grandchild proofing the slide retract switch

[Winmagbar]

Ok guys,

I'm all ears. They just descended upon our campsite and I'm looking for ideas. Don't get me wrong, I don't restrict discipline and or healthy warnings but I am looking for a pro-active solution if possible. I have a Montana 3670 with the slide switch on the wall by the entrance to the bedroom.

Thanks

Robert

[jcurtis934]

Other than cut off arms....maybe remove power to the electronics in the front compartment or if your slides are hydraulic, turn off the hydraulic switches in the levelers compartment. John

[Artemus Gordon]

I have the speech! My wife hates the speech, (but never stops me) but it's effective on the older kids.Ages.4-11. 12-15 there is a gap in comprehension that seems to clear up by age 16 or 17. I give it to everyone who boards the Montana. (Including adults /limited lecture who are not RV friendly. Having had boats for years and being "safety conscious" the Montana is easy. Lived through close friend losing 7 year old on Shasta Lake in 1982, because of Engine fumes... I never got over it. Therefore I got proactive. My fun talk includes stern warnings for safety equipment "fire extinguisher " as example. It's starts outside and leads to most important issue, the toilet. I make it fun and also get kids to buy into it. They get glow sticks at night, s'mores etc for helping keep us safe. I also buy cheap LED flashlights as take home gifts. Alerting an adult to storage smell of propane gets everyone rewarded. Even if I made it happen as learning opportunities! Even give them first hand up close lesson, what happens if you hold down the flush too long. Slamming doors, going in and out, running...anything involving fun! No children ever open fridge, it's an adult privilege! Sewer line and electricity issues. No running under hitch...so that's my solution and even thought about making DVD. We also have in camp rules. Everyone must wear glow stick all the time. We buy the rings, bracelets by 100 count from Amazon. So don't hate me! Lol

[1retired06]

Not a problem with our 7 and 9 year old grandsons. We make it clear, don't touch any buttons. Certainly has worked so far

[Kenleys Oompah]

My slideout switch is way too close to the galley overhead light switch (I've accidentally hit the wrong switch more than once myself). I shut off the hydraulic switches at the pump when we set up to protect myself from myself and any grandkids that may be with us.

[mlh]

What I thought was to put another switch in the line close to the pump. Then when the kids are around just cut it off.
Lynwood

[DQDick]

Been thru the grandkids and now starting with the great grandkids. Never had a problem, but then they are welcome in my workshop and Joyce's art studio. Working with them let's them know what the limits are and so far it has worked for us.

[dieselguy]

Never let your kids know your camping schedule until you return home ... you can get thrown in jail now days for disciplining kids that have never been made to listen. It stunts their growth or something ...

[Bill.vannuys]

We have no problems with the grand daughters (3,11 & 13) wanting to find or touch the buttons. Also, the switches are up high and inside the cabinet door. If it was a concern, I would just turn off the hydraulic valves outside.

I do like Artemus Gordon's technique with some additions! Perhaps start each morning at maybe 0600 with Physical Training and a 3 mile run followed by a safety demonstration or Drill?

[Eagleback]

My slides have a hydraulic bypass already built in to the unit, its in where you raise and lower the landing gear. But of course the kids need not to touch anything that is off limits.

[CORattler]

LOL! I like that idea

quote:Originally posted by dieselguy

Never let your kids know your camping schedule until you return home ...

[CORattler]

Duct tape over the switch? Cheap and effective.

[WaltBennett]

Thermostat cover.

[JandC]

With 13 of the little ankle biters from 5 different families our Montana sees them on and off during the year. Three can't reach anything important, seven are extremely well mannered and behaved so when Pa tells them not to touch any switch and never put anything in the toilet without asking first, they obey.

Then there are three that haven't visited yet. These 3 I would really have to spend some time child proofing not only switches but everything else.

I guess it just depends on how controlled, or uncontrolled the little loved ones are.

[Art-n-Marge]

How about locating the fuse for the device you don't want any accidents to occur with and remove it? This could work with lots of things you want to "shut down" and prevent accidental usage.

The only problem you'll have is remembering to put the fuse back and making sure you put the right fuse in the right place if you remove several, but maybe writing down a list would help.

My grandkids and visitors are too apprehensive to touch anything without knowing what it does, so they just ask us when they need it and we control the switches, knobs, doors, etc. Fortunately the demands are very low!

[phillyg]

Warn them that the beatings will commenced at (set your time). Usually works.

[RKassl]

How about just telling them not to do it??

[ReneT]

Hang them at high noon!!!

[WeBeFulltime]

quote:Originally posted by Bill.vannuys



I do like Artemus Gordon's technique with some additions! Perhaps start each morning at maybe 0600 with Physical Training and a 3 mile run followed by a safety demonstration or Drill?

I'm in agreement with this but I think the day should start at 0400 hrs and throw in a session of "low crawl" training and a couple hours on the range.

[davec]

I just got my Moutaineer, but in the compartment outside for the front and rear jack controls, the is a disable switch for operating the slideouts from the inside. And that compartment locks.