Slide out during non use
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Category: R-pod Discussion Forums
Forum Name: Podmods, Maintenance, Tips and Tricks
Forum Discription: Ask maintenance questions, share your podmods (modifications) and helpful tips
URL: http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=8317
Printed Date: 31 Oct 2025 at 3:48am
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Topic: Slide out during non use
Posted By: Davidsutton66
Subject: Slide out during non use
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2016 at 10:56pm
| I used my 178 the first time this weekend and loved it. Is it recommended or not to keep your slide out during periods of non use? My next trip isn't till mid august. I did drain the hw heater and put the stabilizers down,thanks! |
Replies:
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2016 at 11:09pm
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It shouldn't be a problem to leave the slide out for a while, though I probably wouldn't leave it that way for months for fear that it might cause unnecessary stress. ------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 04 Jul 2016 at 11:19pm
I store my 179 with the slide-out retracted. The cover would not fit if it were extended. 
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: kindell
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 4:46am
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Always learn new and helpful info here on the forum. Thank you WillThrill about the suggestion to NOT store the trailer with the the slide-out OUT for long periods of time. When we have our Surveyor in storage the slide-out is of course retracted but for the summer months when we have it here at home we keep it extended. I will retract it tomorrow! ------------- Art & Kindell Cooper the Super Dog 2017 Keystone Bullet 265 2013 Chevrolet Silverado 1/2 ton Former 2015 RPod 179 |
Posted By: this_is_nascar
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 6:13am
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If the Pod us built in such a way that the slide can't stay out for any length of time, then FR should be embarrassed by themselves. Pretty much every seasonal camper leaves their slide out extracted from May thru November. I see no reason why the same can't be done on our Pods.
------------- "Ray & Connie" - 2017 R-Pod RP-180 - 2007 Toyota Tacoma TRD-Off Road |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 8:29am
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+1 The slide-out is built to handle the stress. It depends on whether you are storing it or using it. Having it out makes it more convenient if you are going in or out. Having it in makes it more compact. ------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: Leo B
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 8:59am
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+2
------------- Leo & Melissa Bachand 2025 Ford Transit Camper van 2017 Ford F150 2021 Vista Cruiser 19 csk Previously owned 2015 Rpod 179 2010 Rpod 171 |
Posted By: WillThrill
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 8:35pm
I've just seen too many RVs of different makes and models get leaks around the slides. This might be due solely to failing seals, but I just don't see the point in leaving a slide out if you aren't actively using your Pod. But that's just me and my $.02.
------------- "Not all those who wander are lost." Tolkien 2014 Hood River 177 2005 GMC Envoy XL |
Posted By: StephenH
Date Posted: 05 Jul 2016 at 10:02pm
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If seals are not maintained, I can understand leaks around the slides. One should use rubber seal conditioner to keep them soft and pliable. It would also be prudent to make sure that the RV is level so that the roof of the slide-out will shed water away from and not toward the RV. Wind is a problem with anything with openings. A strong wind can force water through, even if it is sloped properly. A slide-out cover might help in that situation for the top, but wind could still force water in along the side.
------------- StephenH Happy is the man that findeth wisdom,... http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=7712 - ouR escaPOD mods Former RPod 179 Current Cherokee Grey Wolf 24 JS |
Posted By: techntrek
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 12:29am
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My recommendation is to leave the slide in, only because it prevents debris, dirt, etc. from building up on top. Then you need to go up there to clean it off before closing it up. Easier to leave it in unless you are in there packing or working on it. Also, no need to drain the WH between trips. Just do it once in the fall. And no need to put the stabs down unless you'll be in there and are worried it will tip up.
------------- Doug ~ '10 171 (2009-2015) ~ 2008 Salem ~ http://www.rpod-owners.com/forum_posts.asp?TID=1723 - Pod instruction manual 
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Posted By: furpod
Date Posted: 06 Jul 2016 at 8:53am
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Our slide has pretty much been out since new, except while towing. No issues. Maintain your seals and keep the roof clean.
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