What Comes First?

[Josh_713]

So we pulled into the RV park yesterday evening and after setting up shop, the friendly gentleman next door had a puzzling question for me…

These folks have a brand new Class A and are on their maiden voyage. After watching me unhook, level the rig (auto level) and then put the slides out; he came over with his new “dealership advice” and asked if it made sense…

He was told (on numerous occasions) when picking up his Class A, that you are to put the slides out first, and then level the rig. He was told that by doing it the other way around (the way in which I just did it), is hard on the slides and can cause a jam.

I’m guessing they are referring to twisting and flexing…. But, doesn’t it make more sense to level the unit first?? I was quick to make sure he didn’t have it confused and he assured me that they preach slides first and then jacks…

Have I been doing it wrong all along??

[mlh]

Which comes first the chicken or the egg. It doesn’t matter. Everybody has a different option and everybody is right. Open your slides whichever way you choose.
Lynwood

[jsb5717]

The slides should be opened when the rig is level. That "rule of thumb" may vary with the different types of slide mechanisms. The solid bar, rack and pinion slide might be less affected than the cable slides. I always unhook and level my rig before opening the slides. It has always worked well for us.

[Creeker]

I try to level first then deploy slides. Don't always work out that way and we often pop out a slide out when stopping for lunch while still hooked to the truck. I honestly don't worry unless we're really off level.

[rames14]

I guess I’m old fashioned (or just old), and decided to refer to the manual. Here is what it says:
Slide-Out Tips
Before operating any slide-out:
1. The RV must have a fully charged RV battery (having the shore-line cord plugged in may NOT be enough).
2. Turn off all necessary lights and 12V components prior to extending/retracting.
3. The RV must be leveled and stabilizer jacks extended.
4. Make sure the room has clearance, inside and outside, to extend/retract.
5. Make sure water and debris are removed from the top of the room before retracting
6. Avoid injury by keeping all body parts out of the way of the slide-room.
7. Make sure other parties are clear of the slide-out before extending/retracting.
8. DO NOT ride in the slide-out when extending/retracting.
9. DO NOT step on the floor of the slide-out when the room is retracted. The slide-out floor is not supported by the main floor and stepping on the floor may cause structural damage to the slide room.
I assume, your neighbor in the Motorhome also retracted and made the unit unlevel again before putting slides back in?

[mhs4771]

I guess in a way I would tend to agree with the Gentleman. When just sitting on the wheels is probably the least amount of strain/twist in the frame, be MH or 5th Wheel.
Now with the Level-Up the way Auto Level is designed is to prevent any additional strain or twist in the frame, this info came directly from the Gentleman who designed the system before it was sold to Lippert.
For a MH it could be entirely different as some only have one front jack under the middle and two in the rear. Not being a MH owner and don't know how their system is designed it might be correct to deploy the slides after leveled and retract them after jacks are retracted.

[DadsHemi]

I level first, it’s a routine for me, caulk the wheels, disconnect and pull out and then level. Then I connect shore power and slide the 3 slides out and turn on the AC and go from there.

[team bradfield]

Originally Posted by mlh

Which comes first the chicken or the egg. It doesn’t matter. Everybody has a different option and everybody is right. Open your slides whichever way you choose.
Lynwood

Agree with Lynwood, its up to you. when we stop at rest areas for lunch, we put one slide out about 12" to access the fridge. most sites are level enough you wont damage anything, obviously if you sitting on a slope, you might want to level first.

[Delaine and Lindy]

You are correct. Level up first. Even with a motor home if slides are out, the level up systems, do twist around. Just as the auto level up system. I actually seen the very 1st level up system displayed, in Colorado Springs, Colorado. It was installed on a Mobile Suites. During the show an tell, the system didn't work. I know the man who owned and designed the first level up system. Can't recall his name. He was very influential with the Owner fo DRV, Mobile Suites.

Happy trails.

[Delaine and Lindy]

Great comment. I not only old fashioned, but I'm old. I also take a leaf blower, when we travel, to blow off debris, water ect. off the slide outs. We don't care for the slide out covers, especially if you are in windy area's just my choice. We have owned several 5th wheels with slide out covers, most are a problem waiting to happen. Just my opinion.

Happy trails.

[Mikendebbie]

I have no scientific knowledge to back this up - but it seems to me that a Class A motorhome would have a more substantial frame than a fifth wheel, and if so - twisting and torquing from slide outs might be less consequential.

With all I read in this forum about frame flex etc. - I choose to level up first before extending the slides…the retract the slides before adjusting for hookup.

[Josh_713]

All great input!

When I think about… my idea of levelling first probably dates back to the days with a travel trailer when I’d have to level by means of riding it up on blocks, etc.

That said, my go-to routine is unhitch, level, shore power, slides, and so on…

But while we’re on the subject, who else gets the slides moving enough where you can walk around the inside to check behind the mouldings for fallen objects or cabinet doors ajar?!? Ask me how I learned this!

I’ve also got labels made up and stuck in the hydraulic panel with the exterior depths of the slides. Handy little reference when you’re parked in a tight spot or working around a tree or post.

[DQDick]

We always level first. IMHO leveling with the slides out will put more strain on the frame than leveling with them in and supported.

[1retired06]

Same here. We always level first.

[Montana Man]

1. Level
2. Slides out

If any rig isn't level there could be excessive lateral forces placed upon the slide mechanisms. Side to side out of level will cause one side to push or pull the slide uphill causing extra strain. Then who knows when there is a flex in that 40' of frame. Ask your neighbor if he takes the rig out of level to retract the slides.

[DutchmenSport]

Well, if you want some interesting reading, Click here and read this thread on iRV2.com (Motor homes primarily) and it seems, even among Motor home owners, it's debatable. (Consider the dates of these posts too. I'm sure, technology has improved since then ... well we are talking RVs ... maybe not!

However, on your Monte, you want to stabilize and level first. Then deploy slides.

[DutchmenSport]

Oh ... to go off topic? Which came first? The chicken. Why?

In the Bible, God created all the animals first. After he created the animals, he said, "Be fruitful and multiply." The egg is a result of reproduction (multiplying). "Multiplying" came second. But it doesn't matter anyway, because I sure do love to eat them .... yep ... both chicken and eggs!

[beeje]

With fifth wheels, always level first.
However with some class A,s, they state in their manuals to but the slides out first. I have seen that first hand from someone I know that had a Entegra aspire bus.
I do not understand the reasoning behind that, but that is what his manual stated.

[mhs4771]

Actually the first thing we do when we get on a new site is plug in the power and make sure it's good.
Last thing I want to do is get all setup with jack down and slides out and find out there's no power or a power issue.

[R.S.O'Donnell]

We level first slides second.