Slide Supports/Jacks

[dh0706]

Any suggestions/input on using these? 2008 3400RL is fully supported under frame with extra blocking, etc. Seasonal/prem site placement(no traveling). Large front living/dining area slide seems to dip slightly and thought these would be helpful. Thx in advance.

[Mikendebbie]

I had a 2017 Laredo travel trailer with cable slides. I used jacks snugged up under the big living room slide and it helped with the "camper shake". The living room slides on our Montana are thru-frame hydraulic...no need for further stabilization.

I have seen more threads on slide jacks over on the Keystone Owners Forum...most folks there advise against using them. If you "over-snug" them it could be bad for the slide frame. If you do not get them right under the edge of the slide (say - you locate them to push up on the floor) you can ruin the slide floor structure. If the camper is set up on grass or dirt - the camper may settle at a different rate than the slide supports - and the slide supports end up putting too much force on the slide. Some folks forgot to remove them before retracting the slide...and so forth. I was careful how I used them and we were happy with the added stability to the whole unit. I used an 18" long 2x4 under the slide wall to distribute the load (no point loads!) and snugged the screw jacks up to the 2x4.

[High5er]

We used slide support jacks on our last fifth wheel. The main concern is the slide seals. Slides are designed to use their own weight and leverage to create a tight seal. If you lift them, they may not seal properly (and yes, you could damage your slides). You should position them at the furthest contact point from the trailer frame and only tighten them until you feel enough resistance to know they are providing support. In dirt/gravel they will settle and become loose unless you put something with a larger footprint under them.

[Carl n Susan]

Don't forget the likelihood of tires loosing air which lowers the frame and will bind the slide. The general recommendation is *DON'T* use slide kacks.