't let me get a smaller trailer! Says we'd miss the space. She's probably right; and it tows really well anyway.

--- towing a 36' HitchHiker Premier Dbl Slide


[This message has been edited by Mark Kitchell (edited 01-02-2001). ]

 

[Gary - K7GLD]

"We haven't had any trouble camping where we wanted but we always call ahead. "

THAT pretty much tells the story - if WE tried to "call ahead" to the CGs WE commonly go to, all that would answer is a Grizzly bear or mountain lion! If you camp in places with actual PHONES, you are up higher on the hog than places WE camp! #ad


Shucks - where we sometimes stay up at Antelope lake, the only power the Forest Service has is from their own power generators - and their communications is by radio - no phones available!

You sissies and your telephones and commercial power... #ad
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I bet those fancy places you stay have bathrooms, showers and swimmin' pools TOO! #ad


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Early '91 250, 727 AT, 307 rear... Banks Stinger exhaust, intercooler... US Gear OD... MORE than a match for every new PS Ford encountered so far...

 

[PHaller]

I have a 1998 Jayco designer series 37 ft triple slide. No leaks yet.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

[Steve M]

Paul, ya know how to make a boy envious! Our dealership has a 31' Designer that I'd take in a heartbeat. The Mrs. hasn't warmed up to the price quite yet.
Mark, one thing that's not chincy on the Jayco is the step. Before I got used to having a double step sticking out there as far as the jayco's does, I walked around the trailer in the dark and found it with my shins. I even made up some new words to describe the pain. Won't do that again. Might be how the one you saw got located away from the door! The underside is what sold me on the Jayco. Including the heavy duty step. That and the seal around the slide underneath.

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98 2500 CC SB 4X2 12v 5spd 4. 10, -silencer, AFC+20, Edelbrock IAS, VDO gauges, Reese 15k Classic
97 Dodge Stratus 150HP
92 Harley Fatboy, Dynojet fuel management, Supertrapp 2-1
00 Jayco 25' 5th wheel, single slide

 

[Bill Stockard]

Gary,

We've never been turned down because our 5th wheel is too big; however, we have decided some spots were too small and might have problems with putting out the slides and moved on.

We load up the Lance camper if we are going to the places like you talk about--state parks, county parks, national park & forest sites, COE & BLM sites, etc. The Lance goes anywhere the truck can go. In fact we are finding we use the 5th wheel less and less because of the versatility of the Lance. With the generator, it isn't dependent on shore power or hookups.

Bill

 

[C Schomer]

My Sunnybrook 24CKFS has a tight sealing slide. I looked high and low to find an upper end, small 5th wh with a short slide. Some of our favorite places are even very tight for one short slide! Craig

 

[claymike]

I have a 30' Gulf Stream triple slide 5th wheel no leaks at all. Now at one time I did own a Dutchman with one slide and it leaked bad. It was the biggest piece of junk I have ever owned.

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Mike Clay
2001 HO,6 speed QC,2500,4x4Dark Garnet Red,ISSPRO E&B gauges on A Pillar, Rhino Nerf Steps Lit, NW Custom rocker panels, Jacobs E-brake, all options except leather, Reese 20k hitch. Towing a 30' Gulf Stream Sea Hawk 5th Wheel triple slide. The Mule

 

[PHaller]

Steve, the only parts on my Jayco that needed repair when under warranty were the mirror in the bathroom and the entry steps. The entry 3 step fold out thing always felt soft. Finally, I stepped on the lowest step and heard this crunch and the next thing I knew I was flat on my back in the gravel. The bolts holding the steps to the floor were overtightened at the factory and finally just pulled through. I was ok... just knocked the wind out. The mirror lost the adhesive and slid down into the sink and shattered. So much for solid steps on a Jayco.
-Paul R. Haller-

 

[mbrolin]

Gary what do you mean "sissies"? #ad
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My 2 sons went into the BoyScouts and I spent over 10 years of backpacking. I figure if you like the rugged out doors you could sell your TT and put on a pack. Saves a lot on space in the driveway and you dont need a $30k plus Cummins Ram to carry it. #ad
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BTW,I wont give up my Ram or TT either. Hehe

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2001 HO 6spd,Quad cab,LWB,4x4,Flame Red,all options except for leather,Westin Brushguard/Push bar,Painless wiring,Radio Shack CB,my own design CB mount,Smittybuilt nerf bars,NW Custom rocker covers,Custom built stainless rocker light bars,DeeZee bedrails,Isspro pyro and boost gauges(more to come)

 

[dabubba]

hey michael- my boss lady gave up the backpack and sleepin' on the ground stuff many years ago-- Hey you can sell the boss ladies on the fact they can have a full queen size bed- not sleeping on a jack knife couch or those shortened queen beds(been there done that-they suck)- more kitchen space and besides the tax deductions for your vacation home #ad
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--- OOPS! gotta go here she comes #ad

 

[Sparky10]

I have a 30 ft. Tahoe 5th wheel by Thor industries and my wife and I are living in it full time right now as I have moved to Oregon and a new job. It has a slide out in the livingroom/kitchen. No leaks at all. The extra room is wonderful and is making it a lot easier to live in full time. Don't have to worry about bumping into anyone when walking around and we have two dogs also.

Used to have a 26 ft. TT without a slideout and we would have been killing each other by now with it! Would never consider buying another camper without a slideout!!

Good luck,
Sparky

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1999 2500 SLT, QC, LB, 4x4, White, 4. 10 LSD, Trailer/Suspension Package, Auto transmission, Westin SS Nerf Bars, Painless Wiring, Silencer Ring MIA, Mag-Hytec Diff. cover, Amsoil front to rear and more coming (I Hope)!!! Next addition, Gauges... ...

Pull a 30', Tahoe 5th Wheel (8800 lbs. ) and hardly know it's back there!!

 

[Banshe]

Trailer length is a very good point raised by Gary. I haul mine (28' 5ver)into the state and nat'l campgrounds in the Rockies all the time. My folks also had one that was about 34'. We found numerous campgrounds that were just too difficult to maneuver the longer trailer into the spot. As a result, they went back down to a 30'. I would suggest using 30' as a the absolute maximum. Now if you stay at full service parks with RV pads, that's a different story! Go for the 40 foot quadruple slide with the attached swimming pool! #ad


"Banshe" Bill