THAT IS THE QUESTION
By: Frank (Bob) Gummersall
The latest motorhome delivery statistics show that over 70% of the new units are being built with at least one slide-out. There is no doubt that there is a large consumer demand for this new feature. I recently went through the process of deciding whether to get a slide-out on a new coach we were lucky enough to be able to buy. I did a lot of evaluation on the subject of motorhome slide-outs. I discovered a few positives and some significant negatives about slide-outs in motorhomes (not fivers or trailers) and I thought it would be worthwhile to share this information.
The Positives:
Living Space: There is no question that the added 20 to 64 square feet provides more living space since it is provided in the middle of the prime living space. New Coaches with an additional bedroom slide provide more space to get around the bed and perhaps the possibility to place the bed across the width of the coach.
Resale Value: If current trends continue, comparable used motorcoaches with a slide-out or two will fetch a higher percentage of initial purchase price than ones without any slid-out.
The Negatives:
Weight Each slide out adds over 600 lb. to the non-usable weight of the coach and therefore takes away from that precious weight capacity for us and our things. In some coaches the slide-outs add over 1000 lb. Many new coaches have less than the necessary carrying capacity even without the slide-out. A further difficulty is that the added weight is towards the front and on the street side. This makes it very difficult to balance the coach. Even the new Ford Chassis at 20,500 lb. GVWR will be challenged to carry this extra weight gracefully. Maybe a custom built Newell, Monaco, or Country Coach can take the additional weight, but I really question large slide-outs on any Gas Chassis.
Cost: A slide-out adds from $4,000 to $10,000 to the cost of the coach. Extended warranties on slide-out models cost 10 to 30% more than without slide-outs so someone know something about the risk of failure. Maybe we should pay attention to this concern.
Storage Space Loss: With every slide-out design you loose both inside and outside storage space. For full timers, this is very precious space to give up.
Safety: If you cut a large hole in any box there is a significant negative effect on the design integrity and strength. I have seen some slide-out models where the side-walls have sagged and the outside skin has delamintated or cracked because of the flexing at the critical corner points. If you have a serious accident and a roll over in a slide-out model of any motorhome, the chance for serious injury significantly increase.
Water and Dust: On a typical slide-out there is a lineal sealing distance of 48' where rubber gasket material is used to keep the water and dust out. In most slide-out designs , there is an awning that automatically extends to cover the trough created by the roof of a slide-out. I know of many problems reported by people with slide-out models of rain and dust damage caused by leaking gaskets. There is only one system I have seen that has some hope of providing a perfect seal when the slide is in and also when it is out. It uses an inflatable bladder, like a bicycle inner tube, that automatically inflates when the slide is extended or retracted and deflates during the moving process. This gasket system costs over $2000 just by itself and you will only find it one the most expensive luxury coaches. Because of imperfect seals some slide-outs cause a significant wind noise while the coach is in motion. Most slide-outs require the manual installation of some clamping devices to hold the slide-out in while the coach is moving.
Durability: Slide-outs use either electrical or hydraulic power to extend and retract and all have an emergency manual system to get you to the dealer if there is a failure. There is a law called the Murphy Law that says "if something bad is going to happen, and it will, it will always happen at the worst possible time". I have witnessed a situation where a slide mechanism failed at a camp ground, and the manual system would just not move the slide-out. The owner borrowed and 4x4 fence post and used it with a four wheel drive vehicle as a push rod, and literally pushed the slide-out back into the coach, so that he could depart the campground and get to a service location. This action caused some superficial damage to the side wall, but he did push it in. Keeping this mechanism operating can be a challenge. Just think about the vibration that Interstate 10 in Los Angeles can do to a large box placed in a whole in the side of motorhome with rubber gaskets. I also think that Kitchen Slide-outs have significantly more durability issues caused by the required for flexible plumbing, electrical, and gas lines. It is hard enough to keep all the connections tight in a normal coach, just think about fixing a leaking flexible sewer pipe or dealing with a flexibly gas line.
Usability: - The coach must be level for the slide to be used, or water will accumulate or the mechanism will bind. Not all camp sites will accommodate the additional space required by a slide-out. When parking at rallies, slide-out models require more room and will probably be charged more for space in the future.
Needless to say, my bride and I decided to go against the trend and buy a beautiful new coach without a slide-out. Lets face it, we are usually alone in the coach and have adequate room to move about. We do most of our entertainment under the awning in the fresh air because that's why we travel this way. I have talked with people who had purchased slide-out models that have had significant problems, even when they were brand new. Two owners decided to trade for a non-slide out coach at a hugh cost penalty to get away from the problems. I know that warranty departments at most of the RV manufacturers are overworked rebuilding slide-outs to try to make them work. At least half of the people I ask who have slide-out models say they will not get a slide-out on any new one.
My basic position is that it is not worth the negatives to get the few positives related to slide-out model motorhomes. I would be interested in any feed back that you may want to offer, so send it to bobg@cmn.net. Please give the make, model, and year of the subject coach with your feedback.
See you down the road..
UPDATE ON "TO SLIDE OR NOT TO
SLIDE"
February 21,1999:
Since I posted the article on the pros and cons of Slide-outs
on motor homes, I have had about 80 responses. Ten Newmar owners
have reported zero (0) slide problems and I have been chided as
not representing what is really happening to slides on coaches.
Well I have had about 50 responses from owners that have had serious
problems with slides and about half of them will not buy another
coach with a slide out. I have heard from 20 fifth wheel trailer
owners, most of whom indicated they would not have a fifth wheel
without slide outs and that they have had minimal problems. 20
responses came from potential slide purchasers thanking me for
pointing out the pros and cons. I will continue to collect any
further comments and if things change, I will post another update.